The Wellness Wheel

A Holistic Approach

Semesterly Requirements
Active Programs Passive Programs

3 Community Builders each semester - 1 Welcome Board -

Completed during the first six weeks, focused on Stays up for the entire semester. Outlines basic
bringing residents together and building info, like where the RAs live and who they are
connections

3 Wellness Programs each semester - 4 Bulletin Boards -

Must fall into a wellness category. Typically 2 RAs Completed monthly, each board should focus on
or featuring an outside presenter. one area of wellness. Closing boards provided.

(LC ONLY) 1 Faculty Led Seminar - Other -

Once per semester LC RAs need to organize 1 Occasionally a newsletter, blog, or video to share
faculty member to present on any topic in the hall important information with residents

Wellness Categories

Emotional:
The emotional dimension recognizes awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings.
Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about
oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one’s feelings and ability to cope effectively
with stress.

Examples: Invite ECAPS to discuss coping with anxiety/depression, stress-ball making

night, stress relief night with kinetic sand/playdough/finger paint, collaborate with
ECAPS/CHW on emotional eating and comfort foods, Emotional Intelligence strategies,
Dealing with homesickness, invite therapy dogs.

Global/Cultural:
The global/cultural dimension recognizes appreciation of racial, ethnic, cultural, and
lifestyle differences. Development in this dimension includes seeking opportunities to
understand and appreciate the differences and similarities between people. This is
accomplished through observation and interaction with others different from oneself, as well as
experiencing awareness through the arts.

Examples: biracial identity, co sponsor a program with a cultural group, host a cultural
movie and discussion, Islamophobia in America, attend a cultural festival in Boston, help
raise awareness for a campaign that supports a group/region, host a support group with
 ECAPS to support students affected by current events (tragedy, natural disaster),
Collaborate with Tamia Jordan -Director of Intercultural Student Affairs to brainstorm
programming ideas.

Intellectual:
The intellectual dimension recognizes one’s creative, stimulating mental activities. A
well person expands their knowledge and skills while discovering the potential for sharing their
gifts with others. As you develop your intellectual curiosity, you’ll actively strive to expand and
challenge your mind with creative endeavors.

Examples: study skills BINGO with the Writing and Academic Resource Center (WARC), a
trip to the Film and Media Art (MFA), Trivia Night, organize study groups, SUDOKU team
challenge, instructional paint night, Museum of Science trip.

Occupational:
The occupational dimension recognizes personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s
life through work. Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you’ll contribute your
unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is both personally meaningful and rewarding.

Examples: invite Career Services to discuss how to prepare for an internship fair, resume
building, interview skills, networking skills, tips for an effective job search, host a speaker
from a specific “industry” such as film or theater, career strengths assessment and
discussion.

Physical:
The physical dimension recognizes that a healthy body is maintained through nutrition,
regular exercise, avoidance of harmful habits, informed decisions about health, and seeking
medical assistance when necessary.

Examples: Organize a group trip to the fitness center, invite the nutritionist to your floor,
invite ECPD for a beer-goggle video game tournament, take a brisk walk through the
public garden, do a workout DVD in the common room, dodgeball tournament, create a
floor team for an Emerson athletic event.

Social/Relationships:
The social dimension encourages developing one’s relationships with others. Knowing
who you are and learning how to positively connect with others such as: friends,
room/suitemates, family members, loved ones and community members.
 Examples: Consent, New Roommate Game, Speed Friending, Invite Violence and
Prevention Resources (VPR) to discuss healthy dating tips, how to support someone in an
abusive relationship, invite career services for a personality assessment, techniques for
group projects.

Spiritual:
The spiritual dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in human
existence. It includes the development and appreciation for the expanse and depth of life and
natural forces that exist in the universe.

Examples: Guided meditation, group meditation in the public garden, nature walk,
collaborate with ECAPS and/or Harrison Blum - Director of Religious and Spiritual Life &
Campus Chaplain for relaxation and mindfulness techniques, Yoga DVD/Class at the
fitness center, Service project.