LYNX LIFE LIBRARY

In 2002, Dr. Dreena Kelly came across a word while reading a magazine in her dentist’s office. Dr. Kelly pondered the word while writing for Glasgow, Scotland's Evening Times. The word was "wellness." Dr. Kelly noted its definition: "When we are at a level of fitness where we can do what we want without any effort, when we are able to manage stress without being overwhelmed by it, when food is a healthy pleasure rather than a daily obsession, and when exercise is as routine as brushing your teeth" (para. 1). Fitness, stress management, and nutrition are important for our overall health and wellness. However, there's more to this story, as we can learn from the Wellness Center and the Learning Resources Center.

The Wellness Center

When visiting the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center, you can find the 7 Dimensions of Wellness on the wall: emotional, physical, spiritual, social, environmental, financial, and creative. The 7 Dimensions of Wellness shape programming at CU Denver. Food assistance and financial wellness services are available in addition to traditional fitness programming at the Wellness Center. All these programs contribute to the Wellness & Recreation department's vision: "To make wellness a priority for every person in the CU Denver community. To do wellness differently." We encourage you to look through the numerous resources available, which touch upon all the dimensions of wellness in some way. Each dimension of wellness is important, and students should focus on the areas where they want to personally grow.

The Learning Resources Center

The Learning Resources Center is another place where you can learn more about wellness and find the resources you need. Wellness is linked to student success, so the Learning Resources Center (LRC) offers a Study Skills Workshop about wellness. Spring semester dates for this workshop are April 8 and 14. Wellness information is also available in a short Canvas course module designed by the LRC. If you need help signing up for one of these opportunities, reach out to the LRC any time. We are also available in person on the first floor of the Learning Commons building.

Social Wellness and the Corq App

Social wellness is one of the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, and the campus offers a mobile app that lists opportunities to build connections. If you haven't heard of the Corq app, then you might want to check it out! You can find many campus events through this app. After downloading the app, find the University of Colorado Denver and start exploring.

Sign in with your university credentials using the single sign-on option to get to a "My" tab in the app. This tab is helpful for keeping track of events to which you have submitted an RSVP.

Since I have downloaded the Corq app earlier this year, I have discovered events like College of Arts and Media (CAM) Wellness Week therapy dog visits; a free pancake breakfast with the Student Life team; and other cool activities happening when I have breaks on campus. Events listed in the Corq app are usually held on campus, but some are off-campus events. Some events are online, which can work better for some students. The events span a variety of topics and interests. For example, I found a financial wellness workshop that is coming up. While the app is marketed as a tool to connect socially, there are other types of events listed that can touch upon other dimensions of wellness. 

One of Corq's mottos is, "be the one in the know." I have become more informed and connected with campus happenings since I downloaded the app. I have shared information from the app with other students I know, too.

Corq App or Cork Board

I'm not sure where the name "Corq" came from, but I think of the app as a digital cork board. On campus, I pass many physical cork boards every day! If browsing a mobile application isn't for you, then it might be nice to look at the many flyers posted around campus. Many flyers highlight events that are also in the Corq app. Not everyone can access these displays, so it's good to have the Corq app, too.

Campus Activities Text Notifications

Digital experiences can be more accessible for many students, but sometimes I forget to check the Corq app. I have also benefited from text notifications from the Campus Activities Team (CAT).  Many groups on campus are on social media, and CAT offers text message notifications, too. Text "CAT" to 71444 if you'd like notifications about campus events to come directly to your phone. When student tickets to Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Night dropped, I found out immediately through a text message. Many CAT events are free and do not require tickets. It's great to take advantage of these opportunities while you are a student.

Wellness Goals That Fit

School and academic success are important, but overall wellness involves considering all wellness dimensions. Emotional, physical, spiritual, social, environmental, financial, and creative wellness all work together. For social wellness, campus events are a great way to connect. The Learning Resources Center Study Skills Workshop on wellness can help you learn ways to individualize your wellness strategies and goals. Keep Lynx Central and the campus calendar in mind as excellent sites for student information, too. As the University of Colorado Denver says, "You belong here!" We are glad that you are here, and we hope to see you at a campus event soon!

Reference:

Kelly, D. (2002, June 6). Wellness - a buzzword you'll never get sick of. Evening Times [Glasgow, Scotland], 18. https://link-gale-com.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A86858048/STND?u=auraria_main&sid=summon&xid=8fc55c0e