Welcome to our first upcoming Wellness Day, Miami students! There are lots of questions and curiosity around these ambiguous days. Are professors going to honor it? Will work still be assigned? Is it feasible for us to actually take a whole day for our own general wellness? All of these are great questions. Before our first Wellness Day tomorrow, it’s important to consider these things:
- Self-care is not selfish.
- Deadlines are not as important as your personal health and mental wellness.
- It is more than okay to take time off, no matter your major.
The Wellness Days exist to take the pressure off you for one day, at least once a month. True, it’s not quite the same as a full week off for Spring Break. But it’s what we have and I definitely plan on making the most of it.
If the idea of taking an entire day “off” overwhelms you, break it down into time blocks. Allow yourself a few hours to do some element of self-care during the day. Need some inspiration? This is how I plan to approach the day.
Remember: the university has given you a reason to say no. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down in saying no to meetings or extracurricular work. Be respectful and realistic, but also look out for yourself. Make the most of the day! Take as much time for YOU as you can.
Here are some other resources from some of the dimensions of wellness to get you started.
Physical wellness. Optimal physical wellness requires eating well, exercising, avoiding harmful habits (such as smoking), getting enough sleep, recognizing the signs of disease, getting regular physical exams, and taking steps to prevent injury.
Resources:
- Miami Recreation
- CARAVAN Wellness App
- Goggin Ice Center
- Miami Dining Services and Nutrition
- Connection between Mental and Physical Wellness
Emotional wellness. Having high self-esteem, confidence, satisfying relationships, a support network, and staying optimistic. Understanding your feelings, accepting your limitations, achieving emotional stability and becoming comfortable with your emotions.
Resources:
- Groups and Workshops through Student Counseling Service
- Mental Health Topics from Student Counseling Service
- Psychology Training Clinic
- Wellness Tips for Improving your mental health.
Intellectual wellness. Values education and engages in lifelong learning. Pursues activities that increase knowledge, develop moral reasoning, foster critical thinking and expand worldviews. Appreciates the fine arts, and values intuition, empathy and understanding as forms of knowing.
Resources:
- Performing Arts Series
- Humanities Center
- University Lecture Series
- Global and Intercultural Studies
- Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Spiritual wellness. Possessing a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning and purpose to life. Spiritual wellness is also the capacity to love, have compassion for others, forgiveness, joy, and fulfillment.
Resources:
- Mindfulness and Contemplative Inquiry Center
- The META Collective (Multifaith Engagement for Transformative Action)
Social wellness. Having a supportive social network, contributing to society, and valuing cultural diversity. Initiating better communication with others.
Resources:
- Student Organizations
- What to do when a loved one withdraws from social connection (video)
- COVID-19 – social isolation.
Have a great Wellness Day, Miami students! Empower yourself to just say no.
Kathryn Moir | Marketing & IMS
