March Newsletter

Wellness

The Wellness Wheel describes multiple parts of the self that we can nurture to promote our own well-being as a whole person. We all have different ways of addressing each aspect of our wellness. Some people might find that they feel the best when they are out in nature addressing their environmental self—hiking or walking in a park. Others might find that spending time in a serene indoor space helps them to maintain their environmental well-being. Some might nurture their physical self by jogging or dancing, and their spiritual self through yoga or meditation. Some activities will nurture more than one type of wellness.

While research supports the idea that certain intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, physical, emotional, or social activities could increase well-being and potentially alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression (1), it is important to remember that what works for one person does not necessarily work for the next. As a unique individual, you can and should take the time to note what you do already that helps you feel your best, and try out new activities that could nurture different parts of yourself.

Come by our Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 6th in the Duncan Family Sky Room (the top floor of the Mac Mahon Student Center) to learn more about multiple aspects of your own well-being. The fair will feature activities including free massages, a yoga class, blood pressure screenings, chiropractic screenings, nutrition information, and giveaways. There will also be opportunities to interact with specialists and learn tools to develop all aspects of wellness.

Image Source: (2014, February 14). Wheel 2 [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from https://www.utexas.edu/hr/current/wellness/ 

Yoga and Exercise: Physical and Spiritual Well-Being

Yoga 

The theory and practice of yoga has been found to increase one’s feelings of ease and well-being, and potentially aid in the alleviation of some depressive and anxious symptoms (1). Some researchers attribute these positive effects to yogic breath and body work that regulates the autonomic nervous system and decreases levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. In particular, yoga has been shown to reduce performance or test anxiety (see the February Newsletter for more on this). Mindfulness and meditation, two practices associated with yoga, increase melatonin levels, which may regulate mood and sleep patterns (2). People may use yoga to attend to their spiritual or physical wellness.

Physical Exercise 

Besides improved physical health, for several hours following aerobic exercise, people tend to feel less anxious and be in a better mood (3). Whether you use machines at the gym, run or walk outside, play a sport, ride a bike, swim, or dance, we have the potential to improve our physical and emotional well-being.

The Center for Personal Development is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. We offer free and confidential counseling to the Saint Peter’s Community. To schedule an appointment, call (201) 761-6420 or stop by our office.