The beginning of a new academic year creates the perfect time to lay a strong foundation for personal and community well-being. College life moves quickly and challenges us constantly, yet with intention and a balanced approach, we can flourish across all areas of our lives.

Fuel Our Bodies – Physical Wellness

Start the year strong by committing to physical wellness. Movement boosts energy and focus, plus strengthens our mood and sleep quality. Whether a gym regular or just beginning a fitness journey, check out some of Campus Well-Being’s inclusive options; free for current students and staff.

• Join a weekly fitness class like yoga, Muscle & Mobility or strength training
• Sign up for intramural sports that include badminton, basketball, futsal (indoor soccer), cricket and volleyball.
• Borrow bikes or go for a walk to add movement into our daily routine; take a break and explore green spaces around campus.

Connect with Others – Social Wellness

More than just academics, College life also offers a place to build community and foster meaningful relationships. Social wellness means cultivating a support system where we can give and receive encouragement.

• Volunteer with campus initiatives that align with your interests. This helps increase connection and purpose. Campus Well-Being, for example, offers a volunteer program.
• Schedule regular check-ins with friends, roommates, or classmates. These small, genuine conversations can be powerful.
• Practice inclusive kindness by sharing a smile, offering help or reaching out to someone sitting alone.
• Attend Campus Well-Being and Students’ Association activities like the Board Game Night, Intramurals, Block Parties and club fairs to meet new people and find community.

Boost Your Resilience – Emotional Wellness

Starting a new school year might bring both excitement and anxiety. Emotional wellness includes recognizing our feelings, developing healthy coping skills, and building emotional strength.

• Try a mindfulness workshop to slow down and reconnect inwardly. As a current College student or staff member, take advantage of free access to MindWell, an online resource offering a variety of workshops and classes.
• Visit campus counseling services for professional, confidential support and guidance to develop strong coping skills.
• Create a daily pause, even just 10 minutes, to unplug and do something calming like reading, stretching, or listening to music.
• Celebrate small wins whether attending a first class or completing a tough assignment, every step matters.

Grow Your Purpose – Intellectual & Spiritual Wellness

Use your time at College to also explore internal values, dreams, and ideas. Intellectual and spiritual wellness encourages us to seek inspiration, ask meaningful questions, and shape our own path forward.

• Reflect on goals, passions and dreams – what generates excitement? Or growth?
• Say yes to new opportunities – try something out of your comfort zone that aligns with your values.

May we all choose to thrive, not just survive. Remember to take advantage of the many campus resources and activities designed to support your full self. By nurturing each dimension of wellness: body, mind, heart, and spirit, we build habits that carry us forward through College and through our lives in general.