Physical

Let's get physical

If you want to approach health and wellness holistically, taking care of your body is an important component to consider. This entails being physically active, maintaining a balanced diet, being aware of your personal stressors, and visiting your physician for regular physicals, STI testing, and reproductive health check-ins. Being physically strong allows you to better manage stress, and live and learn more efficiently at IU Bloomington.

If you’re noticing any of the following, now might be the right time to begin improving your physical wellness.

  • Persistent headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach
  • Sleep problems
  • Overeating or undereating
  • Drug/tobacco/alcohol/substance misuse
  • Infrequent exercise or overexercising
  • Change in sex drive

Things to consider

The Student Health Center offers a huge range of resources and services to support your overall physical health. Located in the heart of campus across from the Wells Library and offering many virtual options, the Student Health Center is a convenient and student-centered resource. You can see a medical provider, fill a prescription, or get physical therapy all in one place. The Student Health Center strives to be inclusive of all our diverse students and their specific needs. 

The Student Health Center offers programs and interactive workshops for classes, student groups and events. Learn more and request a program.

  • What you eat can be an important part of your wellness journey. Learn how to prepare healthy meals to increase your nutrition with these videos or schedule a nutrition consultation at the Student Health Center.
  • If you are struggling to pay for food there are many resources in the community.
    • Crimson Cupboard offers free healthy food to Indiana University Bloomington students who are struggling with food insecurity.
    • Hoosier Hills Foodbank collects, stores, and distributes food to non-profit agencies that feed the hungry in Brown, Lawrence, Orange, Owen, Martin, and Monroe counties.
    • Call 2-1-1 for information about other available resources regarding food accessibility.
    • Learn more about SNAP benefits and see if you're eligible.

There are a lot of ways to include movement as a part of your daily routine, no matter where you are or what your current fitness level is. Find something that not only suits your abilities and your fitness goals, but that you enjoy.

Did you know that getting enough sleep can help you concentrate and remember new information? This makes it a great tool for students. Most college students need 7-9 hours of sleep every night and there are lots of tricks for getting enough zzzs. Learn more about prioritizing sleep and small steps you can take to get better rest.

Your Physical Wellness to-do lists

Check out these ideas provided by the Student Health Center's Peer Health and Wellness Educators on what you can do to improve your physical wellness and build resilience.

This week:

  • Set-up a food journal
  • Take outdoor walks
  • Try a new exercise class or video
  • Explore different ways to relax
  • Get a massage

This month:

  • Assess what you are consuming (e.g. food, alcohol/substances, media, etc.)
  • Set a daily routine
  • Visit your medical provider for regular check-ups