Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator with University of Illinois Extension.
Returning to school is a significant transition that impacts various aspects of one’s life. Perhaps you, your children, or grandchildren are back into the school routine. Considering the eight dimensions of wellness—emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual—can provide a holistic approach to maintaining balance and well-being during this busy time.
1. Emotional Wellness involves understanding and managing your feelings. Returning to school can be stressful, so it’s crucial to develop coping strategies. This might include practicing mindfulness, seeking support from friends and family, or talking to a counselor. Recognize that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions and that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
2. Environmental Wellness refers to the impact of your surroundings on your well-being. Creating a conducive study environment is essential. Ensure the study space is organized, well-lit, and free from distractions. Additionally, consider the broader environment of the school—engage in activities that promote sustainability and take advantage of green spaces for relaxation and mental rejuvenation.
3. Financial Wellness is about managing resources to reduce stress and enhance quality of life. Look for scholarships and grants to offset the costs and save where possible. College costs have drastically increased over the last 20 years with tuition soaring as high as $44,000 a year. Do you want to know how much you should be saving based on your child’s age? You can use a free college savings calculator at brightstart.com then put that money to work in an Illinois 529 College Savings Plan.
4. Intellectual Wellness involves engaging in mentally stimulating activities. School is inherently intellectual, but it’s important to go beyond coursework. Clubs and student groups can broaden your perspective and enhance academic performance. Cultivate a curious mindset and seek knowledge in areas of interest. For lifelong learning opportunities, check in with local libraries for a listing of adult and child programs.
5. Occupational Wellness relates to finding personal satisfaction and enrichment through work. For students, this includes balancing schoolwork with other responsibilities. Time management is key—prioritize tasks and create a schedule that allows for study, rest, and extracurricular activities. Older students can seek internships or part-time jobs that align with career goals to gain practical experience.
6. Physical Wellness emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Physical health directly impacts concentration and academic performance. Choosing nutrient-dense foods fuels the mind and physical activity helps with alertness. Good quality sleep helps the body repair. By building healthy habits every day, you can bring more balance to the physical dimension.
7. Social Wellness involves building healthy relationships and a supportive network. Engage with peers, join clubs, and participate in social events to build connections. These relationships can provide emotional support, enhance the school experience, and create a sense of community. By logging off and tuning in to others around you, your relationships will have the opportunity to blossom. Balancing social activities with academic responsibilities is crucial to maintaining overall well-being.
8. Spiritual Wellness is about finding purpose and meaning in life, which can be nurtured through religion, meditation, or personal reflection. Returning to school can be a time of self-discovery. A strong sense of purpose can provide motivation and resilience in the face of challenges.
By paying attention to the eight dimensions of wellness, you can create a balanced and fulfilling school experience, setting the foundation for academic success and personal growth. This week, in honor of National Wellness Week, choose one dimension to really focus on and develop some new healthy habits for the new school year.
For additional resources on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and a recording of today’s episode, please visit wvik.org/wellness. You can also subscribe to Wellness Wake Up Call today wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss out on these weekly wellness tips.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator, with University of Illinois Extension.
Resources and References
· Creating a Healthier Life: A step-by-step guide to wellness
· Brightstart.com (for the free college savings calculator
