The UA Plus Program addresses the eight dimensions of the UA Wellness Wheel: physical, academic, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational, and social. Additionally, as a “Plus” program, it includes other dimensions such as art, creativity, and critical thinking.
These dimensions serve as tools to evaluate, identify, and optimize areas that require attention and improvement in order to achieve a well-rounded and balanced life.
1. Physical: focuses on promoting physical health and well-being through nutrition, exercise, and overall bodily management (Hales, 2021).
2. Academic: encourages continuous education, skill development, and knowledge expansion. It fosters curiosity and the pursuit of new learning opportunities to keep students’ minds vibrant and engaged (Sidi, 2022).
3. Emotional: encompasses students’ feelings and emotions. Developing emotional awareness enhances resilience, helps navigate challenges effectively, and supports overall well-being (Sidi, 2022).
4. Spiritual: pertains to the beliefs, values, and ethics that guide students’ lives and influence their actions. This dimension offers opportunities to connect with something greater, whether through religion, mindfulness, meditation, or supportive communities (Sidi, 2022).
5. Environmental: explores how surrounding environments influence well-being. It emphasizes the impact of both personal spaces and the global environment on mood and health (Sidi, 2022), while promoting advocacy for sustainability.
6. Financial: involves the ability to meet financial obligations, feeling secure about the financial future and confidently handling unexpected difficulties (BSI Corporate Benefits, 2023). This dimension addresses financial challenges, which can be a significant source of stress and anxiety affecting overall wellness.
7. Occupational: relates to the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment derived from work or career. Students are encouraged to seek roles that align with their interests and values while maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic (SimplyBiz Support, 2023). These workshops are given in addition to the support offered through the Center for Career and Development.
8. Social: Focuses on the quality and strength of students’ connections with others. Building and sustaining a supportive network is essential for fostering social well-being and can help reduce feelings of stress, isolation, loneliness, and even depression (Sidi, 2022).
9. Art: enables students to express their inner thoughts and emotions, encouraging a sense of identity and positivity (Yazdinian, n.d.).
10. Creativity: comprises a combination of imagination, curiosity, and critical thinking skills. By integrating creativity, students can reignite their passion for learning and cultivate skills for both personal and professional growth.
11. Critical Thinking: helps students develop skills to break down complicated issues, identify underlying causes, and create well-reasoned and innovative solutions. This dimension empowers students to navigate and understand challenges effectively.
References
BSI Corporate Benefits. (2023, August 30). 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Financial Wellness. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-dimensions-wellness-financial-bsi-corporate-benefits/
Hales, D. (2021). An Invitation to Health: Live It Now! (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Sidi, T. (2022, March 25). Understanding the Wellness Wheel: 7 Dimensions of Wellness. Talkspace. https://www.talkspace.com/blog/wellness-wheel/
SimplyBiz Support. (2023). The Wellness Wheel. https://simplybiz.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14870188736913-The-Wellness-Wheel
Yazdinian, N. (2023, September 3). How Art Inspires And Promotes Positivity. Medium. https://medium.com/@nyelizabeth/how-art-inspires-and-promotes-positivity-11e78e07985d