Lexington, KY (September 16, 2024) – In recognition of September as Self-Care Awareness Month, the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW) continues to prioritize student well-being through a recent virtual workshop on cultivating a “Self-Care Mindset.” The workshop, held on September 11, was hosted by Meghan Wolf, the Student Wellness Coordinator with UK POWER, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Wolf is also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Certified Body Image Coach.
The interactive, virtual workshop encouraged participants to assess their wellness across multiple dimensions using the Wellness Wheel. Participants were asked to rate their satisfaction in eight key areas—emotional, spiritual, social, physical, financial, environmental, intellectual, and occupational—on a scale from 1 to 10. This exercise fostered honest discussions about maintaining balance in their personal, academic, and professional life.
“The Wellness Wheel really helped me visualize where I need to focus more attention on my well-being. It was a great reminder to prioritize myself,” said one student participant.
Wolf emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to wellness, highlighting how factors such as occupational and environmental health are closely tied to overall well-being. Students were encouraged to reflect on how their social and physical surroundings, as well as their professional satisfaction, impact their mental and emotional health.
One of the workshop attendees, Dewanna Chambliss-Young, a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) student, shared her newfound self-care goals “After attending the Wellbeing webinar, I plan complete at least 15 minutes of daily movement to reset and refocus. The workshop inspired and encouraged me to prioritize self-care.”
Students are also encouraged to book personalized wellness coaching sessions with Wolf, available virtually, to further explore their individual self-care needs.
This workshop is one of many initiatives the College of Social Work is offering to enhance student wellness, aligning with the broader mission of fostering a supportive, balanced environment for all students.