BALANCE
During the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Youth & Elders Gathering on Health Transformation held in 2018, the youth delegates were asked about the concept of wellness and being balanced. The chart below breaks it down into the 4 states of wellness and explains:
States Of Wellness
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Physical Wellness
- Being fit, exercising
- Taking care of your body
- Treating your illness, helping your immune system
- Healthy environment
- A clean home, mould free
- Exercising, healthy eating habits
-
Emotional Wellness
- Dealing with issues, coping with trauma
- Accepting things you cannot change
- Being at peace with yourself
- Talking with others, communicating feelings
-
Mental Wellness
- Being content, doing things that make you happy
- Positive environment, surrounding yourself with good energy
- Learning to deal with stress, coping skills
- Meditating
- Abstain from substances
- Thinking positive thoughts
- Get help with mental issues
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Spiritual Wellness
- Learning medicines
- Ceremonies – practicing and bringing them back
- Keeping in touch with Elders
- Praying
- Connecting with the land and animals
Learning to manage your new independence and responsibilities can be challenging.
- You are responsible for your own safety.
- Take part in group activities at your school or in the community. You can benefit from taking part in activities outside of the classroom. This can help you meet new people and be part of the community. There are many opportunities to join sports teams, clubs, and cultural activities. These can all contribute to your physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. To find these opportunities, you can visit the school’s website and social media outlets.
- Many colleges and universities hold special events through Indigenous Student Services. Visit them for information and dates. (They can often use volunteers.)
- Universities Canada has information about supports and services specifically for Indigenous students. Indigenous Programs and Services Directory
Rutgers University has 101 Health and Wellness Tips for College Students. These include suggestions for Diet, Exercise and Sleep, as well as Sexual Health, Illness, Stress, Mental Health and a few other ideas to keep you active and well. Visit their website at:
Rutgers University Student Wellness Center
Wholistic well-being to me is when I strive for balance in all aspects of myself. For myself, the most influential factor that ensured my own well-being when transitioning to post-secondary was finding community within my college and building support systems that would help in my overall success throughout my time in my program.
Mackenzie Young, Mattagami First Nation
Northern College Graduate – Social Services Program