University of San Diego Magazine - Fall 2025

NOURISHMENT The center’s design fosters connections between physical activity, diet and mental health. By offering spaces where students can engage in wellness activities and access nutritious resources, the center promotes a balanced lifestyle that supports academic performance and personal well-being. A cornerstone of the center’s approach to nourishment is its state-of-the-art teaching kitchen. This facility serves as a hub for students to engage in hands on learning about healthy cooking and nutrition. Programs offered include nutrition workshops, healthy cooking classes, and food and culture programs that connect students with community gardens, local farmers markets and diverse culinary traditions. These initiatives aim to empower students to make informed dietary choices that support their academic and personal success. The center also features a juice bar offering nutritious beverages that promote hydration and energy. Finally, the facility provides dye-free, fragrance-free and eco-conscious wellness products, ensuring a holistic approach to nourishment that considers both internal and external health factors.

two nap pods and art therapy. There are so many unique opportunities in this space that allow our community to slow down and rest in a way that works for them — that was really important to us when designing the spaces.” Elements such as light, sound and scent also play a critical role in cultivating a restorative atmosphere in the center. “All of these things add a freshness to the building, in a way that we hope encourages productivity and directly contributes to mood, physiology and cognitive function,” McIver said. “The floor-to ceiling windows and beautiful views from our terraces encourage our community to take advantage of the beautiful sunlight we get in San Diego, which directly relates to stress relief and relaxation. Overhead ambient music throughout the space brings liveliness and a fun, contagious energy to the building. And aromatherapy engages the limbic system, helping with relaxation, stress relief, motivation and rest.” The ultimate advice McIver has for individuals looking to restore: start outside. “Getting outside and being in the sun can be so restorative and a great start,” he said.

7,970 TOTAL WEEKLY CHECK-INS 43 GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

RESTORATION

Restoration is a crucial component of whole-person wellness. One of the goals of the wellness center is to offer spaces and experiences that encourage students to slow down, rest and restore themselves. “Physical health is a great way to restore, but we also offer so many other aspects that relate to holistic wellness,” said Assistant Director of the Palomar Health Student Wellness Center Matthew McIver. “We have mental health opportunities with the help of counselors, social health through connecting with friends online in our E-Sports Lounge, mental and emotional health with a rejuvenation room with

Data from September 2025.

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