The Science of Well-being

Remember, that wellness is not a constant state; it’s normal to have ups and downs. Research has lessons for us in how to help ourselves experience wellness more often:

Pursue Purpose: Find activities that you’re passionate about. Set goals that help you make meaning and bring fulfillment.

Cultivate Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life to boost well-being, and tell people about them. Express your joy and thanks to those around you to strengthen social bonds and expand the reach of your positive reflections.

Build Strong Relationships: Invest time in building and maintaining relationships with friends and mentors. Deepen your connections by practicing active listening in conversations.

Be Mindful: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can reduce stress and increase well-being. Simply taking a pause every now and then to focus on the current moment can be immensely beneficial.

Give Back: Helping others not only creates more of a community of care, but it also can boost your own happiness and provide a sense of purpose. Even small gestures of kindness can make a big difference in your mood.

Nurture Resilience: Develop a growth mindset – “I can’t do that…yet.” You have the ability to learn and adapt in the face of hardship. Reflect. Learn. Adapt. And keep going.

Take Care of Your Physical Health: Prioritize getting enough sleep and movement – both can improve your mood. Eat yummy foods that nourish you. When your body feels good, your mind often follows.

Seek Help When Needed: Recognize signs of distress. If you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or other negative emotions, seek support. Visit care.unc.edu/resources to find the support option that will fit you best.

Use these strategies to enhance your and your community’s well-being – which will help you succeed and thrive while at Carolina.