Practicing Holistic Health and Self-Care Throughout the Dissertation Journey

Abstract

This chapter discusses the significance of holistic health and self-care practices throughout the dissertation journey and explores how health outcomes may impact academic success, longevity, and persistence of students in a doctoral program. The author examines graduate students' health behaviors and uses a six-dimensional model of wellness to explain how dimensions interconnect and influence health outcomes. The chapter provides the readers with reflection prompts and resources to evaluate wellness dimensions and develop a self-care action plan to adopt strategies that support holistic health. The chapter also presents a case study to illustrate the personal journey of a doctoral student navigating the first half-marathon of the dissertation journey while reflecting on ways to improve or maintain holistic health and practice good self-care. The personal experiences this work shares provide valuable insight into successes and potential obstacles students may encounter and highlight strategies that may be implemented to overcome challenges.