I sat down with AI* to have a conversation about what we actually mean by the term ‘wellbeing’ in the context of the recently launched Better U website. The article is what we wrote together. (*my colleagues were all busy with orientation)
The launch of the Better U website at Flinders University is an exciting milestone for us in promoting student wellbeing. It showcases the many services, supports, and resources already available across the university. But as we build out this initiative, a key question arises: What do we actually mean by wellbeing?
The Better U framework starts with four interconnected themes: Together, Body, Mind, and Spirit. These themes reflect the many facets of wellbeing and the idea that true wellbeing comes from balance across these areas. Let’s take a closer look at what each theme represents.
Together: Wellbeing Through Connection
Wellbeing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We are, in many ways, a product of the relationships that surround us—the number, quality, and interconnectedness of those relationships shape our experience of life. These connections include not just people but also ideas, places, communities, and even the environment. I’m happier when I’m surrounded by the connections that matter most to me—my friends, favourite places, interests, expressions of culture, and more.
This idea is beautifully reflected in the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) model developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In this model, wellbeing arises from an interconnected web of relationships with body, mind, kin, family, culture, community, country, spirit, and ancestry. When these connections are strong, diverse, and mutually supportive, they create a resilient network that promotes wellbeing for everyone within it.
Another way to think about the Together pillar is through the metaphor of the heart. Strong connections are often built on mutual love or respect. Wellbeing involves opening our heart to these relationships—to love and to be loved (and not just romantic love, but the kind of love that underpins strong friendships and deep respect). We know that love doesn’t just centre around people—it can also extend to passions, pursuits, and places that give life meaning.
Initiatives that foster healthy connections and help students discover their passions—whether through social programs, peer networks, cultural activities, or community engagement—fall into the Together category. A great example is the Oasis Community Centre, which exists to create spaces for connection and belonging. In essence, to thrive, we need both strong individual connections and the broader, interwoven networks that sustain us.
Body: Supporting Healthy Biology
The Body theme focuses on the physical foundations of wellbeing—the biological systems that keep us functioning and resilient. Looking after these systems means focusing on the basics we all know but sometimes struggle to maintain: nutrition, sleep, physical activity, hydration, shelter, warmth, and safety.
Our bodies are constantly responding to the environments we live, work, and study in. When these environments support healthy choices, wellbeing naturally follows. Those on the Bedford Park campus sometimes grumble about the hills, but they also provide a perfect nudge toward regular movement—something our bodies need. On the flip side, environments that promote unhealthy choices (like excessive alcohol or drug use) can undermine our biological health. Initiatives under this theme therefore support positive choices while discouraging unhelpful ones.
While the importance of physical health is well understood, many people find it hard to build healthy habits into busy lives. That’s why Better U initiatives in this space often focus on creating environments and programs that make healthy choices easier—whether that’s access to nutritious food, opportunities for movement, sleep hygiene tips, or support with managing health challenges. A great example of this is the Flinders University Sports and Fitness Centre, which offers facilities, classes, and programs to support physical wellbeing.
In the end, a healthy body provides the energy and stability we need to engage fully with life, including our learning, work, and relationships.
Mind: Thinking, Feeling, and Growing
Universities exist to develop the Mind, but true mental wellbeing goes beyond academic achievement. This theme covers both the rational and emotional aspects of mental health—thinking, learning, problem-solving, and creativity, alongside emotional regulation, resilience, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.
A healthy mind enables us to engage with the world effectively, but it’s not just about intellectual capacity. It’s also about self-awareness, processing experiences, and cultivating positive mental states. This includes developing emotional intelligence, managing stress, and making sense of difficult experiences, such as trauma or grief.
Initiatives within the Mind theme range from academic skills workshops and study support to mindfulness training, counselling, and mental health programs that build resilience. The goal is not only to sharpen cognitive abilities but also to promote mental flexibility, emotional balance, and a sense of agency in life. Mindful meditation sessions, peer mentoring, and mental health workshops are just a few examples of how Flinders supports this aspect of wellbeing.
Ultimately, a healthy mind allows us to approach life with curiosity, compassion, and confidence—ready to learn, grow, and adapt to whatever comes our way.
Spirit: Finding Meaning and Purpose
If the Together theme focuses on connections with the people, places, and ideas around us, Spirit represents the ultimate connection—the search for meaning and our place in the bigger picture. It’s about understanding what truly matters to us and how our daily lives align with our values and long-term goals.
While “spirit” can include religious or cultural practices, it’s not limited to these pathways. It encompasses any pursuit that brings a sense of purpose, whether through work, study, creativity, community involvement, or personal growth. It’s the feeling of being part of something larger than ourselves—whether that’s contributing to a cause, exploring a passion, or simply finding joy in everyday life.
At Flinders, initiatives under the Spirit theme include spiritual care, volunteering opportunities, career planning programs, creative pursuits, and reflective practices like journaling or mindfulness. These activities encourage us to step back from the daily grind and reconnect with what gives life meaning.
When we feel aligned with our values and connected to a sense of purpose, life feels more fulfilling, and we’re better equipped to navigate challenges with resilience and hope.
Not a bad start!
Although they are discussed separately, these four themes—Together, Body, Mind, and Spirit—aren’t separate silos. They overlap and reinforce each other. For example, strong connections (Together) support mental and emotional resilience (Mind). Physical wellbeing (Body) lays the foundation for personal growth and meaning (Spirit).
Through the Better U initiative, we hope to make it easier for everyone at Flinders to find opportunities to build their wellbeing. Whether it’s finding your community, improving your sleep, managing stress, or exploring your life’s purpose, the journey starts with understanding the many paths to wellbeing.
But wellbeing at Flinders is more than just the programs coming out of wellbeing services—it’s built by the community. If you’re a student, student group or staff member involved in a project, program, or activity that supports any of these areas, we’d love to hear about it. Better U exists to highlight and connect the incredible work already happening across the university, and your initiative could inspire others to get involved.
So, what does wellbeing mean to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. This is just our first crack at the question, and the conversation is only just beginning.
