Wellness
Although the word “wellness” might evoke thoughts of nutrition, exercise, and fitness, it encompasses far more than physical health. Here at UNLV, we strive to advance a culture of whole-person wellness, which includes mental and social well-being in addition to physical. We strongly believe that the ability to live our best selves, individually and within our communities, is founded on a holistic approach and active commitment to wellness across many domains.
Be Well
Wellness is essential to reaching our goals and achieving the best possible quality of life. It influences how we function, feel, and interact with others—and ultimately determines how successful we are in school, work, and life. UNLV cares about your wellness.
“At UNLV, we are committed to the physical, mental, and social well-being of all members of our campus community. I encourage all students, faculty, and staff members to seek out the variety of resources we offer for their health, wellness, and success. Be well, UNLV!”
Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D., President
Wellness is about more than the absence of illness or stress. It is the holistic integration of physical, mental, and social well-being. Wellness occurs when an individual attains a healthy balance of a number of different biopsychosocial factors.
Among health researchers and practitioners, wellness is widely regarded as a multidimensional construct. Its various domains have been described as physical, intellectual, emotional, occupational, financial, social, environmental, spiritual, and more. Each of these dimensions contributes to our sense of wellness. They intersect and impact one another, growing in prominence or subsiding based on personal circumstances. Neglect of one or more of the dimensions for any length of time may produce adverse effects.
For example, physical and mental health components are so closely linked that problems in one area can impact another. Improving physical health can also benefit psychological health and other wellness domains, and vice versa.
Developing wellness is an individual and intentional process that involves the discovery of effective practices, techniques, and tools for continued growth and integration. There are countless ways to cultivate oneself on the self-directed and self-paced path of wellness and to create harmony across all aspects of one’s life.
Building Your Best Self
Be Well in Body
Engaging in practices that promote optimal physical health for the body, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and rest, medical care as needed, and avoidance of harmful habits such as drug use and alcohol abuse.
Be Well in Mind
Cultivating mental growth and stimulation through creative and critical thinking to expand knowledge, skills, and abilities; understanding a healthy range of emotions and how to express them; coping effectively with stress; engaging in mindfulness; and exploring meaning and purpose in life.
Be Well in Relationships
Establishing a sense of connection and belonging through positive interpersonal relationships with family and friends; contributing to the community; cultivating awareness of and respect for diversity; maintaining a lifestyle that maximizes harmony with and minimizes harm to the environment; and achieving occupational satisfaction and alignment with personal values.
Resources
UNLV is dedicated to sustaining an environment that promotes the wellness of our students, faculty, and staff. By offering a wide variety of programs, resources, and services, we seek to make healthy living and wellness a part of our institutional culture.
