Students self-care and wellbeing might not be a top priority, but Carrie Karkoska gave some advice on how to keep a healthy balance in your life.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Karkoska focused on the seven dimensions of wellbeing and how someone can improve each one.
"People like to read about this in magazines, but not have a true discussion," Karkoska said.
Karkoska spoke on the importance of sleep for college students.
"College kids are terrible at getting sleep," Karkoska said. "It is not a priority."
According to Karkoska, building a supportive social network is a major part of social wellness, with establishing and maintaining those relationships for when you face challenges.
"Misery loves miserable company," Karkoska said. "Some friends don't want to hear what is good in your life. They just want to hear the bad things."
According to Karkoska, een though one person can't make a major impact environmentally, it is important that you focus on what you can do.
"It is about identifying the small things that you can change," Karkoska said.
When it comes to emotions, Karkoska said that it isn't a bad thing to feel angry.
"Sometime it is warranted," Karkoska said. "However, screaming at someone across the room from you is rarely productive."
Introducing the S.T.O.P. procedure, Karkoska said, when in a stressful situation, to stop what you are doing, take a deep breath, observe your situation and then proceed.
"It's really hard for someone to work through their emotions when they are pushing them away," Karkoska said. "Stress is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but you don't go anywhere."
Karkoska also said that, while spiritual health does not necessarily have to be religious, it is more about recognizing that your life has a higher meaning.
"Your spiritual wellness is not innate," Karkoska said. "It is something you have to work for."
According to Karkoska, challenging yourself can also be healthy, and can advance your intellectual wellness.
"It is when you take on a challenge that you are going to learn the most about yourself," Karkoska said.
In closing, Karkoska spoke about achieving that balance between your career and your life.
"Establishing life balance is one of the hardest things you do," Karkoska said. "Just because you love your job doesn't mean it should be your life."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
