The Wellness Place — Winter 2025

Help Desk Supervisor, Information & Instructional Technologies, three-year SON veteran

Personal Wellness Experience

What comes to mind when you think of the term “wellness”?

I think of a person’s collective physical and mental well-being. In the workplace especially, mental health comes to mind since it’s something we can often focus on and positively influence.

How would you describe your overall well-being lately?

Overall, I’m doing great!

What changes have you noticed in your health or well-being over the past year or more and what necessitated these changes?

I’ve certainly been more stressed with the events and changes taking place both nationwide and at UNC. Stress can be good; it can be a catalyst for improvement or a driving force for positive change. Stressing out over things that don’t have (or don’t look like they’ll have) positive results is incredibly taxing though, and this year has been rife with that.

Goals, Motivation & Resource Tools Used in Your Wellness Journey

What wellness goals are most important to you right now and why?

I attribute most positive aspects of my mental health throughout the years to my one perpetual mission: to be better than I was the day before. I spend time every day trying to learn new things and develop my skillsets. If I can end a day knowing that I’ve improved myself, I feel fulfilled and excited that I can get even better the next. This may mean that today I learned a new fix for a computer issue, learned about a new trade skill technique, or studied an engineering principle I wanted to be more familiar with. My favorite days are when I can do all of that and more.

What was a motivating factor (s) that led you to prioritize your well-being?

My well-being is driven by necessity. To me, feeling physically or mentally poor means that I have a problem to solve, and I then try to figure out my solution. There are short-term and long-term factors to consider for wellness, but generally speaking, I really just want to remove any barriers that may stop me from accomplishing my goals.

What helps you re-charge during stressful times?

Fresh air and silence.

What makes it easier—or harder—to maintain healthy habits? What habits are you especially proud of?

I’m certainly no paragon of physical health so I won’t even attempt to speak to that part. I think that disengaging from negativity in my personal life whenever possible was one of the most beneficial habits I adopted as an adult. Aside from financial status, the company a person keeps is the biggest factor I’ve seen for how their life is shaped. I’ve found this to be equally important for family as for friends.

Additionally, I don’t know if “proud” is the right word, but I very much enjoy my hobby of learning trade skills and studying various fields like construction, farming, blacksmithing, woodworking, etc. We have more information available at our fingertips than ever before in human history, and I make a conscious effort to leverage that daily. If I can always positively answer the question “Can I learn more about that?” then that means I have an opportunity to move forward and improve, and that gets me excited.

Challenges & Barriers

What challenges do you face in maintaining your own wellness? How do you try to overcome these challenges?

Stress and financial concerns are consistently the biggest challenges to work through. As I mentioned before, I just identify and solve my problems when I can, and that’s worked pretty well for me so far. For especially difficult situations, I try to shift my perspective and consider that most challenges are temporary, and having a long-term problem means that I have time to prepare.

Many people are busy, so how do you create a healthy work-life balance?

I rather enjoy my job, so that gives me a sizeable margin before I feel like I’m unbalanced. I have the luxury of a short(ish) commute and time to pursue the tasks I want to pursue, so it’s rare that I feel concerned about it in a standard work week. Otherwise, I’ve found that setting hard boundaries on working off-hours, in addition to having the option (but not expectation) to do so in the first place, to be a significant factor in being able to maintain this balance.

Professional Growth & Engagement

How important is it to be supported by one’s management or faculty advisor?

It’s critical, even if you work with a high degree of autonomy. If you do not have the support that you need, then if you value your well-being, something needs to change.

Given the current political climate, how can the SON help colleagues and students reach their greatest potential?

Talk with and support each other not only when problems arise, before they do. If something comes up that you or someone else needs support with, then it’s better to already know who is best equipped to help. You [are likely to have] a larger network of support than you think (especially at UNC!), but you may need to make an effort to build and reinforce those connections.nm

AHEC Senior Support Specialist, two-and-one-half-year SON employee

Personal Wellness Experience

What comes to mind when you think of the term “wellness”?

To me, wellness means a holistic sense of well-being that includes physical, social, mental, spiritual, financial, and emotional aspects.

How would you describe your overall well-being lately?

Physically and mentally, I’m doing well. However, given the current political climate, my spiritual, emotional, and financial well-being could use significant support.

What changes have you noticed in your health or well-being over the past year or more?

I’ve lost 10lbs since this time last year and have managed to maintain normal blood pressure readings for the past year. I attribute these changes mainly to completing my MBA in December 2024 and consistently taking my blood pressure medication. The stress, late nights, and full-time work had previously affected my blood pressure, and I often ended up snacking late at night during the program. That had to stop.

Goals, Motivation & Resource Tools Used in Your Wellness Journey

What wellness goals are most important to you right now and why?

I’ve realized I need to cut back on how much daily world news I consume. I want to remain informed, but it has started to weigh heavily on my emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

What was a motivating factor (s) that led you to prioritize your well-being?

I began prioritizing my wellbeing when I no longer felt like I recognized myself.

What helps you re-charge during stressful times?

The beach always brings me back to myself. It refreshes every one of my senses: the smell of salt in the air, the sound of waves rolling in, the view of endless blue water, and the warmth of the sun and ocean against my skin. And of course, there’s always a great restaurant close by😊.

What makes it easier—or harder—to maintain healthy habits? What habits are you especially proud of?

Being intentional makes it easier to maintain healthy habits. For example, intentionally purchasing healthy foods to keep at home or recognizing your triggers and responding to situations mindfully can make a big difference. I’m proud that I have been able to handle stressful situations with more poise than before. I’ve found that I need a moment to step away, process the situation and my feelings, and determine how I want to move forward.  Oh, and an ice cold favorite soft drink does wonders! 😊

What wellness resources have you found helpful or could be helpful if they were utilized?

If I’m being honest, my resources have been people, time, space, seafood, and periodically a word search. I’m sure other people may [find that other weight loss programs work].

Challenges & Barriers

What challenges do you face in maintaining your own wellness? How do you try to overcome these challenges?

It’s easy to dwell on the negative instead of focusing on solutions. And some days, I simply need to vent. To overcome this, I do try to identify a potential solution before (or after) I had a moment to air my grievance, depends on the day.

Many people are busy, so how do you create a healthy work-life balance?

I stay on top of my work by managing my time wisely and making sure I’m prepared for the day. I focus on completing tasks during business hours, following the principle of not putting off until tomorrow what I can do today. You can’t predict what challenges or emergencies tomorrow will hold. If I need to work outside of normal business hours, I stick to strict cut-off times to maintain balance.

Professional Growth & Engagement

How important is it to be supported by one’s management or faculty advisor?

Support from your manager is so important. In our department, the Office of Strategy and Global Affairs, we’re encouraged to grow and improve, while also being reminded to take time for ourselves.

Given the current political climate, how can the SON help colleagues and students reach their greatest potential?

In the current political climate, it’s important to remember that we’re all striving to make it through each day, find moments of peace, and carry on.

Hillman Scholar Project Manager, Hillman Scholars Program, two-and-one-half-year SON veteran

Personal Wellness Experience

What comes to mind when you think of the term “wellness” mean to you?

To me, wellness reflects the overall well-being of a person, whether it’s their mental or physical health.

How would you describe your overall well-being lately?

I would describe my overall well-being as okay lately. I’m taking things day by day, and while on some days, I feel better than others, I’m doing my best to stay grounded and move forward at a manageable pace. I’m giving myself grace and focusing on maintaining balance across all areas physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial as I continue navigating everything.

What changes have you noticed in your health or well-being over the past year or more, and what necessitated these changes?

Over the past year, I’ve experienced a significant positive change in my health. I’ve lost 60 pounds, which allowed me to finally reach my weight goal. This has been a major accomplishment, and I’m truly proud of myself.

Goals, Motivation & Resource Tools Used in Your Wellness Journey

What wellness goals are most important to you right now and why?

Right now, my most important wellness goal is maintaining my mental wellness. Mental health is essential because it directly affects my ability to handle everyday tasks, both professionally and personally. When my mind is balanced and supported, I’m able to show up as my best self and navigate challenges more effectively.

What was a motivating factor (s) that led you to prioritize your well-being?

A motivating factor that led me to prioritize my well-being is my love for traveling and experiencing different parts of the world. Taking care of my well-being allows me to work hard, stay focused, and be able to enjoy the finer things in life. When I’m well mentally and physically, I’m able to truly appreciate those experiences and create meaningful memories.

What helps you re-charge during stressful times?

During stressful times, I recharge by stepping away from what I’m doing and giving myself a moment to breathe. Getting some fresh air or taking a short break helps me reset, and I often use simple breathing exercises to calm myself down and regain focus.

What makes it easier—or harder—to maintain healthy habits? What habits are you especially proud of?

Having a healthy work-life balance makes it easier for me to maintain positive habits. When things get stressful, engaging in a familiar habit can be relaxing and grounding. One habit I’m especially proud of is couponing. I love researching and finding different deals while saving money. It’s both fun and rewarding, and it gives me a real sense of peace.

What wellness resources have you found helpful or could be helpful if they were utilized?

One wellness resource I’ve found especially helpful is the SON Support Admin Group that Marcus Smith created. It has been a great space for navigating different tasks, sharing knowledge, and seeking advice on a variety of topics. Having a supportive group where we can learn from one another has made my work feel more manageable and has positively contributed to my overall well-being.

Challenges & Barriers

What challenges do you face in maintaining your own wellness? How do you try to overcome these challenges?

One challenge I face in maintaining my wellness is finding a consistent healthy work–life balance. Because I genuinely enjoy helping others, I often take on more tasks than I need to, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed. To overcome this, I’m learning to set clearer boundaries, prioritizing my workload and being intentional about not taking on too many tasks at once. This allows me to maintain balance while still offering support when I can

Many people are busy, so how do you create a healthy work-life balance?

To create a healthy work-life balance, I focus on prioritizing my tasks and staying organized. I also try to research answers to problems on my own before reaching out for assistance, knowing that many people are busy with their own responsibilities. This helps me manage my workload more independently while still ensuring I get the support I need when it’s truly necessary.

Professional Growth & Engagement

How important is it to be supported by one’s management or faculty advisor?

It is very important to feel supported by my management because having someone who listens, advocates for me, and genuinely has my back makes the work environment more positive and less stressful. That support plays a big role in my overall well-being, especially when it comes to balancing my personal life with my professional responsibilities. Knowing I’m not navigating challenges alone makes a meaningful difference.

Given the current political climate, how can the SON help colleagues and students reach their greatest potential?

Given the current political climate, the SON can help colleagues and students reach their fullest potential by creating a supportive and compassionate environment. This means showing up for one another during challenging moments, truly listening, and making sure everyone feels valued. Providing meaningful resources, guidance, and opportunities for growth will further empower individuals to navigate difficult times and continue moving forward in their personal and professional development.

Administrative Assistant, Dean’s Office, one-year veteran at UNC SON, with his bride, Tiffany Ong

Personal Wellness Experience

What comes to mind when you think of the term “wellness”?

To me, wellness is closely tied to maintaining overall health—both physically and mentally. It means having the physical capacity to engage in the activities that matter to me and the emotional balance to show up for others in a supportive, grounded, and compassionate way.

How would you describe your overall well-being lately?

I’d describe my overall well-being as steady. Being in my early 30s, I’m navigating several meaningful life transitions—supporting aging parents, being recently married, and continuing to shape my career—each of which brings both joy and complexity.

What changes have you noticed in your health or well-being over the past year or more, and what necessitated these changes?

This past year has involved a major career transition, including joining the UNC School of Nursing. My role here has brought stability and new opportunities for growth. I’ve seen improvements in my mental well-being, though I’ve had less personal time, which sometimes impacts things like gym consistency.

Goals, Motivation & Resource Tools

What wellness goals are most important to you right now and why?

Right now, nurturing a sense of community and belonging is a major priority. I thrive when I’m connected to others, and recent life changes have highlighted how important social support is to me. I also place high value on my physical health, especially maintaining mobility and energy.

What was a motivating factor (s) that led you to prioritize your well-being?

Certain challenging experiences helped me recognize how important my well-being is and what it looks like when it’s not prioritized. These moments were clarifying and helped me commit to healthier patterns.

What helps you re-charge during stressful times?

Meditation has become one of my strongest tools for grounding myself. Spending time in nature—whether walking or hiking—also helps me reset and reconnect.

What makes it easier—or harder—to maintain healthy habits? What habits are you especially proud of?

Clear routines make healthy habits much easier to maintain; having structure in my week helps me stay consistent. I’m proud of regularly meditating and making time to see friends. On the other hand, major changes or periods of high stress can make it more challenging to keep those routines in place.

What wellness resources have you found helpful or could be helpful if they were utilized?

I’ve leaned heavily on books and self-guided tools. The Mind Illuminated has supported my meditation practice, Thanks for the Feedback has strengthened my work relationships, and I often use online videos—like YouTube workout channels—for exercise guidance.

Challenges & Barriers

What challenges do you face in maintaining your own wellness? How do you try to overcome these challenges?

My biggest challenges tend to be time and energy. I’m an aspirational person and I enjoy taking on multiple goals, but that can lead to feeling stretched. I also recognize that building supportive relationships takes time and intentionality. To manage these, I try to pace myself, prioritize rest, and stay intentional about cultivating social support.

Many people are busy, so how do you create a healthy work-life balance?

For me, work–life balance comes from setting clear boundaries around rest and personal time, planning ahead, and recognizing when I need to slow down. I try to be mindful of my energy levels and build routines that give me space outside of work.

Professional Growth & Engagement

How important is it to be supported by one’s management or faculty advisor?

I find support from managers to be extremely meaningful. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who value well-being, encourage taking time off, and check in regularly. That kind of support has had a positive impact on my engagement and health.

Given the current political climate, how can the SON help colleagues and students reach their greatest potential?

I’m still developing my perspective on this question, and I would really value hearing insights from colleagues who have thought deeply about it.

Spring Semester 2026
Mondays, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Course Description
This experiential, evidence-based elective introduces students to mindfulness and compassion practices rooted in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum and other approaches like loving-kindness meditation. Students will explore how these practices are applied in clinical and community settings, examine the scientific evidence behind their effectiveness, and participate in weekly class sessions and two half-day retreats to cultivate self-care and resilience.

Purpose
Designed for health-professions students, this course aims to enhance well-being and resilience through mindfulness and self-compassion. Research shows these practices can reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout, while improving life management and emotional resilience.