Breaking Down Balance
By: Paige McGowan, Center for Cura Personalis
Wake up. Press snooze. Wake up again. Find something to eat. Find a coffee. Get to class. Try to learn something. Go to next class. Try to learn something else. Find something else to eat. Work on homework. Volunteer somewhere. Work on more homework. Hang with friends or family. Take care of other responsibilities. Find something to eat. Catch up on current events. Brush teeth. Get to bed. Repeat.
While every student is different, most days are packed full of school related activities, work or service, friends or family, and trying to find a way to balance it all. As your Zag settles into the school year, you can help make sure they are finding balance in their college journey. Within Gonzaga University’s Center for Cura Personalis we operate using a model for balance and wellness that emphasizes six areas of life that require care and attention in order for us to be healthy and balanced human beings. The six dimensions are as follows:
Occupational
This dimension emphasizes a person’s ability to contribute their unique talents, skills, and abilities to one’s work. Being healthy and balanced occupationally means that we are choosing a career or volunteer opportunity that is consistent with our values, interests and beliefs. It also means we should find our chosen pursuits to be rewarding and meaningful.
Tip: Help your Zag by challenging them to find an occupation (while on campus or when they graduate) that is meaningful and in line with their unique talents and abilities.
Physical
Physical wellbeing encompasses traditional thought about health. It means education about nutrition and limiting alcohol and drug use consumption. It also means building physical strength, flexibility, and endurance while learning how to care for your body properly. Being physically well includes knowing when to seek more advanced care when a concern arises about physical health.
Tip: Encourage your Zag to utilize the fitness resources on campus, limit alcohol and drug intake (or abstain completely), get plenty of sleep, and make sure they know about our Health Center, Fitness Center, campus dietician and other resources.
Social
In this dimension, being socially balanced means one is contributing to their environment and community. It is the dimension in which one learns that they create their environment as much as they are a part of it. In this dimension of wellness a person builds relationships, contributes to the common good, and can live harmoniously with others.
Tip: Encourage your Zag to join a club or attend events on campus and to build diverse and meaningful relationships. The Student Involvement and Leadership Office in Crosby is a great place to start learning about all of the ways to get involved.
Intellectual
A person who is intellectually well learns new things, advances current skills, and shares his or her gifts with others. Learning to solve problems, pursuing person interests, and challenging one’s mind are all components to intellectual wellness.
Tip: Encourage your Zag to keep learning. Invite them to dig for answers in their classes, personal life, and interests. Having conversations with faculty outside of classes can be very helpful! Encourage your student to stop by his/her faculty’s office hours.
Spiritual
In being spiritually well, a person continuously seeks purpose and understanding of human existence. A person who is considered spiritually well will live in such a way that their actions align with their values and beliefs. It’s important to note that the journey to spiritual wellness is just that – a journey – and a person who ponders their faith, their beliefs, and their values, is on the right path.
Tip: Talk to your Zag about their spirituality and invite them to reflect on it regularly and to participate in one of University Ministry’s retreats.
Emotional
Working towards emotional wellness means that one learns to accept their feelings: anger, sadness, joy, anxiety, love, etc. A person who is emotionally well is able to manage their feelings and emotions effectively and optimistically. They are able to experience the emotions that life brings rather than denying them.
Tip: Check in with your Zag and ask them how they are feeling. If you sense they could use some extra support you can share resources like the Counseling Center or the Center for Cura Personalis.
By modeling the pursuit of wellness and by encouraging your Zag to consider these dimensions of wellness you will help them find balance. To learn more about The Six Dimensions of Wellness Model visit nationalwellness.org.
Have questions about campus resources for helping your Zag stay happy and healthy? Call the Center for Cura Personalis at (509) 3131-2CCP (2227).