VCSU 8 Dimensions of Wellness

VCSU Student Health Services and Counseling Services

8 Dimensions of Wellness

Occupational Wellness

Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one's work

Preparing and making use of your gifts, skills, and talents in order to gain purpose, happiness, and enrichment in your life. This can be strongly related to your attitude toward work.
Ways to develop occupational wellness are:
- Assess the amount of time you are working currently. During difficulty and/or high stress times, make time for yourself to de-stress and un-plug
Reach out to Career Services: https://www.vcsu.edu/student-life/career-services/

Intellectual Wellness

Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills

A state in which your mind is engaged in lively interaction with the world around you. This dimension of wellness implies that you can apply the things you have learned, and that you create opportunities to learn more.
Ways to develop intellectual wellness are:
- Check out some local museums, special exhibits - art/music/plays etc.
- Learn a new subject, hobby, craft, etc.
- Join or create a book discussion club
Become more academically prepared by visiting our Student Academic Services and Viking Learning Commons: https://myweb.vcsu.edu/student-academic-services/ and https://myweb.vcsu.edu/viking-learning-commons/

Environmental Wellness

Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being

The capability to live in a clean and safe environment that is not detrimental to health. To enjoy environmental Wellness, we require clean air, pure water, quality food, adequate shelter, satisfactory work conditions, personal safety, and healthy relationships.
Ways to develop environmental wellness:
- Schedule a time to complete a small task daily that supports a clean living environment - i.e. cleaning up a small area on your work desk, clean out 1 junk drawer, finish cleaning dirty dishes, etc.
- Create a safe living environment that provides security - make sure the locks on your doors and windows are secure, etc.

Financial Wellness

Satisfaction with current and future financial satisfaction

Managing your resources to live within your means, making informed financial decisions and investments, settings realistic goals, and preparing for short-term and long-term needs or emergencies. Be aware that everyone's financial values, needs, and circumstances are unique.
Ways to develop financial wellness:
- Find an app to set a commit to a budget
- Have an emergency fund that works within your set means
- Start paying off debts is small bites before graduating
- Talk with a financial advisor

Social Wellness

Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and well-developed support system

The ability to relate well to others, both within and outside the family unit. Social Wellness endows us with the ease and confidence to be outgoing, friendly, and affectionate toward others. Social Wellness involves not only a concern for the individual, but an interest in humanity as a whole.
Ways to develop social wellness:
- Talk with a mental health counselor about healthy relationships if you find that you are struggling with loneliness, feeling a sense of belonging, lacking a sense of support, etc.
- Join student organizations or join volunteer opportunities
- Participate in RA events, campus events, and be active in classroom activities/discussions

Physical Wellness

Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep.

A healthy body maintained by good nutrition, regular exercise, avoiding harmful habits, making informed and responsible decisions about health, and seeking medical assistance when necessary.
Ways to develop physical wellness:
- Create a weekly set sleep/wake schedule. Have a set low room temperature, appropriate background noise, unplug from screens at least 1 hour before bedtime, etc.
- If you have concerns regarding any health needs, reach out to Student Health Services on campus or set an appointment with your primary care provider.
- Regular movement/exercise is important. Use your resources: wellness center, outside hiking, walking, biking, yoga, etc.
- Watch your usage of alcohol, especially during times of stress.
- Good nutrition is good for the health of your body and mind. Consult with your primary doctor, nutritionist, and/or dietitian about appropriate level of nutrition
VCSU Students receive free entrance into the Wellness Center near campus: https://www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/campus-facilities/wellness-center/

Spiritual Wellness

Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

The sense that life is meaningful and has a purpose; the ethics, values and morals that guide us and give meaning and direction to life. Spiritual Wellness leads one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others, while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world.
Ways to develop your spirituality:
- Join or create a student organization that focuses on spirituality.
- Journal that helps to connect you with your innermost thoughts. Write down what you are grateful for and what you have accomplished.
- Volunteer for campus and local community events/organizations.
- Pray.
- Meditate.
- Challenge yourself to help yourself grow and to find meaning and purpose. Talk with a counselor, spiritual advisor, mentor, elder, support system, etc.

Emotional Wellness

A position self-concept, which includes confronting feelings constructively and developing healthy qualities.

The ability to understand your own feelings, accept your limitations, achieve stability, and become comfortable with your emotions. Emotional Wellness implies the ability to express emotions appropriately, adjust to change, cope with stress in a healthy way, and enjoy life despite its occasional disappointments and frustrations.
Ways to develop your emotional wellness:
- Identify your emotional support system.
- Express your emotions in the moment instead of holding them in to fester and grow.
- Express worry and stress out loud to support system.
- Identify stress triggers and create a coping skills plan.
- Practice self-care daily.
Reach out to VCSU Mental Health Counselors: https://www.vcsu.edu/student-life/health-wellness/

Wellness Resources