By Haley Lam, Wellness Coordinator
The pressure to do well in school can make it easy to neglect taking care of yourself. But things like getting a good night’s rest, eating healthy and spending time with your friends actually benefit your academic performance.
Taking care of your wellness means making lifestyle choices that help you feel healthy and whole. It’s a personal journey for each student to discover what wellness means for them, and the DC Wellness Team is here to make sure you are informed about all the resources and supports at Douglas to help you make healthy choices on and off campus.
There are many ways to take care of your wellness. The DC Wellness Team uses the 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework to help students break down the concept of wellness into actionable items you can use to improve your health and wellbeing. The first four dimensions are physical, emotional, social and academic. As you read about each dimension, reflect on what areas of wellness you want to improve, and acknowledge the areas you are already taking care of.
Physical wellness
Physical wellness involves listening to your body and taking care of it by engaging in regular movement, practising healthy eating habits and having a good sleep routine.
Here are some ways you can practise physical wellness:
- Stretch or go for a walk after class.
- Pack fruit with your lunch instead of processed, sugary snacks such as candy or cookies.
- Reduce screen time, and make space for calming activities such as reading, drawing or stretching, before going to bed.
Emotional wellness
Emotional wellness means having the tools to manage stress and adapt to change.
Here are some ways you can practise emotional wellness:
- Accept both the positive and negative feelings that have emerged from your day. Feelings are messages that communicate your needs. No feeling is bad or wrong.
- Listen to music to soothe yourself and find a sense of calm.
- Express your feelings by journalling, allowing yourself to cry or talking to someone you trust.
Social wellness
Social wellness means cultivating connections with friends, family and your community, and creating a supportive network that uplifts you during times of stress.
Here are some ways you can practise social wellness:
- Join a club or collective that aligns with your values and interests where you can meet likeminded people.
- Add significant dates for your family and friends to your calendar so you can remember to check in with them on those days to celebrate or offer support.
- Let go of unhealthy relationships that are draining or no longer serve you.
- Be curious and listen – instead of judging – when interacting with people who do not share your perspective.
Academic wellness
Academic wellness is about finding personal fulfilment in your studies while maintaining a healthy balance with other areas of life.
Here are some ways you can practise academic wellness:
- Ask for help from instructors, tutors or peers when you need academic support.
- Have regular check-ins with your Student Success Advisor to ensure you are on the right track to completing your program requirements and that your academic goals are clear and up to date.
- Take study breaks when you need them, whether that involves taking a walk, listening to a feel-good playlist, cuddling with your pet or making a cup of tea.
Wellness is a lifelong journey you can explore in small ways each day, one step at a time. What you feel one day – even in one moment – will keep changing. The important thing is to recognize when you need support and know where to get it.
Douglas College services that support your wellness
For more information on how Douglas College supports Wellness in the college community visit the Mental Wellness Strategy webpage or contact saswellness@douglascollege.ca.
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References:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016, April). Creating a healthier life: A step-by-step guide to wellness.
National Institutes of Health. (2023, May 19). Your healthiest self: Wellness toolkits. https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits