This a 40-hour course syllabus designed to train college students in non-vocational health and wellness principles. This course focuses on self-awareness, lifelong habits, and holistic well-being, rather than professional certification. It encourages critical thinking and the development of personal wellness strategies that support academic, social, and emotional success.

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Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the multidimensional nature of wellness (physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual)

• Apply strategies to manage stress, sleep, nutrition, and movement

• Recognize the connection between health behaviors and academic/life success

• Evaluate wellness resources and make informed choices

• Develop a personalized wellness plan for sustained practice

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Syllabus Overview

Week 1: Introduction to Wellness 

• Overview of wellness dimensions (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental)

• Distinction between health and wellness

• Self-assessment: current state of personal wellness

• Goal-setting for the course

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Week 2: Physical Wellness and Movement 

• Importance of movement and physical activity for mental and physical health

• Exercise myths and facts

• Building sustainable movement habits

• Guided session: low-impact movement (yoga, stretching, or walking)

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Week 3: Nutrition Foundations 

• Basics of healthy eating and hydration

• Understanding food labels, portions, and processed foods

• Myths around dieting and body image

• Group activity: meal planning for a student lifestyle

Week 4: Mental and Emotional Wellness

• Stress and coping mechanisms

• Mindfulness, meditation, and emotional regulation

• Mental health stigma and support systems

Week 5: Sleep and Restorative Practices

• The science of sleep and circadian rhythms

• Sleep hygiene and chronic sleep deprivation

• Strategies for rest and recovery

Week 6: Social and Community Wellness

• Social support, relationships, and communication

• Community health, public health promotion

• Inclusion, belonging, and systemic barriers

Week 7: Environmental and Occupational Wellness

• Environmental impacts on health (climate, pollution, greenspace)

• Safe and healthy workplace practices

• Sustainability and community resilience

Week 8: Substance Use and Risk Behaviors

• Substance use education and prevention

• Harm reduction strategies

• Evaluating public health messaging

Week 9: Health Equity and Cultural Competency

• Social determinants of health

• Health disparities and advocacy

• Cultural humility and wellness in diverse populations

Week 10: Personal Wellness Planning & Integration

• Self-assessment and reflection activities

• Goal setting and habit formation

• Presentation of personal/community wellness projects

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Instructional Methods:

• Interactive lectures and group discussions

• Peer-led workshops and case studies

• Guided self-reflection and journaling

• Guest speakers (e.g., public health workers, wellness practitioners)

• Experiential learning: movement, mindfulness, nutrition demos

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Inclusive and Community-Focused Approach:

• Course content considers diverse cultural perspectives on health and wellness.

• Emphasis is placed on health equity, accessibility, and student well-being.

• Trauma-informed and anti-oppressive pedagogical practices will guide instruction.