The 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Eight key areas of our life

1. Social

Social Wellness Tips:

  • Making new friends: College can be a time of social exploration, but also nervousness when making new friends. A great tip is to find something in common with others. Don鈥檛 be afraid to say hi to someone new in a class, your dorm (if applicable) or even someone you see in the hall if you notice something in common (ie. merchandise from a show, musician, artist, or movie you like)
  • Schedule time dedicated to seeing those close to you each week
  • Talk about what鈥檚 happening in your life with those close to you, which we elaborate on more in the 鈥渆motional wellness鈥� sections
  • Spend time doing social activities that energize you, rather than deplete your energy
  • Don鈥檛 be afraid to set boundaries. If others鈥� social expectations for you are taking time away from the other important areas of wellness that you need to focus on, it is okay to say no!

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2. Emotional

Emotional Wellness Tips:

  • Regularly check-in with your feelings. This can be done through consistent journaling, speaking aloud to a recording, or as a quiet reflective practice. It is important to reflect on how things we experience impact our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
  • Celebrate all wins, no matter how small.
  • Practice . Often, we are our own worst critic, and taking time to be kind to ourselves, recognize our importance in connection with others, and mindfully engage with our emotions can greatly benefit us.
  • Practice , the practice of acknowledging what you鈥檙e feeling without judging the emotions or sensations as you鈥檙e experiencing them. Mindfulness is to improve mental, physical, and emotional health.
  • Practice gratitude each day. By intentionally reflecting on our experiences and the people around us that contribute to them, we can have a more positive outlook. Gratitude can be expressed for things as simple as the softness and warmth of a blanket or the smile from a stranger. Learn more about gratitude practices

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3. Spiritual

Spiritual Wellness Tips:

  • For some, religion can aid spiritual wellness, but one does not need to be religious to foster spiritual wellness
  • Intentionally reflect and consider what your values and beliefs are, and how you can live according to those beliefs
  • Explore activities and practices that give you a sense of purpose
  • Develop an awareness of others鈥� values and how they may be different than yours
  • Some strategies: prayer, yoga and meditation, spending quiet time in nature, and/or engaging in community service

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4. Intellectual

Intellectual Wellness Tips:

  • Maintain curiosity, especially outside of the classroom. Intentionally consider new skills or hobbies you are interested in pursuing.
  • Explore intellectually. If able, take a class outside of your planned major/minor to learn something new!
  • Find your learning style, and try to match studying to what helps you learn best. The University of Arkansas has a great guide .
  • Try.
  • Build time management skills, prioritizing tasks that are most important.

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5. Physical

Physical Wellness Tips:

  • Exercise regularly. The recommends adults have 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle strengthening activity. Exercise can also boost mood and energy levels through the release of endorphins!
  • Prioritize sleep. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and some young adults need more sleep. Ramapo鈥檚 National College Health Assessment showed over half of our student body sleep less than 7 hours each night. Consider these from the National Sleep Foundation.
  • Build , with three meals and 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Food insecurity can be an issue for college students, so please utilize the food pantry on campus for fresh food.
  • Sometimes those struggling with their mental health can have difficulties with personal hygiene. Setting up a routine can make it easier to complete care tasks such as laundry, showering, hair care, and brushing your teeth twice a day.
  • If making changes for your physical well-being, start with small goals. It is easier to make a change when you set yourself up for successful, and build overtime.

On-Campus:

Other Resources:

  • RCNJ Alerts (Regroup) App – for physical safety on campus, it functions as an emergency blue light system and a trusted friend with you at all times. Free for all RCNJ community members.
  • – free recreation classes for Bergen residents
  • – a tool to help you select less processed foods when grocery shopping.
  • – FREE for 4 years to the Ramapo Community by registering at the link provided (can use .edu or any other email address)

6. Environmental

Environmental Wellness Tips:

  • Spend time in environments that you find pleasant.
  • Dorm living:
    • actively talk with your roommate(s) about the care and keeping of your space, and each person鈥檚 standards for cleanliness.
    • Set up your room to be a place you like to be in, with decorations and lighting that are approved within the housing agreement.
    • Consider displaying photos of friends, family, and other loved ones to help with homesickness.
  • Interact with the outdoor environment regularly
  • Consider utilizing that help take care of our planet

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7. Financial

Financial Wellness Tips:

  • that allocates resources for food, housing, clothing, and fun/leisure.
  • Save excess money that is not already allocated in your budget for a later date or larger necessary purchase (rainy day fund, saving for a car, etc.)
  • Be intentional with purchases. For items that are not necessary for daily functioning, try to wait and see if you still want that item after a few days.
  • If you are experiencing financial stress or hardship, consider reaching out to resources below.

On-Campus:

Other Resources:

  • (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for College Students

8. Occupational

Occupational Wellness Tips:

  • Consider the elements of your work (as a student or a worker) that provide personal fulfillment
  • When applying for jobs, consider if the job will be both personally fulfilling AND financially rewarding
  • Create employment goals and take actions to reach them. For example, shadowing, participating in an internship, or entering a mentorship-relationship.
  • Consider the opportunities through Ramapo that can help you with your career trajectory and career goals
  • Intentionally strive for a balance between work and leisure

On-Campus:

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