To me, well-being is the umbrella-term that takes into account any and all aspects that are crucial to living your life. Well-being takes into account your physical health, your emotional health, spiritual health, relational health, mental health, financial health; it takes into account your environment and your support systems, it takes into account your community, culture, country; it takes into account the state of our world. In short, well-being is how an individual is feeling about the combination of everything happening in the world. Just as plants need a balance of water, sun, and nutrients, a person's well-being is dependent on a combination of taking care of yourself (relaxing, reading, exercising, cooking), taking care of others (supporting friends, families, pets, strangers), and taking care of the world around us (if the current state of the world is affecting our well-being, the best cure is to take action: communicate, educate, volunteer). ~ Ben Eglash, Administration and Finance

Well-being means feeling a sense of calm, alignment, and fulfillment in most or all aspects of life. This supposes that one has a level of good health, enjoys their work, feels a sense of contribution to something larger, their basic needs are met, and they have emotional support and love from friends and family. I make time for exercise, meditation, walking outdoors, try to eat well, and do things that I enjoy, like pottery and music to maintain balance. Personal well-being means you can show up fully for others. ~ Christina, Graduate School Faculty Member

Well-being is a state of mind.  It means personally prioritizing my health and ensuring that I am fit both mentally and physically, which enables me to give my best effort professionally within my role at UMB. ~ Ron Eshleman, Administration and Finance

Well-being means finding the balance between work, family, friends, and taking care of myself. ~ Chris Pollock, School of Medicine

For me, personal well-being is feeling balanced, fulfilled, and at peace in all aspects of my life, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, relationships, a sense of purpose, and personal growth.  One way I prioritize well-being is carving out time for the activities and relationships that nourish me.  I am trying to do a better job with building consistent habits and balancing productivity with rest.  I also try to check in with myself regularly and reflect on any adjustments that might be needed in my life. ~ Carey Martin, School of Medicine

Well-being is the sense of being safe. Your relationships should provide a sense of safety to be who you are and not what others expect you to be. Family, friends, colleagues and community are social connects from which this sense stems. These components of social connection are what supports your well-being. When one is off, they all are off. A balance is required to accomplish a real sense of wellbeing. This is not because of who they are but instead the choices you have made. It is difficult sometimes but there must be a divide from those who challenge your wellbeing and those who nurture it. We can't always select the relationship but we can select not to involve ourselves in those interactions that threatens our wellbeing. ~ Staff Member, School of Medicine

An interdisciplinary UMB faculty consortium is working together to teach a course on Climate Change, Health, and Society (CIPP650) to build connections among the different UMB schools, other USM campuses, stakeholders, and the community. Students and faculty in the course work together in interprofessional teams to address some of the challenges from the climate crisis in the community and state of Maryland. This helps to enhance our sense of well-being and sustainability, making Baltimore stronger and more climate resilient. We invite everyone to get involved! ~ Shiladitya DasSarma, School of Medicine Faculty