The spiritual element of wellness can be the most personal piece of the puzzle when trying to place all seven dimensions of wellness together. Generally, people like to live a life with meaning and purpose. When these goals are met, it puts harmony in one’s life, and the others they surround themselves with.
So, what can you do to improve your spiritual wellness? It’s best to figure out what techniques work for you. Since spiritual wellness involves one’s values, beliefs, and purpose, it can be achieved in several ways—both physically and mentally.
1. Actively practice gratitude.
- Send three thank you text messages per month.
- Write three social media thank you messages per month.
- Write a handwritten thank you note to a co-worker or friend once per month.
2. Meditate. Taking just five minutes a day to sit quietly and make contact with our deepest selves can have a profound effect on our outlook. Many people are intimidated by the idea of sitting quietly and concentrating on nothing, but it’s important not to take meditation so seriously. If we sit quietly in a restful position, take repeated deep and relaxing breaths, and simply focus on not thinking about any one thing in particular, we’ll be able to get beyond our daily worries to a place of peace and calm.
3. Practice being in the moment. Memories of the past and worries over the future often distract us from our spiritual journey. So how can we get into the present moment when thoughts of the past and future are so persistent? Mindful eating can often do the trick. As we eat, we can focus on the taste, the aroma, and the texture of the food. If you’re interested in mindfulness, our office provides Mindfulness classes.
4. Explore different spiritual traditions. Learning more about different walks of faith can open our eyes to our connectedness with every person on the planet. Most religious and spiritual traditions agree on the fundamental principles of love, compassion, kindness and responsibility. Looking at spiritual issues from an inclusive, curious perspective can even help us to deepen our own sense of meaning within our existing spiritual practices.
5. Travel. It’s true! Taking time for yourself to travel to a comforting place or somewhere new can do wonders for your mind. When you are at a place where your mind can keep out distractions and help you reflect and rest, you will have a better connection with yourself. This allows you to weed out stressors and set your mind on the right path for overall wellness. Some activities to take part in when on a trip can be exercising, speaking with a counselor or advisor, meditating, or taking a temporary vow of silence.
6. Be helpful. If you can do something to improve or advance a relationship—whether it is with a neighbor, spouse or stranger walking down the street—then follow your heart and be helpful. If you can be open to sharing some of your time that will support another in his journey, then the result is you’re feeling a sense of pride and love. Both of these feed your soul and your spirit.
Additional resources:
Campus Religious Center
Dean of Students Office: Get involved!
Fitness classes available from Campus Recreation
Identifying core values
Learn how to meditate
Lifestyle Enhancement program from Health Promotion and Wellness
Massage available on campus through Health Promotion and Wellness
