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About Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing

Explore the meaning behind wellbeing and wellness and key qualities, conditions and mindsets.

Wellbeing & Wellness
Wellbeing Qualities, Conditions and Mindsets

What is Wellbeing?

Wellbeing is an all-encompassing view of health and wellness that considers the whole person- mind, body, spirit, and the world we live in-rather than focusing only on physical health or the absence of illness. It is about creating a life that feels good from the inside out by engaging mental and physical health resources and pursuing the eight dimensions of Healthy Hawks. Who you are, how you experience and respond to life challenges and your overall sense of fulfillment in life connect to your wellbeing. Honing it can help you feel satisfied, give your life purpose, form social connections and lead you to flourish and grow.

 

What is Wellness?

Wellness is an individualized, action-based approach to feeling good, preventing illness and optimizing physical and mental function. It is a piece of the wellbeing puzzle.

 

How do Wellness and Wellbeing interact?

Finding the right balance of wellness and pursuing the eight dimensions of Healthy Hawks will lead you to wellbeing.  

Explore the 8 Dimensions of Healthy Hawks.

  • Resilience - The capacity to recover from stress, setbacks, or adversity by adapting positively to challenges and growing from them. Being resilient protects emotional and mental wellbeing, strengthens long-term health and promotes perseverance and a growth mindset. 
  • Gratitude - A mindset of appreciation, wonder and thankfulness for all things big and small. Gratitude fosters positive emotions, strengthens relationships, reduces stress and promotes life satisfaction. 
  • Joy – A deeper sense of happiness, delight and positive emotion sparked by meaningful moments or simple pleasures in experiences, connections or accomplishments. 
  • Balance - Maintaining harmony among different parts of life, such as: work, school, rest, relationships, self-care and personal growth. Balance prevents burnout and contributes to sustainable wellbeing. 
  • Savoring – Pausing to appreciate and fully enjoy small everyday moments and experiences. 
  • Purpose – A sense of direction, meaning, and alignment with your values and long-term goals. Striving to find purpose fuels motivation and persistence 
  • Mindfulness - The practice of being present and aware without judgment. It supports emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and enhances clarity. 
  • Social Connection – Creating and maintaining positive relationships provides support, belonging, and meaning, protecting against loneliness and poor health outcomes. 
  • Self-Compassion - Treating oneself with kindness during difficulty, rather than harsh self-criticism. Being compassionate with yourself supports resilience, emotional health, and personal growth. 
  • Growth Mindset - The belief and understanding that abilities and intelligence can develop with effort. It nurtures intellectual wellbeing, fosters motivation, and reduces fear of failure. 
  • Autonomy - Having control over choices and direction in life. Autonomy underpins motivation, self-efficacy, and personal fulfillment—essential to psychological and occupational wellbeing. 
  • Thriving - Thriving emphasizes not just surviving but growing, developing, and excelling in life. It reflects momentum and vitality across wellbeing dimensions. 
  • Flourishing - A state of optimal wellbeing where people experience meaning, positive relationships, engagement, accomplishment, and vitality. 

Contact Us

Office of Student Wellbeing

Hours:
Monday-Friday:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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