Mind Body Whole Wellness Tracker: Empowering Youth to Create Positive Health Habits (2024)
Mind Body Whole Wellness Tracker: Empowering Youth to Create Positive Health Habits (2024)
Written by: Karen Johnston and Sarah Goldring, Prevention Educators
RELEVANCE
Chronic stress and lifestyle-related health issues continue to rise, impacting both mental and physical well-being. According to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, youth in the U.S. are facing significant stress and mental health challenges. In 2023, approximately 18% of adolescents aged 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. With the growing need for integrated health solutions, it is critical to track and manage wellness from a holistic standpoint, addressing the mind, body, and overall life balance.
RESPONSE
The Mind Body Whole Wellness Tracker focuses on helping youth manage stress, mood and well-being through reflection and behavioral tracking. Developed in 2022 by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension in collaboration with the National 4-H Council, the tracker offers an innovative platform for individuals to monitor their overall well-being. This journal provides users with the ability to track mental health indicators (e.g., stress and anxiety levels), physical activity, sleep patterns, and nutritional intake. The goal is to create a comprehensive, user-friendly tracker that empowers youth to take control of their health. By offering personalized insights, self-reflection, and recommendations, the tracker helps youth achieve a balanced approach to wellness.
Sessions demonstrating how to use the tracker have been conducted at DE 4-H Camp for Military Affiliated Youth, 4-H and Partners Afterschool Settings, Teen Wellness Retreat, NAE 4-H YDP conference in 2024, and the National 4-H Council.
RESULTS
Since its launch, more than 1,400 users from 44 states have engaged with the Mind Body Whole Wellness Tracker. Using the Thrive Model as the basis of evaluation, UD Cooperative Extension initiated the collection of post-survey data with youth. Early results from the first 25 surveyed reported the following outcomes:
80% of youth affirmed the importance of persistence (if I keep working at something, I get better at it)
64% recognized the value of reframing thoughts for emotional regulation (When I want to feel a more positive emotion, I change the way I am thinking about a situation)
64% demonstrated increased confidence in their planning and goal-setting skills (I can develop step-by-step weekly plans to reach goals)
While results are early, these changes in attitude and behavior not only improve individual well-being but may also contribute to broader societal benefits, such as reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
RECOGNITION
This project was made possible through the support of the National 4-H Council and the Land Grant University System.
PUBLIC VALUE STATEMENT
By equipping youth with the tools to understand the connections between stress and health, the Mind Body Whole Wellness Tracker fosters long-term emotional and physical well-being. This initiative encourages healthier decision-making, building a foundation for lifelong wellness.