taking care of yourself at edmonds: the wellness center

College is an exciting experience, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at times. With the pressure of keeping up with classes, assignments, and adjusting to a new routine, stress can build up quickly. That's where the Wellness Center can make a difference.

If you haven’t visited yet, it’s worth checking out. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and take care of yourself—mentally, emotionally, and physically. You’ll find it in Lynnwood Hall 236, so it’s easy to get to whenever you need a break.

Once you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by a space designed for relaxation. There are arts and crafts, grounding tools, interactive games, and fidget toys—all perfect for keeping your mind engaged in a low-stress way. Plus, you’ll notice plenty of plants, since nature is known to boost mental well-being. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for therapy dogs—they’ll be visiting soon to add a little extra comfort to your day!

The Wellness Center isn’t just a place to chill; it’s designed to help you take care of all areas of wellness. “The goal of the wellness center is to equip students to grow in all the different areas of wellness – what we call the 10 dimensions of wellness,” according to Tanya Knutzen, the assistant director of Counseling and Wellness. 

These 10 dimensions include physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, financial, creative, and digital wellness. Sounds like a lot, but it's all about finding balance in your life, both inside and outside the classroom. 

“It’s about learning how to manage stress and making sure you're doing okay on all fronts, not just the academic ones,” adds Tanya.

The Wellness Center focuses on a different theme each quarter. Winter's theme was Healthy Relationships, featuring workshops, stress-management tips, and self-care activities. It's a great resource for mental health tools, even if you don’t need counseling. Stay tuned for spring's theme, Mental Health Awareness, and related events.

If you’re in need of something more personalized, the Counseling and Resource Center also offers free, confidential counseling services. Whether you need individual counseling, career support, or even group counseling, the center has your back. All you need to do is stop by, call, or email them to set up an appointment. More than 1,000 students have already visited the Wellness Center this year.

The Wellness Center is here to help you achieve that balance for a healthier, more successful college experience. If you haven’t visited yet, stop by or send an email to wellness@edmonds.edu to learn more about what’s available. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as acing your classes.