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THE ROAD TO WELLNESS
Given the connection between stressors, behavioural responses to stress
and mental health, the Hallman Mental Health Project endeavoured to create a
framework that would support students in caring for themselves and in
developing resiliency while in stressful situations.
This section will briefly discuss the importance of aspects of self-care.
These aspects were adopted by the project, becoming the “Five Pillars” of student
wellness. These pillars became the foundation of marketing material, student
events, and instructional resources. The Five Pillars of wellness include
mindfulness, sleep, exercise, socializing, and nutrition.
Though these pillars may appear to be straightforward, each pillar
represents a step towards a health lifestyle and enhanced overall student
wellness. Sadly, unhealthy lifestyles are present in most higher education student
populations which may trigger mental health problems (Moses, Bradley, &
O’Callaghan, 2016). This can have a great impact on student well-being,
resiliency, and ultimately being successful in their studies. Self-care behaviours
established in emerging adulthood can provide a foundation for long-term health
(Viner & Baker, 2005). These behaviours include practicing mindfulness, ensuring
healthy sleeping patterns, engaging in regular exercise, making time for
socializing, and embracing healthy eating habits. Self-care requires personal
initiative; students must become aware of their self-care needs and must initiate
strategies for meeting these needs (Turner, et al., 2005).
These five areas of self-care were consolidated into a bookmark. This
bookmark was handed out to students by their faculty members. The intention of
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