Health and Wellness Connection

Are you healthy?

I mean, not just broccoli-eating, RecCen-using healthy . . . I’m talking about being in balance healthy.

Imagine people saying, “You’re so healthy” when you:

• discuss the Daily Nexus’ Opinions page
• donate $3.00 to Relay for Life
• go to the art museum

You are making choices to improve your physical, mental and social health. Being healthy is more than just being “healthy.” Health is optimized when you thrive. And the new word for thriving is wellness.

THE WELLNESS PROGRAM

I asked the Wellness Guy, Mark Shishim, M.A., for two things he wanted Gauchos to know about the wellness program.

One: Go to the website, http://wellness.sa.ucsb.edu, and find fun stuff to do. There are over 80 campus calendars in one place, updated every day. One stop shopping for fun. The calendar is literally called the ‘Fun Stuff to Do’ button. There are weekly opportunities to increase your physical, mental, and social wellness.

Two: There is a lot of research that people who are optimistic / positive thrive in this world. Your attitude affects your health. Chronic stress lowers your immune response and increases your heart rate. Being positive increases immune competence, helps us stay healthy, and when we do get sick, heal faster. A positive attitude reduces your risk for cardiovascular problems.

But what if I’m not naturally positive, Wellness Guy?

“Meaningful activity,” he says. Get involved in something that you care or are curious about. The more extracurricular activities you engage in to balance out your academic goals, the more you will enjoy your college experience. AND, you will get better grades. So, get involved in things you are curious about.

THE WELLNESS INTERNS

The Wellness Interns are a campus club whose mission is to engage your curiosity and help you thrive. Starting on October 11, the Wellness Interns will be leading weekend field trips every Saturday for Gauchos to stimulate their physical, mental and social health. Local hikes, art museums and tree planting are just a few of the free field trips offered.

Also look for the “Wellness Yellow Arrows” around campus. When you see one, you know that there is a wellness event happening nearby. Those signs are visual reminders that daily opportunities for you to thrive are here.

Wellness tip for the week: Money does not make people happy, but giving it away (even small amounts) has been proven to make people happier.

If you are interested in becoming a Wellness Intern there will be a training class offered winter quarter. Enrollment will be by instructor approval. Contact mark.shishim@sa.ucsb.edu for more information.

Michael Takahara is a health educator at Student Health. Post comments, suggestions, questions or your wellness tips here or email Michael.takahara@sa.ucsb.edu.

3 Responses to “Health and Wellness Connection”

1. AJ says:

   October 21, 2008 at 12:16 pm

   I’m a pretty positive guy, but I constantly worry about every little thing possible in my life. I’ve always been told I’m a major “worry wart,” Can that lead to health problems for me?
2. Ashley says:

   October 21, 2008 at 8:32 pm

   As a constant “worry wart” myself, I have learned that I need to create balance in my life. I used to think that if I took breaks from studying to go to the beach or watch a movie or go to an event on campus, that I would be wasting too much time. For me, however, I need this time away from the books in order to clear my head and enjoy life in SB. I take short breaks and then get back to studying with a more positive, and healthier, attitude. It is all about time-management…leave enough time for school, while still maintaining a well-balanced life. The best thing I did in college, was get involved. As a member of organizations and internships, I am able to participate in things that I love to do, which has allowed me to focus better on school because I feel I always have something to work towards!!
3. thehealthguy says:

   October 22, 2008 at 1:35 pm

   Thank you AJ for your comment and question.

   Worrying and stress go hand in hand. Not all stress is bad. Stress often motivates us to get things done. But if we never have a break from what’s stressing us out, also called chronic stress, it can lead to feeling depressed, overwhelmed, out of control, etc.

   In chronic stress the body is constantly in fight or flight mode – preparing to physically run away or beat up something to survive. Our bodies don’t want to be in the survivor mode all the time, which lowers your immune system that can lead to getting sick.

   But I’m not a doctor, and chances are, neither are you. So don’t make the mistake of self-diagnosing. If you think you may need help with worrying, seek professional advice before you try to treat yourself. There are several resources on campus tailored to help people cope with stress:

   UCSB Stress Management Directory (It is a word document):
   http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/UCSBStressServicesDirectory.doc

   You will see different resources for massage, medically related stress, meditation, relaxation, sleep issues, stress counseling, test anxiety, time management, and the wellness program.

   College is one of the most stressful times of life. There are so many different life changes that happen here. It is completely normal to feel stressed out at times. But, if you are feeling overwhelmed or feel like you are sinking, please reach out to some of the services above or come into Student Health same-day appointment clinic to talk with someone right away.

   Peace, maka