Page 7 - Progress Report 2019 07-31-19

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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