Roots of Wellness

Download this handout to reflect on your Roots of Wellness.

Roots of Wellness Reflection Activity

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Emotional wellness is being aware of and able to navigate a wide range of emotions in a constructive, supportive way and having the tools and resources to navigate life's ups and downs.

Ways to Nourish your Emotional Root at Dartmouth

• Talk to someone (counselor, advisor, dean, other staff member, friend, family) about how you are doing and feeling.
  • Contact the Counseling Center to schedule an appointment.
  • Consider scheduling a Wellness Checkin with the Student Wellness Center.
  • Reach out to your Undergraduate Dean, the College Chaplain or other ordained clergy through the Tucker Center.
• Spend time with the therapy dogs that visit campus. Email Student Wellness for the schedule. 
• Make time for regular reflection, perhaps through journaling.
• Take technology breaks – time away from texting, email, and social media – to meaningfully reconnect with yourself or others.

Physical Wellness is caring for your body to allow for optimal health and functioning, including making intentional choices with respect to alcohol and other drug use, nutrition, illness prevention, physical activity and movement, sexual health, sleep, stress management, and safety.

Ways to Nourish your Physical Root at Dartmouth

• Fuel your body! Choose a variety of delicious, nutrient-rich whole foods regularly.
  • Explore the resources for healthy eating on campus through Dartmouth Dining.
  • Consult with a dietitian at Dick's House if you have questions or concerns.
• Move your body! Dance, swim, run, walk, play sports, kayak—any activity that you find fun that gets you moving!
  • Check out current FLIP classes.
  • Consider joining a club or intramural sports team.
  • Explore opportunities to get outside.
• Care for your body! Consider all the needs you may have to keep yourself feeling your best. Protection, hydration, and when you're feeling under the weather and get medical care when needed.
  • Get in touch with the providers at Dick's House with questions or to schedule an appointment.
  • Check out ways to be Skin Smart!
• Rest your body! A regular sleep schedule aiming for 7-8 hours a night is ideal. Check out Refresh, an online sleep quality improvement program available on Canvas: To sign up, email Refresh.

Social Wellness includes enjoying strong personal connections with others, managing interpersonal conflict effectively, and connecting with your community and the people around you.

Ways to Nourish your Social Root at Dartmouth

• Get to know new people through classes, clubs, and your House Community.
• Use FaceTime, Skype, or even a good old-fashioned phone call to stay connected with important people in your life.
• Explore opportunities for building community and making connections through OPAL.
• Consider joining a Greek organization.

Spiritual Wellness is making meaning of life events, having and understanding your purpose, and being compassionate towards yourself and others.

Ways to Nourish your Spiritual Root at Dartmouth

• Find a spiritual connection or community through the Tucker Center or off-campus resources.
• Cultivate a mindfulness practice.
• Have experiences of awe, perhaps with nature.
• Choose projects, internships, and service opportunities that align with your values. Work with the Center for Social Impact to identify opportunities.

Environmental Wellness is characterized by being aware of the interactions between the environment, community and ourselves. This dimension recognizes the impact your environment (residential space, school, town, etc.) has on you as well as the impact you have on your environment.

Ways to Nourish Your Environmental Root at Dartmouth

• Walk or bike instead of driving when going short distances. Get help maintaining your bike.
• Bring your own reusable utensils, mugs, and cups.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle:
  • Moving? Consider donating to or buying from the Sustainable Moving Sale.
  • Check Dartlist (our own local Craig's List!) instead of buying new.
• Participate in groups and causes that support protecting and preserving the environment. Check out the student groups through the Office of Sustainability.

Financial Wellness is developing skills for managing resources as well as an understanding of the process of sustaining ourselves financially for the short- and long-term.

Ways to Nourish Your Financial Root at Dartmouth

• Go through the Transit Finances 101 module available for free for Dartmouth students.
• Use the resources of the Financial Aid Office to learn about your options.
• Check out the Dartmouth 4E Fund, which increases funds to cover costs associated with essentials, enrichment, experiences, and emergencies.
• Ensure your financial literacy so you're prepared to manage your finances now and in the future. Consider using online educational resources to improve your financial literacy.
• Make a budget and track spending regularly. Consider an online tool such as Mint or You Need a Budget.