Physical Wellness is practicing self-care in relation to movement, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep, as well as the prevention of injury and management of chronic health conditions.
Being physically well means more than being physically fit, in fact even if you are physically fit, it does not mean you are physically well. There needs to be a balance between physical activity levels and rest, proper nutrition, hydration and sleep. It means practicing safe sex, getting checkups regularly, and learning when your body might be in need of something and reaching out for help. UNO has resources to help you with all of these.
Why is Physical Wellness Important?
Maintaining our physical wellness helps us to better function in everyday life. It means that we can continue to function and perform our activities of daily life, such as walking, doing stairs, cleaning and doing yard work. While being physically active is a big part of this, addressing the other factors of physical wellness play a role too…going to the doctor, sleeping well, taking time to rest and recover, etc. These are pieces of the Physical Wellness puzzle that we should be balancing.
Self Check-In
- Do you exercise regularly?
- Do you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and feel rested in the morning?
- Do you stay hydrated and maintain healthy eating patterns that include fruits and vegatables?
- Do you protect yourself from STIs and unwanted pregnancy by engaging in safe sexual practices?
Tips to Improve Your Physical Wellness
- Move Your Body: Find ways to move that feel good to you and that you enjoy. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend moving to work towards 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity (75 minutes of high intensity movement). Variety is key to overall health and injury prevention.
- Get Enough Sleep: Everyone is different, but generally 7-9 hours is needed for proper recovery. Avoid caffeine late in the day and add in time to wind down before jumping into bed in order to have the best sleep quality possible.
- Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Get Outside.
- Rest your mind and your body.
Resources to support your journey
- RecWell provides a variety of spaces and programming to engage in physical activity!
- Two separate weight and cardio areas with different atmospheres depending on how stimulated you want to be.
- Five courts to play a variety of sports, such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, or indoor soccer.
- 200-meter indoor track.
- 2500 square feet of Climbing Wall and 1500 square feet of bouldering.
- 50-yard, 6-lane pool and hot tub.
- Massage.
- Fitness Programming.
- Heat, ice, injury prevention, evaluation, and treatment in our clinic.
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The Maverick Food Pantry serves a multitude of people in the Omaha Metro area including UNO staff and faculty. Interested in utilizing the pantry? Complete the Maverick Food Pantry form.
- Interested in learning more about the Maverick Food Pantry? Check out their webpage!