Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Pursuing regular movement, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and practicing safe behaviors.

How can I become physically well on campus?

• Incorporate regular physical movement into your daily routine (i.e. walk or ride your bike to class; take the longer route). Use our Joyful Movement Journal to start or mix up your routine!

1. Digital Joyful Movement Journal

• Focus primarily on how exercise makes you feel, especially the stress-relieving and energizing factors.
• Visit the Wellness/Recreation Center (WRC) to participate in intramural sports, sports clubs, or fitness classes. You can also utilize the pool, rock wall, fitness area, weight room and Panther Performance Center.
• Make food choices that honor your health & taste buds while making you feel well—variety, moderation and balance is key! Check out our Eating Well Resources for healthy eating strategies.
• Take charge of your sexual health by using protection (condoms and dental dams); having open communication with your partner(s); getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and getting routine physical exams.

1. Receive free condoms at the Student Health Center lobby, Center for Multicultural Education lobby, Maucker Union, Rod Library, Military and Veteran Services and Wellness/Recreation Center
   1. Do you need safer sex supplies in bulk? Fill out a free Safer Sex Request form!
2. Call 319-273-2009 to make an appointment at the Student Health Clinic for STI testing and/or birth control counseling, prescription, and management. Check out our tips for having stress-free sex!

• Receive a yearly physical exam. Call 319-273-2009 to make an appointment at the Student Health Clinic.
• Safer sex is for EVERYONE! Practicing safer sex can provide you with comfort and confidence to explore and fulfill your sexual desires with less anxiety and worry. Explore our LGBTQ+ Safer Sex Guide to learn about protective barriers you can use for different types of sex!
• Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and practice healthy sleep habits! Meet with a Wellness Coach for support with developing healthy sleep habits. 

Seeking to expand knowledge, skills and creative abilities.

How can I become intellectually well on campus?

• Talk to a wellness coach about time management strategies.
• Visit The Learning Center in Rod Library for free tutoring and learning services, subject specific study skills, & assistance with educational planning.
• Take advantage of the research help at the Rod Library. Ask questions about topics such as: finding journal articles, using databases, or making the best use of other Rod Library services & resources.
• Talk to your academic advisor about your plan of study. Your academic advisor's name is listed on your STUDENT CENTER within MyUNIverse.
• Meet with a peer advisor to explore majors, minors & career options.
• Request a program for your student organization, class, or resident halls to learn more about health & wellness! Want to refer someone to request? Check out this handout.
• Visit The Procrastination Campaign page to access the Procrastination Tool Box.

Engaging in work that is meaningful, enjoyable and aligns with personal values.

How can I become occupationally well on campus?

• Visit the Office of Career Services in 102 Gilchrist Hall for help with resumes, references, cover letters, mock interviews and more!
• Use career assessment & tools to explore careers
• Explore job and internship opportunities on the UNI Job Board. Create a profile in the new UNI Job Board platform, Handshake, to start this process.
• Visit the Job & Internship Fair+ in both the fall and spring semesters.
• Gain the skills to be "career ready" for any job by volunteering in the Cedar Valley or joining a student organization.

Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life based on a core set of values and beliefs.

How can I become spiritually well on campus?

• One option is joining a faith-based community at UNI. There are a variety of styles, sizes and philosophies of campus ministries; some have their own facilities, while some meet on campus. Each has a registered student organization.
• The Spiritual Leaders Association (SLA) is another resource that seeks to share resources of faith, hope and love to all who belong to the university community and beyond.
  • SLA is a gathering of professional spiritual leaders who are affiliated with a local entity or a religious student organization.
• Use this Mini Mindful Meditations Starter Pack to tune into your spiritual wellness:
  • 4-7-8 Breathing
  • Mantra Writing
  • Little Labyrinth
  • Reflections
• Discuss mindfulness techniques and gratitude practices with a wellness coach.
• Utilize ThreeHouse Collaborative Campus Ministries
  • Threehouse is a place where students gather to explore issues of faith, identity, and future. It’s a place where students can engage freely with others. All are welcome!
• Office of International Engagement (OIE)
  • OIE provides comprehensive service and support to UNI international students, domestic English learners and visiting international scholars. View the Multicultural Resource Guide for more resources on-campus and in the community.
  • OIE hosts a series of events and holidays for international students, such as:

Choosing a lifestyle of committed effort toward sustaining the Earth’s natural environment.

How can I become environmentally well on campus?

• Join an environmental student organization or explore opportunities offered by the Office of Sustainability.
• Explore the outdoors by renting outdoor recreation equipment (i.e. tent, kayak, canoe, sleeping bag) from UNI Outdoors.
• Rent a hammock or bike from Rod Library to de-stress outside.
• De-stress in the diverse collection of plants inside the tropical feeling houses at the Botanical Center.
• Discuss ways to create a healthy living environment with a wellness coach. 

Making responsible decisions to live within your means and setting financial goals today that will positively impact your financial future.

How can I become financially well on campus?

• Register for “Live Like a Student”, a FREE, non-credit course that will allow you to explore the concepts of budgeting, credit, student loans, and identity protection.
• Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a financial aid counselor.
• Check out the Office of Financial Aid’s personal finance and interactive budgeting resources.
• Meet with a wellness coach to develop financial wellness goals.
• Visit the Panther Pantry in the Maucker Union to obtain food and necessity items. This service is available to all currently enrolled UNI students experiencing food insecurity. 

Establishing a sense of connection and belonging through positive interpersonal relationships.

How can I become socially well on campus?

• Get involved! Consider joining a student organization. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills and feel more connected to UNI! Find an org that fits your personal or professional interests through Panther FYI.
• Stay connected and find campus happenings on the Event Calendar. Here you will find events facilitated all around campus.
• Attend Campus Activities Board (CAB) events.
• Take advantage of opportunities you have to enjoy the social events on campus.
• Check out these resources to stay connected:
  • Try new social activities using the Healthy Connections Scavenger Hunt
  • Grow in gratitude for your support system by thinking about Who Uplifts Me
• Feeling homesick? Check out a variety of tips on college homesickness.

Possessing a positive attitude and the ability to identify and express a wide variety of feelings in an appropriate manner.

How can I become emotionally well on campus?

• Take time for you! Be sure to set aside some time to partake in activities that help you relax and relieve stress. Whether it’s exercising at the WRC, meditating, or writing in a journal, treat yourself to self-care! Try using one of our Zen Den Program activities to reduce your stress, initiate the relaxation response, and tune into your emotional wellness:
  • Gratitude Journal
  • Gratitude Prompts
  • Deep Breathing & Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Mindful Eating Exercise
  • DIY Glitter Jars
• Experiment with using healthy coping skills to manage stress that work for you. Need a place to start? Check out our stress management tips!
• Discuss self-care and stress management techniques with a wellness coach.
• Download the TELUS app to talk or text with counselor 24/7 for free.
• Don’t be afraid to seek help! Call the Counseling Center at 319-273-2676 for confidential counseling services.
• You can also call the UNI Counseling Center 24/7 to speak to a crisis counselor. Dial 319-273-2676 and press 2 to speak to a crisis counselor.
• 24/7 CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 741741 about any type of crisis. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds quickly. The crisis counselor will introduce themselves, reflect on what you've said, and invite you to share at your own pace. The conversation typically ends when you and the crisis counselor both feel comfortable deciding the you're in a "cool" safe place.
• Talk to a trained graduate student in a confidential space for support and problem solving through the Let's Talk program. The service is on a first-come, first-serve walk-in basis.

Focus on seeking growth within your 8 dimensions of wellness through meeting with a wellness coach. Sign up today!