January 2020 Stall Talk

Mental Wellness Month

The World Health Organization (WHO), defines mental health as a “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

Mental wellness includes all aspects of life. The social, emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual aspects all come together for an overall state of well-being.

January events that can help you find balance and harmony, improving your overall well-being and set you up for a successful semester:

• Mindfulness Sessions: Tuesdays, beginning January 21st 11-11:30 a.m. w/ Devi Stone (Counseling Center) 5-6:30 p.m. w/ Michael Donenfeld (CC 306)

• Relaxation Station featuring the Lokahi Wheel: 11am - 2pm - January 29th (Library Lanai)

The Lokahi Wheel illustrates this concept beautifully, by incorporating the idea of balance, harmony, and unity for the self in relationship to the body, the mind, the spirit and the greater community.

Areas include:
Family/Friends, Feelings/Emotions, Work/School, Spiritual/Soul, Thinking/Mind, Physical/Body

Take a moment to reflect on each of the six areas, to see whether you feel balanced in that area and how that connects to the others. Apply each of the areas to an activity in your life. For example, school: how does your class schedule impact the other areas of the wheel and the other activities/priorities in life?

HeartMath is another great way to find peace and calm. The InnerBalance app can be downloaded to any phone and the sensors can be checked out from locations across campus, including: the Library, Student Life Center, the Pharmacy building, Housing and Counseling Services.

Counseling Services are free and confidential for all University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Students, should you feel the need to speak with someone about areas of life that may be out of balance. Walk in Wednesdays are a great way to try it out, without any commitment. And remember, you can always check your current state of mental wellness through a self-assessment: https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/hawaii

‘O ka ikaika o ka mana‘o me ke kino. (Be strong in mind and body.) - ‘Ōlelo No‘eau

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