Navigating Health & Wellness
Learn how to optimize your wellness & minimize stress levels
Wellness is the active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life and is a critical aspect of your overall well-being as a student. There are SO many aspects that influence your health!
The topics below will help you to:
- Learn how to be AWARE of your wellness
- Recognize strategies to OPTIMIZE your wellness
- Understand resources to MANAGE and overcome difficulties
8 Dimensions of Wellness
The 8 Dimensions of Wellness is a model to help you understand how different forms of wellness play a role in your everyday health. Watch the video below to learn more!
Wellness Resources for each dimension
Emotional
Learn about Emotional Wellness here
Additional Resources:
National Institute of Health: Emotional Healthy Checklist
This checklist will provide tips on how to be your healthiest self.
University Counseling Center: Personal Concerns Self-Help
This page contains resources to provide assistance if you are experiencing various wellness-related concerns.
Physical
Learn more about Physical Wellness here
Take some time to invest in yourself! Your physical health can easily trickle down and impact other areas of your life. Think about making good decisions: Get some exercise, be mindful of the foods you eat, and make sleep a priority.
Other Resources:
Social
Learn more about Social Wellness here
- With over 25,000 students, Grand Valley is a community of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, desires, and necessities.
- While it may feel intimidating, explore out of your comfort zone by reaching out and introducing yourself to someone!
- Remember that all college students share many of the same hobbies, goals, and interests. While it may feel like you are different than everyone, try to capitalize on similarities to form meaningful connections.
Financial
Learn about Financial Wellness here
Finances are commonly on all your minds, so take some time to learn how to make smart decisions now to set yourself up for long-term security. This includes large-scale topics like financial aid or making a daily budget.
Intellectual
Learn more about Intellectual Wellness here
Join a club and surround yourself with peers who share your interests! Enhance your student skills by taking advantage of library services, tutoring, and enjoy the overall pursuit of knowledge!
Occupational
Learn more about Occupational Wellness here
Occupational Wellness includes seeking out opportunities that will help you prepare for the future! Examples could be volunteering or attending a career fair.
Spiritual
Learn more about Spiritual Wellness here
Grand Valley has support and resources for religious and/or spiritual observances.
Other Resources:
How do I optimize my Wellness?
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Get enough sleep! With all of the responsibilities that college students are required to juggle, it is important to have a consistent sleep schedule so you can adequately recharge.
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Get your body moving! Physical activity has SO many benefits that span improved physical health, such as enhanced attention, mood, and academic performance! The best part is that there are options to incorporate movement into your daily schedule that match your interests and preferences.
Check out GVSU Recreation & Wellness!
Enroll in the UFit Plan at GVSU to set up a custom fitness plan
For existing medical conditions...what’s your plan at GVSU to get the care you need?
What do I do if I am sick or have an unanticipated emergency (i.e. chipped tooth, broken bone)? Where can I go?
What planning should I do?
- Email your professors ASAP! Given the situation, you may not need to offer full disclosure. Inquire if there are opportunities to make up missed work (office hours are great to help get caught up).
- Identify doctors' offices/clinics ahead of time. It is better to be prepared so that you do not have to wonder or panic about what to do if a situation arises!
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How can I practice safety on campus? What resources are available to me?
Laker Guardian is a service to have the Department of Public Safety check in on you when walking to/from class or car.
Safewalk is a program where the Department of Public Safety will accompany you when walking across campus. There are also emergency phones placed throughout campus. They have a blue light to easily identify them.