We acknowledge the multiple definitions and significant overlap which exists within and between the terms health, health promotion, wellbeing and wellness. For the purposes of this project, we have chosen to use the following definitions:
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Health promoting campus
A health promoting campus is one that infuses health into every day operations, business practices and academic mandates, transforming the health and sustainability of our current and future societies, strengthen communities and contribute to the wellbeing of people, places and the planet.
Health promotion
The process of implementing a range of social and environmental interventions including promoting healthy, behaviours, creating supportive environments and encouraging healthy public policies, enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. Effective interventions may occur in settings such as workplaces, schools, clinics, and communities with partnership and capacity building across multiple sectors and diverse organizations
Healthy workplace
A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of all workers and the sustainability of the workplace.
Mental health
Mental health is 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. (WHO)
Wellbeing and wellness
This project will use the terms wellbeing and wellness synonymously.
Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.
Dimensions of wellness
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness are:
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Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
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Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
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Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
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Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
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Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
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Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep
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Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
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Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life