Wellness Resources and Ideas

Intellectual Wellness

Intellectual Wellness is being able to engage in lively interaction with the world around you; flexing the mind’s muscle by learning, problem solving, processing and creativity; connecting with others on a cerebral level.

Resources and Ideas:

• Office of Academic Support at RFUMS: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/academic-support-resources/office-of-academic-support/
• Use text books (some available through RFU Boxer Library): https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/library/; https://openstax.org/subjects/science
• YouTube and Khan Academy for learning the basics to supplement learning: https://www.khanacademy.org/science
• Apps for planning, time management and study, such as, Pomodoro, Notion, Anki Flashcards, Sketchy Medical: https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/; https://apps.ankiweb.net/; https://www.sketchy.com/
• Reduce distractions: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/09/boosting-productivity.html; Self Control app
• Zoom Study Sessions with peers

Social Wellness

Social Wellness is relating, interacting and communicating well with others; being comfortable in your own skin; maintaining a diversity of social relationships; and dealing effectively with conflict.

Resources and Ideas:

• Student orgs and Intramurals at RFUMS: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/campus-life/student-organizations/; https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/campus-life/fitness-recreation/
• Various meetup apps: https://www.meetup.com/ or interest-based groups on social media
• Do something with your social group:
  • Ravinia Festival https://www.ravinia.org/
  • Chicago Botanical Gardens https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
  • Historic Downtown Long Grove https://longgrove.org/
  • Six Flags Great America https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica
  • Lake County Forest Preserves and Parks: https://www.lcfpd.org/, https://www.visitlakecounty.org/Recreation
  • Hawthorn https://www.shophawthornmall.com/
  • Gurnee Mills Malls https://www.simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills
• Learn to manage conflict in your relationships: https://www.gottman.com/blog/

Physical Wellness

Physical Wellness is maintaining a sound, healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, sleeping well and avoiding harmful habits.

Resources and Ideas:

• Getting physical activity in the form of walking or running, preferably outdoors, to get sunlight and fresh air. Forest preserves https://www.lcfpd.org/ closest to RFU Campus:
  • Greenbelt Forest Preserve Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL (9 minutes)
    Drive North on Green Bay Road for 2.7 miles to Green Belt Street, turn right (Cultural Center and walking trail) or left (forest preserve and walking trail). 
  • Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL (10 minutes)
    Drive North on Green Bay Road to Buckley and turn left (west). Follow Buckley for 4.8 miles to the Forest Preserve Entrance, called Des Plaines Drive. There is usually no attendant during the week, but parking fees may apply on weekends for those without proof of Lake County residence. Paved trail available for inclement weather conditions.
  • Old School Forest Preserve, 28285 N. St. Mary’s Road, Libertyville, IL (11 minutes)
    Go south on Green Bay Road to Rockland Road (Rt. 176) and turn right (west). Follow Rt. 176 for 3.6 miles to St. Mary’s Road and turn left (south). Go ½ mile to the entrance of the Forest Preserve. Paved trail available for inclement weather conditions.
  • Middlefork Savannah Forest Preserve, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest, IL (11 minutes)
    Take Green Bay Road South to Rockland Road and turn right (west). Go 1.2 miles (past Target) and turn left on Waukegan Road. Continue 1.5 miles to Middlefork Drive and turn right. Go straight through the traffic circle to continue on Middlefork. Turn left on Jensen Drive to enter the parking lot closest to the Elawa Farm Foundation Farm, which has many lizards/snakes (available on Friday mornings) and several outdoor species (owl, eagle, bobcat).
• Explore different workout options: BCBS PPO Fitness Program https://bcbsil.com/; Studio Sweat on Demand app; simple exercises for each muscle https://musclewiki.com/
• Access options with RFUMS Fitness and Rec: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/campus-life/fitness-recreation/
• Buying, cooking, and eating healthy foods: https://www.eatthismuch.com/
• Economical options for food include: Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Lewis Market
• Get quality sleep: Headspace: Guide to Sleep https://www.netflix.com/title/81328827
• Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding drugs

Spiritual/Creative Wellness

Spiritual/Creative Wellness is a sense that life is meaningful and has a purpose; embracing religious traditions; or connection to nature, creativity, and/or wonder/amazement.

Resources and Ideas:

• Many religious and cultural options are available online to explore virtually. There are also many local options to attend religious services in person.
  • RFUMS religious organizations and social justice groups: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/campus-life/student-organizations/
  • Meetup Groups for activities, interests, spiritual journeys and discussions.
• Integrating information and emotions creatively through drawing, painting, sculpting, gardening, or building/making things.
• Connecting with nature, beauty, humanity:
  • Botanical Gardens https://www.chicagobotanic.org/
  • Lake County Forest Preserves https://www.lcfpd.org/
  • Area museums & art institutions https://www.visitlakecounty.org/FamilyFunMuseums
  • Harbors and lakefront sites https://www.visitlakecounty.org/Beaches
• Connecting with hobbies, religious or spiritual ideas, or other creative outlets through playing music, playlists, reading, podcasts, volunteering, playing with animals
• Community service or contributions: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/3253/Volunteer-Opportunities

Occupational Wellness

Occupational Wellness is finding fulfillment from your work and study, contributing meaningfully, and continuing to expand your skills and strengths.

Resources and Ideas:

• Volunteering with the RFUMS Interprofessional Community Clinic (ICC): https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/interprofessional-institute/center-for-interprofessional-education-and-research/interprofessional-community-clinic/the-icc-experience/
• Volunteer opportunities within your program of study or through student organizations: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/campus-life/student-organizations/
• Work study opportunities at RFUMS
• Working in the field in some limited capacity
• Shadowing professionals in your field
• Continuing education opportunities/conferences to network:
  • https://www.ama-assn.org/topics/cme-provider-resources
  • https://www.apa.org/education/ce
• Connect with your state and national professional organization as a student member
• Keeping a schedule with both school/work and leisure time

Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness is being aware and comfortable with your own thoughts and feelings; being able to express your thoughts and sensations; and being able to comprehend and relate to others in their emotions.

Resources and Ideas:

• Attend therapy: RFUHC Student Counseling Service scs@rfuhs.com or 847-578-8723
• Use a meditative practice to be aware of your body:
  • Apps: Calm, Headspace, Breethe, Buddhify
  • https://uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
  • Engage with RFUMS Fitness and Rec for meditation offerings
• Practice yoga
  • Apps: Studio Sweat on Demand (SSOD); Glo; Pocket Yoga, YouTube
  • Local Studios:
    • Forever Om Yoga foreveromyoga.com, 847-482-9642
    • Black Cat Yoga blackcatyogastudio.com
  • Engage with RFUMS Fitness and Rec: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/campus-life/fitness-recreation/
• Nurture your support systems by staying in touch with friends and family
• Stress management tools:
  • Podcasts: Invisibilia; Tranquillity du Jour; The Calmer You Podcast; Not Another Anxiety Show; The Anxiety Guy
  • Apps: Shine; Happify; Serenita
• Practice Positive Psychology Techniques
  • Podcasts:
    • Happier with Gretchen Rubin
    • The Science of Happiness
    • Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
    • Live Happy Now
  • Books:
    • The Happiness Advantage
    • The Happiness Project
    • Authentic Happiness
  • Web:
    • https://www.shawnachor.com
    • https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/

Environmental Wellness

Environmental Wellness is creating healthy work and living environments; respecting and conserving nature and natural resources; and gaining personal fulfillment from your surroundings.

Resources and Ideas:

• Make time weekly to tidy up to create a calm, comfortable space for yourself
• Learn more about organization on Netflix: Tidying Up, The Home Edit
• Hire a professional organizer: Jennifer Barnes https://jborganizing.com/ 847-274-7941
• Hire a cleaning professional:
  • The Cleaning Authority 847-565-5449
  • Merry Maids 773-481-7741
• Make use of recycling and upcycling:
  • https://www.upcyclethat.com/
  • https://www.pillarboxblue.com/
• Use free community resources, like local libraries:
  • Lake Bluff https://www.lakeblufflibrary.org/
  • North Chicago https://www.ncplibrary.org/
  • Libertyville https://www.cooklib.org/
  • Gurnee https://www.wnpl.info/
• Spend time in nature at local forest preserves: https://www.lcfpd.org/
• Local beaches like Lake Bluff Beach & Sunrise Park; Lake Forest Beach; Illinois State Beach; Fort Sheridan Beach and Forest Preserve: https://www.visitlakecounty.org/Beaches
• Frequent thrift stores or other sharing resources:
  • Clothes sharing resources:
    • https://www.renttherunway.com/
    • https://www.expstyletrial.com
    • https://www.wearwardrobe.co/
  • Local resources: net app; VarageSale app; RFUMS Buy, Sell, Rent, Sublet Facebook page, Offer Up app
  • Local thrift stores:
    • Forest and Found https://www.forestandfound.com/;
    • Plato’s Closet https://www.platoscloset.com/locations/libertyville-il
    • Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Gurnee, Waukegan, Mundelein

**Also, you can access some of our previously recorded programs on wellness which are located on the RFU Wellness Google Drive.