Staff Editorial:
Oct. 14, 2021
The topic of health and wellness has been at the forefront of everyone’s lives since March 2020.
After over a year of hybrid Zoom education, students at Duquesne are now thrown back into a full gamut of in-person classes. With that, we try to balance jobs, internships, extracurricular activities, homework, social lives and our personal lives.
Not to mention — there’s still a pandemic going on.
And it’s hard and it’s stressful.
Roger Williams University in Rhode Island claims five dimensions of personal health: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual. To be considered “well,” none of these areas can be neglected.
Take time to exercise and eat healthy. Taking care of your body physically can do wonders for your mental health. Feeling good physically can help you be well emotionally, socially, spiritually and intellectually.
At Duquesne, this can include the Power Center, the numerous biking and running trails that you can closely access from campus and health dining options at Freshens, Hogan and the Incline.
Talk to a friend or family member that you trust when problems arise. Listen to some music that you enjoy. Seek professional help when needed. These techniques help to achieve positive emotional health.
Get involved! From playing chess to drawing chalk, there are many clubs and organizations that you can participate in at Duquesne. Become involved in something you’re passionate about: you may make strong friendships through it.
It’s OK to take a short break from schoolwork — relax and enjoy a night with friends or family doing an activity that you enjoy. Having a healthy balance between school and academics can help you achieve this positive social health.
If you have a religion/belief system, study and practice it. Finding a quiet place for self-reflection can help boost your health spiritually. At Duquesne, this can include Spiritan Campus Ministry and the Department of Wellbeing on campus.
Intellectually, stay prioritized, organized and seek help if you need it in your classes. Go to a professor’s office hours — they are there to help, and will most likely appreciate the effort! Tutoring programs exist in almost all majors at Duquesne.
With midterm exams this week, most students are feeling overwhelmed, swamped, alone and burned out. There are people in your life that value your presence, recognize your self-worth and appreciate the qualities you bring to the table. Continue doing the best you can.
