Well-being is core to DU鈥檚 Four-Dimensional (4D) Experience, which supports growth across Four Dimensions: intellect, character, well-being, and purpose. As such, it reflects an institutional commitment to advancing opportunities, resources, practices, and structures that nurture both individual and community well-being.
Well-being Definition
Well-being is an evolving, dynamic state of living that contributes to thriving and life satisfaction. We cultivate well-being both individually and collectively, within and in support of the communities in which we learn, live, and work.
Facets of Well-being
The well-being dimension reinforces and connects to the other three dimensions of the 4D Experience while elevating five additional facets.
Emotional well-being: experiencing awareness of positive and negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors; regulating emotions; responding to life鈥檚 challenges with resiliency
Taking time for reflection
Sharing thoughts and feelings with trusted others
Attending counseling appointments when needed
Making time for relaxation and activities that relieve stress
Setting boundaries and saying 鈥渘o鈥
Learning time management strategies
Practicing emotional expression (e.g., writing, crafting, moving, making music)
Engaging in self-directed and self-selected play to fuel creativity, joy, and imagination
Enacting coping mechanisms for anxiety and other mental health challenges
Foundational well-being: basic needs being met to provide a firm foundation for thriving. Encompasses food/housing/safety as well as environmental and financial well-being.
Food, Housing, Safety
Accessing food in times of scarcity
Accessing safe and consistent housing
Testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
Keeping physical spaces and technology secure
Accessing reporting structures for crime, discrimination, and assault that are trustworthy, safe, and survivor-centered
Asking for and giving consent before engaging in sexual activity
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Environmental
Engaging in mindful consumption (e.g., eliminating single-use plastics, limiting want-based consumption, considering "needs vs. wants")
Recycling, composting, donating and purchasing second-hand items
Dining sustainably (e.g., eating plant-based and locally sourced foods, limiting take-out, opting out of single-use plasticware, bringing your own containers to restaurants)
Reducing pollution
Creating peaceful and pleasant home and work environments
Reducing allergens and toxins
Spending time outdoors (connecting with nature in a meaningful and nonharmful way)
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Financial
Accessing financial support
Balancing a budget
Tracking expenses
Saving for short- and long-term expenses
Setting short- and long-term financial goals
Applying for scholarships and loans
Accessing benefits (e.g., military)
Selecting and understanding insurance benefits, loans, taxes
Relational well-being: experiencing acceptance, support, and belonging through interactions and connections with others; feeling positive about one鈥檚 cultural and social identities
Joining a student alliance, organization, fraternity/sorority, community, club, affinity group
Communicating needs to romantic partners, family, friends, and coworkers
Engaging in learning opportunities to explore individual biases, act as an ally, and engage in restorative practices
Spending time with friends
Meeting regularly with mentors
Staying connected with friends and family
Learning conflict resolution strategies
Extending social support and compassion to those experiencing difficulties
Spiritual well-being: experiencing a sense of meaning and connection within the self; connecting to something greater than oneself; includes one鈥檚 values, beliefs, ethics, morals
Developing a creative practice
Meditating
Attending religious services or spiritual gatherings
Establishing rituals
Exploring nature
Facing day-to-day challenges with a sense of curiosity
Engaging in experiences that allow for a sense of connection to self, others, and the world
Volunteering or participating in community engaged learning
Learning about different spiritual practices and religions to develop one鈥檚 own sense of spirituality
Practicing rest and stillness
Well-being Resources
Explore the resources across the well-being facets that may support students, faculty, and staff.听