Physical wellbeing is caring for your body for healthy quality of life through regular enjoyable physical activity, proper nutrition and eating habits, hygiene, substance awareness, and restful sleep. Finding a healthy balance of these elements is a way of respecting your body. Developing proper physical wellbeing habits lends itself to mino-bimaadiziwin (living a good life.)
Strategies to enhance Physical Wellness:
Maintain proper hygiene
- Keep body and hair clean
- Brush and floss teeth
- Trim nails and hair according to personal cultural practices
Use health care
- Practice preventative health care and access routine health screenings
- Maintain relationship with primary doctor/nurse practitioner
- Keep vaccines up to date
- Practice Traditional Health Care in keeping with personal cultural identity
- Recognizing signs of illness and seeking help in a way that makes you, as an individual, feel healthy
Identify dangers to physical wellbeing
- Educate yourself and limit harmful behaviors
- Recognize harmful use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs
- Practice healthy sexual activity according to identity
- Seek substance abuse help if needed
Practice balanced nutrition
- Follow the USDA nutrition guidelines or community guidelines
- Learn about nutritional needs for different life stages and specific health needs
- Access healthy food sources
- Eat real food, low-processed foods
- Avoid ultra-processed foods
Maintain healthy sleep habits
- Strive to sleep for 6.75-8+ hours each night
- Reduce screentime before sleep
- Control light and sound pollution during sleep time
- Practice relaxation methods prior to sleep
Engage in regular physical activity
- Walk daily
- Join wellness challenges, gym, walking clubs, etc.
- Participate in sports, run/walks
- Have accountability partners
Resources:
- Basic Needs Resources Student Support
- SNAP
- FDLTCC Food Pantry
- Lester Jack Briggs Cultural Center (Gym/Weight Room)
- National Institute of Health
- HealthCare Coaches
- Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country
- SAMHSA – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
- World Health Organization – Healthy Diet
- National Wellness Institute Sleep Hygiene
- Community Education
- Local Fitness Gyms
- Local Health Clinics
Campus Activities:
- FDLTCC Physical Education Courses
- Yoga in the Library
- Pumpkin Walk/Run
- Environmental Institute Outdoor Gear/Equipment Lending (snowshoes, canoes, lacrosse)
- Pow Wow
- Disc Golf
- Lacrosse
- Human Services Club
- Campus Feasts
- Campus Gardens
- Walking Trails
- Wellbeing Wednesday Sessions Statewide
- Vaccination Days on Campus