Wellness Resources

Physical Wellness is the ability to care for the needs of your physical body and ensure you can carry out daily functions. Physical Wellness incorporates physical activity, diet and nutrition, sleep habits, hygiene, and sexual health to attain overall wellness. 

• Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet along with complex carbohydrates and protein. Dietary fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes and can help maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Check out Full Plate Living for tools to increase fiber.
• If you need support around disordered eating or eating disorders, the Eating Disorder Treatment Team is comprised of professionals on campus dedicated to helping you; request a WellChat to get started. 
• Drink plenty of water each day; water is the perfect way to keep hydrated which improves cognition and mood. Add a splash of flavor with fruit juice or fresh cucumbers, lime slices or fruit.
• Adults need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity (aerobic and muscular strength) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Start with activities, locations, and times you enjoy, and try activities with friends or family. Campus Recreation is a great resource on campus; explore their services to learn about facility memberships, personal training, group fitness classes, and outdoor recreation.
• Aim for a regular sleep schedule with about 7-9 hours of sleep. Getting enough sleep is associated with decreased hunger, lower blood sugars, better concentration, less frequent illness and increased problem-solving.
• Create a regular personal hygiene routine and cleaning schedule. Good personal hygiene can help prevent illness and the spread of germs. It can also support a strong immune system and reduce the risk of medical conditions. 
• If you are sexually active, schedule regular check-ups for sexually transmitted infections and educate yourself on prevention and contraception methods. You can pick up free STI prevention barriers, such as condoms and dental dams, from the William Magee Center and University Health Services.
• The William Magee Center provides education on alcohol and other drugs, including harm reduction and protective behavior strategies. 

Social Wellness is the ability to develop interpersonal relationships with others and maintain support networks that help you persevere. This also includes having active participation and involvement within your communities and the university.

• Volunteer for organizations and causes that are meaningful to you; visit GivePulse to see opportunities on campus and in the community.
• Join registered student organizations via ForUM; explore programs and attend events hosted across campus.
• Understand the hallmarks of healthy relationships (trust, respect, communication) and know that there are resources through VIP if you are in an unhealthy relationship. 
• Establish friendships throughout your courses and job settings, and remain in contact with the social support networks you build during your time at Ole Miss.

Mental health is a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life. 

• Recognize when your body is feeling stressed or overwhelmed; many people benefit from talking with a professional; the University Counseling Center and COPE Clinic provide free support for students. UMatter serves students in distress; you can submit a CARE referral and receive assistance and resources on campus. 
• Know the signs of burnout – or persistent, long-term stress. Burnout can appear in the forms of inability to sleep or remain alert and focused, constant headaches or stomach aches, irritability, and many other dramatic changes of behavior, mood, or physical health.
• Establish a few mental health activities to try during the week, such as mindfulness, meditation, appreciation exercises, journaling, and spiritual practices.

Spiritual wellness is about the connection with self, others, nature and/or a higher power. The basic characteristics of spiritual health are as follows: proper lifestyle, connection with others, asking about the meaning and purpose of life, and transcendence.

• Have a clear sense of right and wrong.
• Be able to explain why you believe what you believe.
• Have the ability to spend reflective time alone.
• Take time to reflect on the meaning of life.
• There are many religious student organizations on campus; visit ForUM to explore various groups. Oxford Chamber of Commerce maintains a list of churches and places of worship. 

Cultural wellness involves the understanding and appreciation of various cultural identities, values, and practices, while fostering an inclusive and respectful environment that supports the overall health and happiness of individuals and communities.

• Become aware of diversity and richness in other cultural backgrounds.
• Learn and respect the impacts of cultural diversity. 
• Understand the impact of various identities like race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age groups.
• The Center for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement is an excellent resource to discover groups, events, and supports in place on campus. Global Engagement helps students learn about international programs and services. Student Disability Services assists the University with the design of more welcoming and inclusive environments.

Intellectual Wellness is the ability to engage within individual thought processes and the stimulation and rest of the brain that allows for critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity. By practicing Intellectual Wellness, you are also incorporating ideas of educational well-being by learning new skills.

• Devote time to critically challenging your understanding of both new and old topics.
• Be open minded to understanding different ideas, topics, and perspectives.
• Express your creative side by exploring artistic expressions.
• Join different programs and events to develop new skills and hobbies.
• The Center for Student Success and First Year Experience hosts a variety of workshops designed to enhance learning and provides success coaches to assist students. 

Environmental Wellness is the ability to establish and maintain a connection with the earth while also playing an active role in caring for your physical environment. Environmental Wellness also influences one to respect your surroundings while reducing environmental harm.

• Reduce the footprint that you leave within your environment by picking up and properly disposing of any trash you drop on the ground, being mindful of noise pollution, and respecting local plants and wildlife. Discover the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
• Spend time walking, camping, hiking, and exploring nature - Campus Recreation Outdoors is open to all students and provides gear rentals, adventure trips, and more.
• Reduce the use of one-use plastics, reuse any common or household items that can be washed and used again, and recycle paper, plastic, and glass resources.
• Students can submit Green Fund proposals to support innovative sustainability projects on campus.

Financial Wellness is the ability to manage your money in a way that promotes your overall well-being. Financial Wellness involves managing your finances in a way that helps you set and achieve financial goals, avoid financial stress, and achieve and maintain financial freedom.

• Prioritize expenses, keep records of finances, and develop a routine budget with monthly goals. Cash Course offers a free online resource for students featuring tools for money management, budgeting, debt reduction, building credit, and more. Ramsey Solutions also provides online tools and calculators. 
• Make a future plan for managing student loan debt; visit Financial Aid for assistance with loans.
• Take advantage of local and online sales and coupons; ask local businesses if they offer student discounts.

Occupational Wellness is the ability to find satisfaction and fulfillment in your work or chosen occupation. It involves finding a balance between work and leisure activities, managing stress, setting career goals, and maintaining a positive work environment.

• Identify your career goals and aspirations and work towards them. Your academic advisor, and CSSFYE can assist with your major; the Career Center hosts career fairs and assists with interview preparation, internships, and job searches.
• Develop effective time management and organizational skills to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Seek opportunities for professional growth and development through continuous learning and skill-building.
• Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues and create a supportive work environment.
• Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, and taking regular breaks.
• Advocate for fair treatment and work-life policies that promote employee well-being.