What is Well-being and are you Well?

By Laura Felicetti, Coordinator Fitness Services & Education, University Recreation
Contact us for more information.

Ask yourself the following questions: Do you eat right? Exercise regularly? Are you physically healthy? When one thinks of wellness, one typically thinks of eating right, exercising, being physically healthy and generally measuring up in today's society. But if you answer 'yes' to all of these questions, are you well?

I would challenge that no, you may not necessarily be "well," at least not in the sense of well-being. So what is well-being, you ask? Well-being means different things to different people and is determined by each individual, but should encompass all aspects of your life including the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, occupational and physical aspects. Now ask yourself if you're happy in all of these areas. If you answer 'no' to any one of these, then you're well-being is compromised.

In today's American society of the 40 plus hour work week and high stress jobs, it's no wonder our well-being is compromised! We simply don't have time to take care of ourselves. But well-being is about learning how to reach past our challenges and limitation and find the joy in our lives.

Here are a few in-the-moment stress busters that can help you get through a stressful day at work and help you to focus on your overall well-being:

• Sit back from your desk when feeling overwhelmed and focus on taking a few deep breaths.

• Take a moment to stretch to release some tension in your body.

• Sit with a tall posture so to enhance your energy level and ability to focus while you work or study.

• Take a break to exercise, read a book, nap, meditate, knit or just get some fresh air.

• Eat nutritious foods - don't forget about breakfast, lunch, and snacks that can maintain your energy level consistently throughout the day.

• Beware of too much caffeine - it can increase your level of anxiety.

• Take a break for lunch - try to eat away from your desk, books, etc.

• Allow yourself to say "no" if you don't have time to do what someone asks you to do for them.

• Ask for help from your supervisor or professor when you are feeling overwhelmed.