Definition of Wellness
Wellness is a positive approach to living. It is the active process of becoming aware and making choices toward a healthier, happier and fulfilling Stanford experience.
Wellness is positive and affirming, encompassing physical, mental and spiritual well-being, for self, for others and for the environment.
Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is more than being free from illness. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth. There are many interrelated dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, environmental, and life meaning. Each dimension is equally vital in the pursuit of optimum health.
Vaden and other campus wellness resources offer students the opportunity to engage in activities that encourage them to be:
- BALANCED: Giving the intellectual, physical, mental, and social dimensions of one’s life significant attention has clear health and academic benefits.
- PROACTIVE: Intentional purposeful activities are well documented to be the most promising determinant of long-term success and happiness.
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POSITIVE: Educational programs that teach the “how” of wellness via three core elements:
- Pleasures: Increase well-being by engaging in and savoring positive experiences.
- Engagement : Use one’s strengths to pursue “flow” activities that often result in heightened states of awareness, confidence and performance.
- Meaning: Meaning is deeply personal. Purpose and meaning emerge from personal commitments to make a positive difference such as pursuing constructive goals, joining others in community contribution, and compassionate action.
Wellness and Health Promotion Services offers research-based courses, workshops, coaching and related programs so that undergraduate and graduate students can pursue an engaging fulfilling, successful and meaningful Stanford learning experience.
