Wellness Wednesday:  Find Your Wellness Niche — Tailoring Campus Resources To Your Needs 

With classes, assignments and other commitments pulling us in different directions, finding time to recharge our physical and mental health is essential. That’s where carving our wellness niche comes in – a personalized combination of activities and resources that align with our interests, needs, and goals.

We hope you use this blog as a guide to discover at least one tool or resource to adopt into your daily routine by the end of the semester. Whether you are looking for stress relief, creative outlets or ways to stay active, NC State University offers many opportunities to help you thrive.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs 

To create your wellness niche, it’s important to first understand where you might be feeling out of balance. Pause for a moment and ask yourself: “What am I lacking right now? Where do I feel drained, and what might help refill my energy or bring me joy?” Sometimes, it’s physical exhaustion that weighs us down. Other times, it’s mental fatigue or feelings of disconnection from others. 

Each area deserves attention, and recognizing these needs is the first step towards addressing them. The key is to listen to your body and mind, acknowledge what they are asking for and explore the resources available to meet those needs.

Step 2: Discover What Energizes You

Once you have identified your needs, the next step is to uncover what brings you joy and fulfillment. Wellness looks different for everyone. Take a moment and ask yourself: “What is something that makes me feel good?” Maybe you feel refreshed after being with nature, or perhaps doing something creative. Recognizing what recharges you can be the key to sustaining your well-being. 

For nature enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventures through Wellness and Recreation offers semesterly trips such as group hiking, kayaking and camping. Spending time in nature is not just about rejuvenating – it’s also a great way to reduce stress and improve focus. Taking advantage of time spent in nature, known as “green time” can help reduce the warning signs of stress too like anxiety, irritability or sleeplessness. 

If creative expression energizes you, the Crafts Center at NC State is a treasure trove of opportunities. Whether it’s learning pottery, woodworking, or even glassblowing, workshops give you the chance to try something new while cultivating mindfulness and relaxation. You can even support Student-Made crafts that uplift creative small businesses.  

Exploration does not have to be a solo journey either. Engage with free and low-cost campus resources and connect with like-minded peers so that you can stay motivated and inspired. In fact, you might discover a passion you did not even know you had or uncover a hidden talent that brings you immense satisfaction.

Step 3: Embrace a Holistic Approach

Find opportunities that prioritize all six elements of wellness: social, emotional, physical, purpose and community. 

Events like Howl and Chill provide a space to relax and recharge through mindfulness activities, creative outlets and make new friends. Such experiences remind us that taking a break is just as important in our lives as pushing forward. Take advantage of the next Howl and Chill event “Love in a Box” and build your own Valentine’s box to shower yourself with some love.

You can also visit NC State’s Counseling Center, which offers workshops and resources to help students manage stress and build resilience. Whether it’s learning relaxation techniques or strategies for navigating challenging situations, these tools empower us to prioritize our mental health. 

Step 4: Strengthen Your Foundation of Wellness Habits 

Once you have discovered activities that resonate with you, the next step is to integrate them into your daily or weekly routine to support your wellness journey. Tailoring your wellness habits can make it easier for you to stick to them over time. 

For those who thrive on physical activity, group fitness classes available to Wellness and Recreation members provide an excellent starting point. Whether it’s yoga for mindfulness, cycling for endurance, or strength training for power, these classes cater to various fitness levels and preferences. 

If you want more tailored support, take advantage of one-on-one wellness coaching sessions. Whether you’re trying to incorporate mindfulness into your physical activity, manage stress or improve sleep, wellness coaches help break down your goals into manageable steps and stay on track, ensuring your habits are achievable.

Step 5: Stay Open to Change 

As college life grows, so do our wellness needs. Staying flexible and trying out new activities will ensure that our wellness niche continues to meet our goals. 

Remember, it’s okay to experiment. Building a wellness niche is not about following a rigid structure – it’x about discovering what helps you feel your best, even when life gets busy. 
Your wellness niche is as unique as you are, and NC State is here to support you in making it a vibrant part of your life. Start exploring today, or see how you can activate our upcoming Wellness Day,  to learn what brings you joy and fulfillment!