A Holistic Approach to Wellness

We are committed to promoting and integrating health and wellness into our day-to-day operations, practices and services to promote well-being.

Well-being is the overall goal of wellness. Wellness is the active process of becoming aware and making choices that chart a course to the place you want to be.

Making a deliberate effort in our behaviour is vital to wellness and takes a variety of different forms that impact our greater mental, emotional and physical health. No matter what your ultimate well-being destination is, taking steps through wellness is crucial for success. 

The Wellness Wheel

Your well-being is like a wheel with nine interconnected dimensions. Every aspect of wellness contributes to finding balance in your life, but it can be overwhelming to think about each dimension at once. Be kind to yourself and know that we all have our limitations. Take the time to allow yourself to reflect and think about your wellness, how you can enhance and develop your well-being.

The Nine Dimensions of Wellness

Intellectual 

Explore new concepts, gain new skills and seek creative and engaging activities. You could try out a new activity here at Selkirk College or find yourself a journal and write down your dreams, goals, passions or creative thoughts.

Make the space to explore things you are curious about.
 

Physical 

Taking care of your body is very important—that means paying attention to your physical activity, sleep, nutrition and mental well-being. Are you eating a variety of healthy foods? Getting enough sleep every night? Doing a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity every day?
 

  • Staff and students can use the gym facilities and attend drop-in classes for free! Check out our recreation calendar.
  • Our cafeterias offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Social 

Do you feel like being a bit more social? Attend an activity on campus or join an event! Invite a friend out to go on a hike, play some basketball or board games, watch a movie or workout at the gym.

Building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships can lead to genuine connections.
 

Financial 

Learning how to successfully manage your finances can be empowering. Be responsible and independent by creating and maintaining a budget, paying bills on time, meal planning and so much more.

Help separating the things that are important and the things you don't really need by asking yourself, "Do I need this, or do I want this?" 

Helpful resources:
 

  • Overcoming Financial Fatigue and Concern: Different situations can affect our available time and income disproportionately. Find out ways to acknowledge and manage financial fatigue and get some tips that could help with money management.
Spiritual

Being true to your values and beliefs is very powerful in creating purpose in your life—and for helping those close to you. Take time to meditate, express gratitude to yourself and others, practice forgiveness and compassion, and even spend some time alone to reflect on yourself and your growth.

Enjoy the peaceful energy of nature and the healing it can bring. 

Creative

Let your creativity flow! Participating in arts and cultural experiences can enrich your well-being. Learn a new instrument or make some music, find joy in dance or paint with emotion. Take up creative writing or start up an artistic club.
 

Academic & career

Expand your knowledge and map out a strategy to support lifelong learning. Connect with a mentor to help guide you on your career path, review your goals and see if you are on track, form a study group or set up a schedule to plan ahead.
 

Environmental

Living in harmony with the Earth and protecting it can guide us in being a part of something much larger than ourselves. Spend some time in nature, travel by bike or public transportation, recycle and compost, and make sure you're using reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
 

Emotional

Inhale... Exhale... Inhale... Exhale...

Making time to relax can help reduce stress and helps bring your awareness back to yourself. Paying attention to how you are feeling and understanding how to allow emotions the time they need can help with how you are feeling. Try self-talk, practice mindfulness and even start a journal.

Need some supports?
 

This content has been adapted from Capacity to Connect: Supporting Students’ Mental Health and Wellness by Gemma Armstrong; Michelle Daoust; Ycha Gil; Albert Seinen; Faye Shedletzky; Jewell Gillies; Barbara Johnston; and Liz Warwick is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.