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Welcome to the UNM HSC Wellness Portal

Elements of Wellness

What does wellness mean to you? Wellness is more than being free from illness. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth. There are many interrelated elements of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, environmental, and occupational. Wellness is ongoing, not something you attain and check off your to-do list. Each element contributes to your sense of wellness. Here is a brief description of the seven elements.

• Emotional Wellness relates to understanding your feelings and coping effectively with stress.
• Environmental Wellness encourages you to respect the delicate balance between the environment and ourselves.
• Intellectual Wellness involves having an open mind when you encounter new ideas and continuing to expand your knowledge.
• Occupational Wellness is about enjoying your occupational endeavors and appreciating your contributions.
• Physical Wellness relates to maintaining a healthy body and seeking care when needed.
• Social Wellness helps you perform social roles effectively and comfortably, and create a support network.
• Spiritual Wellness allows you to develop a set of values that help you seek meaning and purpose.

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What is Wellness?

Wellness is a positive approach to living - an approach that emphasizes the whole person. It is the integration of the body, mind, and spirit; and the appreciation that everything you do, think, feel, and believe has an impact on your state of health.

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."     ~World Health Organization, 1948

    The best six doctors anywhere
    And no one can deny it
    Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
    Exercise and diet.
    These six will gladly you attend
    If only you are willing
    Your mind they'll ease
    Your will they'll mend
    And charge you not a shilling.
     ~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

About the Wellness Portal

The UNM HSC Wellness Community Portal is a project of the HSC Wellness Committee whose mission is to provide integrated programs and resources that promote quality of life and foster a culture of health, well being and balance. Initial funding for the Portal was provided by HSC Administrative Offices.