As university students, we tend to lose track of what we need and instead substitute for what needs us. While trying to get that paper in by midnight, attend our two friend’s birthday dinners (who inconveniently scheduled them in the same week), study for our quiz, and attend our weekly hour-long club meetings–-while wondering why we signed up–-we lose sight of what our body, soul, and mind need in order for us to exist as our best and most flourishing selves. As university students, we get caught up in life. We forget to take care of the most important and dearest person to our heart: ourselves. In the midst of a mid-term break down, I was given this important advice: If we want to prosper, remain fulfilled, and cultivate our growth, we must meet our core requirements first and foremost.
- We must maintain our mental health. We can start by expressing our emotions and allowing ourselves to feel what we feel.
- We must maintain our physical health. We can start by exercising regularly, keeping a clean diet, and preserving healthy habits.
- We must maintain our social health. We can start this by fostering healthy relationships with our friends, families, and loved ones.
Next time we begin to feel overwhelmed, take a step back. Are we allowing our body, soul, and mind to flourish?
Need more help? Wellness advising is available in Brock Hall and the First Nations Longhouse as well as an assortment of other options. Learn more here:
https://students.ubc.ca/health-wellness/mental-health-support-counselling-services
Written By Alexa Lizotte
Agota, K. (2013, October). Health, stress, well-being and positive affectivity. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263505081_Health_stress_well-being_and_positive_affectivity.