UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — People who actively engage in wellness activities, such as regular exercise, healthy eating and stress management, report a 40% higher level of life satisfaction than those who don’t prioritize wellness, according to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2023 Wellness Evidence Review.
As a way to encourage listeners to connect more thoughtfully in their wellness journey, the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing teamed up with WPSU to launch "12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast." Blending together relatable, evidence-based insights and strategies with personal stories and expert tips, this new podcast makes wellness more accessible to the community.
Hosted by assistant teaching professor Christina Lightner; producer, director and instructional designer Lindsey Whissel Fenton; and graduate student Deshna Nagar, the podcast explores the different “degrees” of wellness, with each featuring a full-length and mini episode.
The degrees of wellness include:
- Physical: Maintaining exercise, sleep, nutrition and preventive healthcare habits for a healthy body.
- Emotional: Establishing self-care routines that support mental health and emotional resilience.
- Social: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships — whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in between.
- Creative: Creating creative expressions that boost wellness and sharpen problem-solving skills.
- Intellectual: Exploring everyday ways to reframe negative self-talk and embracing playful learning.
- Financial: Effectively budget, save and make informed financial decisions to plan for the future and minimize stress.
- Digital: Balancing use of technology to prevent digital fatigue and burnout, and avoid negative online interactions.
- Spiritual: Finding meaning and purpose through faith, personal reflection, or values-driven living.
- Environmental: Creating clean, safe and sustainable spaces at home, work, and in the broader community.
- Career: Aligning personal values and strengths with professional goals and mastering professional competencies while maintaining work-life harmony.
- Cultural: Embracing cultural diversity to foster self-awareness, open-mindedness and belonging.
- Service: Engaging in volunteerism, advocacy and acts of kindness to promote personal fulfillment, social connection, and a sense of purpose.
“We were excited to launch this podcast as a way to make wellness more accessible to everyone. Nursing has always been at the heart of health and wellness, and the series reflects that enduring role. The podcast brings evidence-based wellness strategies and the nursing perspective together in an effort to build stronger, healthier communities," LIghtner said.
The podcast is free to the public and can be streamed here. New episodes are released weekly.
Important Note
This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health concern, consult a qualified health care provider. If you are in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. More information is available at 988lifeline.org.