Make your wellness a priority by joining SEVEN!
Wellness can be interpreted in a variety of measures, containing a multitude of different ideas, belief,s and activities. It’s common that we overlook the ways in which we can benefit our personal wellness and fall into the habit of prioritizing ourselves last among the accumulation of our daily responsibilities. However, SEVEN participants find that tracking activities in the name of a little friendly competition can go a long away.
As a program that comes free to all students, faculty, and staff of Illinois State University, the SEVEN Wellness Program encourages individuals to engage themselves in the Seven Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and vocational. These seven dimensions are key factors to achieving a balanced, healthy, and happy life. By recording activities that fall under the seven dimensions, individuals not only benefit their personal wellness but acquire points for the chance to win various prizes as well.
Our 2015-2016 SEVEN winners made personal wellness a priority along their quests for health.
Student winner: Blair Fernandez
Our 2015–2016 student winner, Blair Fernandez, is a sophomore legal studies major who is involved around campus. She serves as an InfoCentre receptionist, an Alternative Break trip leader, and a member of ISULeads and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Through her first year being involved with the SEVEN Program, Fernandez said SEVEN contributed to providing her with a broader sense of wellness. She acknowledged that maintaining personal wellness means much more than to simply “be in shape.” Even with a busy schedule, Fernandez makes time for wellness by setting aside two hours of the week to devote to herself.
Blair Fernandez
How does SEVEN help you on your road to wellness?
SEVEN has helped me realize that wellness stems further than just physical activity. It has helped me emphasize the other aspects of wellness, such as vocational and intellectual, on the road to wellness. I have taken many steps to improve my wellness in all the other areas just as much, if not more, than physical because of SEVEN.
What is your favorite thing about SEVEN?
SEVEN does not promote that in order to be healthy you must work out. It shows you the other aspects of your life that take a toll on your health. It shows that reaching wellness can come from other things and not just exercise, although exercise definitely helps a lot.
What is your favorite wellness activity, or the one you do most often, and why?
My favorite wellness activity is taking time for myself and reading a book. Being able to make time for myself is a huge proponent in being healthy. During this time, I am able to relax and reflect while doing something I love.
What advice can you share with someone to help them on their wellness journey?
Balancing out the areas of our lives will lead to a better, overall healthier, you. You need a balance between your school, work, and social lives. Definitely take time for yourself when you are able to work it into your schedule easier. Getting to know yourself now will help you on your journey to wellness.
Employee winner: Janet Caldwell
Serving as a Special Education academic advisor, our 2015–2016 Employee winner, Janet Caldwell, has participated in the SEVEN program since its inception in 2005. One of Caldwell’s favorite qualities about SEVEN is that it requires a categorization of activities into the seven dimensions of wellness, in turn allowing her to reflect on her daily life in a way she wouldn’t otherwise do.
As she is naturally more spiritually driven, Caldwell said she previously engaged with the spiritual dimension of wellness more than the others. Due to her involvement in the program, she has become more active in her daily routines and notes that she now earns just about as many points in the physical dimension as well.
Janet Caldwell
How does SEVEN help you on your road to wellness?
SEVEN has been an excellent way to be sure I maintain balance in my life. This has been especially important since I was suddenly widowed during the 2013–14 school year. SEVEN helped me to consciously make choices to continue to do things for my overall wellness even when my life and routines were drastically changed.
Has SEVEN helped you gain a more broad sense of wellness?
I can really see when I am neglecting a dimension. During busy times at work, it is easy for my emotional and social dimensions to be neglected. Entering the items will often prompt me to schedule time to keep up in those areas before I burn out.
How do you make time for wellness in your busy life?
Start early each morning and take advantage all that is available right here on campus! I do devotions and study every morning then swim three mornings a week and do a Wellness class two lunch hours during the week. Even during weekends, it works best to start in the early morning.
What advice can you share with someone to help them on their wellness journey?
Commit to 30 days of something. Chances are you will keep doing it.
Join SEVEN
Challenge yourself to make YOU a priority! SEVEN is a free program from Health Promotion and Wellness for students, faculty, and staff that focuses on the importance of the seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, environment, intellectual, physical,social, spiritual, and vocational. SEVEN runs from September to the end of April, and you can join at any time. Log your wellness activities to earn points toward monthly prize drawings. Participants also receive SEVEN newsletters and information on campus wellness events.
For more information, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu/Seven.
