When most people think about wellness, they picture treadmills, weights, and workout playlists. However, true wellness spans far beyond the gym. Wellness is how we nourish our bodies, calm our minds, and move in ways that we can enjoy—even while balancing classes and homework.
At school, it’s easy to get caught up in a routine of a long schedule and even longer study sessions. For many students, wellness feels like a waste of time; however, small choices can make a major difference in how we feel and perform.
Food Wellness
Food wellness is one of the simplest yet most overlooked forms of self-care. It’s not about dieting or calorie counting, but about fueling your body in ways to support your energy, as well as your mood and focus.
According to Christopher Lowry, associate professor of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder, dietary patterns correlate with mental health in adolescents.
“Diet and nutrition are one of the main factors that influence mental-health outcomes,” Lowry said. “I don’t think people have really processed how fundamentally important it is.”
Studies show that diets high in energy-dense food and snacks correlate with more mental health problems than nutrient-rich diets. What students eat affects not just their physical energy, but also their brain development, mood, and long-term mental wellness.
Mind Wellness
Mind wellness matters just as much. Between social pressure and extracurriculars, mental rest is hard to find. Students that mindfulness, even in small moments, makes a big difference. The key here, like many other things, is consistency and self-awareness. Noticing when you need a break and experimenting with different tactics that work for you is all that you need to succeed.
“Balancing mental health is so important for students,” said senior Kayden Prieto. “Students have so much going on in their lives right now that taking time to slow down and check in with themselves is being forgotten.”
Mental health is a major issue for teens. The adolescent years are a prime window where many disorders begin to show up, making it important to develop wellness habits early. Creating time to take a deep breath, pause, and reflect can be as simple as journaling, going on a walk, reading, or stepping away from your phone. It’s about giving your mind a chance to recharge instead of constantly running on stress and pressure.
Body Wellness
Body wellness is about moving in ways that feel enjoyable and sustainable. For students, it can be as simple as walking, engaging in sports, taking yoga classes, or even stretching. Sports provide structure to stay active, whereas more informal activities, such as hiking or going for a run, are more recreational. Even small bursts of movement throughout the day can improve circulation, posture, and energy levels.
Regular movement has benefits beyond the physician: It can improve mood, increase focus, and reduce stress through stimulation of blood flow and the release of natural endorphins, which improve overall mood. Being able to pair physical activity as well as mindfulness and proper nutrients will strengthen your body holistically, making it easier to manage the school day as well as other activities.
The key to body wellness is consistency and balance, not intensity. Incorporating movement into daily routines and choosing activities that you enjoy to build long-term health habits. When students prioritize body wellness, not only are they staying fit, but they also boost their overall sense of being and happiness.
Senior Kacey Goodman enjoys spending her time at Toned Yoga.
“Any kind of movement is an immediate boost to my mental and physical health,” said Goodman. “Whether it’s pilates, tone, HIIT, or even a flow class, I feel so much better afterwards.”
Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. To your body, your mind, and your life. When we listen to what our bodies and minds need, we find balance and peace within ourselves. Whether it is eating a real breakfast, putting your phone down for a little while, or taking a breath of fresh air, every small choice adds up.
When we care for all parts of ourselves, we don’t just live better, but we feel better. No gym membership required.
