The ways in which we think, and talk, about health and wellness have broadened to focus beyond just our physical health. These discussions now encompass our mental and emotional, professional, financial, and spiritual health, to name a few.

Broadly defined, spiritual health comes from a sense of connection to something greater, such as something divine, your world, or simply a sense of purpose. When thinking about tending to one's spiritual health, engaging in religious practices may be a natural first thought. While leaning into one's religious and/or spiritual beliefs is helpful to some, there are many other ways to tend to, and nurture, one's spiritual health that do not necessarily align with any specific religious belief systems or practices. Let’s explore some ways to attend to spiritual health that you can engage in.

 

Connecting with nature: One way to tend to your spiritual health is by finding ways to feel connected with the world around you. Try using a variety of your senses to notice things around you, such as smelling flowers, watching clouds in the sky, or feeling the wind on your face. These things can help you to connect with your world in the present moment. Being aware of the present moment, rather than being focused on the past or future, is known as mindfulness. There are some campus resources that can help you connect with nature, too. Take a walk in Christy Woods, an outdoor nature space on campus or, if you’re looking for something indoors, take a stroll through the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse.
 

Volunteer work: Another way of connecting with your world is by contributing to it. Volunteer work not only gives opportunities to make social connections in your community, but also gives you the chance to engage with your values and act in accordance to them. This can help you with meaning-making in your life, and finding a sense of purpose and identity. Helping others in ways that are important to you also gives a sense of satisfaction and warmth. If you would like to know what volunteer opportunities are available to you in the community, you can visit Student Voluntary Services.
 

Yoga: While yoga does include a physical component, it is more than just exercise. For example, yoga often helps teach breathing techniques. It can help you learn mindfulness, and connect with how you feel both physically and mentally. It has a rich history as well, so you may learn something new in yoga. There are different approaches to yoga that have different goals, so there is likely a type of yoga that suits you. If you have any concerns about introducing yoga into your daily routine, don't hesitate to consult with a medical professional beforehand. If you’re ready to give it a try, the Rec Center offers yoga classes on campus and the Healthy Lifestyle Center offers free yoga classes in the community.

This month, think about what strategies may be a good fit for you to tend to your own spiritual health and wellness.