Physical wellness encompasses practices and behaviors that allow the body to function in the best possible condition. A state of physical wellness is a lifestyle and all of the elements of physical wellness must be cared for together.
Some of the components of physical wellness are:
Physical Activity
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines any movement that requires energy expenditure as physical activity. Activities such as parking farther away to walk longer inside or walking to the mailbox would be considered physical activity. For individuals who have primarily sedentary roles, it is essential to ensure some physical activity throughout the day to promote positive physical wellness.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is different from physical activity, in that it is repetitive and intentional. According to the ACSM Exercise Guidelines, adults should aim to get about 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.
Nutrition
Unhealthy eating habits are overwhelming linked to a plethora of physical chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A person who is at a healthy weight can still have unhealthy eating habits that lead to illness or even death.
Hydration
Each person’s hydration needs are different and numerous studies have proposed the “ideal” amount of water to consume. According to Mayo Clinic, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine proposed that approximately 12-15 cups of water a day would ensure that most adults are adequately hydrated. However, hydration needs vary on several factors, including weather, exercise, and body type.
Sleep
Sleep is essential to good physical health and a person’s ability to function. During sleep, the brain consolidates the day’s information and energy is restored to the body. Growth hormones are also released during sleep. It is recommended that college students receive about seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Occupational Wellness
For college students, the primary occupation is being a student. However, it’s a great idea to treat college like a job to develop good occupational wellness practices! According to the American Counseling Association, “occupational Wellness is the ability to optimize the balance between work and personal life, reducing and preventing stress, and striving for satisfaction and meaning in life through working.” Occupational wellness is having the desire to have a meaningful career that contributes to society, and one that gives the individual personal fulfillment.
As students, there are many ways to start practicing behaviors that promote occupational wellness:
Balance
Understanding the balance between leisure and work. Academics are extremely important, and should be a top priority for students. However, it’s also essential to take time to mentally unwind, detach from e-mail, and give the brain time to relax.
Engage and Improve Collaboration
Actively engage in classes, especially ones that are not major specific. It can be easy to tune out, but try and gain something from each class. Class schedules are designed to create well-rounded learners!
Work to Increase Skills
Try out a class or campus program that may be out of the box or help to improve/learn a new skill. College is the time to learn new things that will benefit students when it’s time to get a job. Soak up as much information as possible!
Campus Resources
Career Center
205-348-5848