Wheel of Wellbeing - A guide to conquering the demands of life!
STUDENT INTERVIEWS
By Jess Nikolovski
As a third-year Advanced Science student (with Neuroscience and Psychology majors), I still sometimes feel overwhelmed by the demands of studying, working, socialising... and all the things in between. I often neglect that my health is more than just how I treat my body. It is important to remember that well-being and looking around ourselves is part of the small and big tweaks that we make that, over-time, become habits we embed in our daily lives. Seems a bit overwhelming? Well... let’s break it down a bit according to the framework of the Wheel of Wellbeing!
Body
One of the most recognised facets of looking after our well-being is that of caring for our body. We know that physical activity often makes us sweat, but it has so many more benefits! Exercise releases ‘feel good’ hormones that can pick up our mood, help us to feel energised and clear our mind, too. Some of my favourites include cultural dancing, hiking and weightlifting. These are implemented at least 4 times per week. However, daily walks for at least 30 minutes will also help you to get the recommended levels of physical activity and improve your cardiovascular health as well!
People
My favourite tip that has helped me give me perspective is remembering the power of people. Those around us can help us to not only have fun. Our family and friends can help us to navigate challenges in our lives and can be great sources of advice. I love to connect to people I love through catching up for walks, cooking together, and even just sending relatable memes that make me think of them. Having a circle of people that we trust can help us to feel safe, respected, and valued!
Place
When I find myself worrying and there seems to be no resolution or end to the way I feel, it is important to turn to nature. Switching off technology, putting my dog on a leash and sitting outside at my local park helps me to feel connected to the beauty of the natural world. It is a wonderful way to de-stress and get in some fresh air!
Planet
Coinciding with ‘Place’ is the Planet. Often it can feel overwhelming to singlehandedly try and save the world we live in. But, I want to encourage you to think of all the small changes that you make that can accumulate over time. Turning off all your devices off standby mode at night, turning off the water when brushing your teeth and having shorter showers all contribute to caring for our planet.
Spirit
Often neglected is the power of giving to others. In our busy lives, it is important to take a pause and consider how to show our love and care for other people. Random acts of kindness, helping a family member cook dinner and donating our time to a cause we are passionate about are things I love to do. Even a simple ‘thank you’ when we appreciate what someone does for us are ways to help us to connect us to our Spirit. These kind acts make us feel good, reduce our blood pressure and even help us to sleep better!
Mind
At Student Minds at UNSW, we are particularly passionate about this one! Focusing on how we think and reframing our thoughts is sometimes a daunting task. But, I find dedicating myself to a task that stimulates my mind can help me to explore how I feel through a creative medium. My hobbies over the past year have been painting and refurbishing old household items into new, decorative pieces. To really test my brain power, Sudoku has really done the trick for me, too.
Final advice
I hope that this article is the start of breaking down the sometimes overwhelming buzzword of ‘Well-being’. Always remember that how we feel can often change, but, looking after ourselves is more than just exercising and eating healthy foods. It is about the wider world around us and the social environment in which we live in. If you ever feel worried or need someone to talk to, there is always so much help available. Though University is a daunting prospect (well it was for me!) you will be surrounded by so many lovely people that are willing to help you. You will most certainly find your place where you feel as though you belong.