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 vegetables?
- 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
- Sometimes our health can lead to absences. When students miss class and have obtained a doctor’s note, The Accessibility Services Center will communicate with faculty that a valid medical absence occurred while protecting student privacy.
- 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.
- Opportunities to play Intramural or Club Sports.
- Massage.
- Fitness Programming.
- Heat, ice, injury prevention, evaluation, and treatment are available in our clinic.
- The UNO Care Team is a small group of staff and faculty who work to address concerns related to health and safety within our campus community. Care Team is here to support all Mavericks who are struggling with academics, life circumstances, or any other situation. We can help by listening, providing resources, talking through options, and getting students connected with others who can help. We also provide support to faculty and staff who are concerned about a student. Anyone can submit a referral to the UNO Care Team using the Care Team Reporting Form.
- The UNO Case Management Team oversees the Medical Withdrawals Committee and Process. The university is committed to supporting students who are experiencing a medical condition that interferes with their ability to successfully complete their academic work. The Medical Withdrawals Committee works with students to understand their options and to complete a medical withdrawal if necessary. You can read more about the policy on the Medical Withdrawals Campus Policy website or contact the Medical Withdrawals Committee at medicalwithdrawals@unomaha.edu.
- UNO strives to create a community where open, honest communication is the expectation, not the exception. UNO relies on you to speak up if you believe you have observed unethical, illegal, concerning, or suspicious behavior. Many of the university’s reporting options can be found on the MavsReport website.
- CAPS integrated physical wellness into treatment planning to help students create healthy balance in their lives. This includes goal making guided by students in session to implement physical activities in their lives.
- Being in the same building as Campus Recreation allows CAPS to walk students through the building to introduce students to what is available to them as far as physical wellness as well as ease anxiety about starting the process.
- Proper nourishment is fundamental to Physical Wellness, the Maverick Food Pantry provides non-perishable food items, individually packaged toiletries, and personal hygiene items. Interested in utilizing the Maverick Food Pantry? Order here!
- Project Achieve promotes Physical Wellness by partnering with campus and community resources to provide opportunities for our students.
- Recreation Activities in collaboration with Campus Recreation (Volleyball, Pickleball, Kickball and Badminton).
- Volunteering Activities (Habitat for Humanity).
- SLI promotes Physical Wellness by partnering with campus and community resources to provide and promote sexual health resources.