Whole Health Challenge
Make Your Health a Habit!
FEBRUARY 16 - APRIL 10, 2026
Ready to build healthy habits? Let Balanced Dukes support you!
Join us for our annual Whole Health Challenge, an 8-week journey designed to help you incorporate simple, impactful habits that can boost your overall well-being.
During the Whole Health Challenge, we will focus on:
- Drinking more water
- Moving your body with intention
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Practicing mindfulness
- Prioritizing quality sleep
Participants will be given support throughout the challenge, opportunities to win small prizes throughout, and a chance to win $100 applied to their JACard. Start small, stay consistent, and let us help you thrive!
REGISTER HERE
A few details about the Whole Health Challenge...
Do I have to commit to all 5 habits to participate?
No*, you can commit to one, two, or all habits, depending on your preference and needs. We strongly encourage you to attempt incorporating all of these habits into your life during the challenge, as they are all connected and play a role in your health; however, you can choose your own path for this challenge.
We will send out emails with information about these healthy habits, resources, tips, opportunities to participate in mini-challenges, and more. We will also have several virtual workshops as well as virtual check-in sessions throughout the challenge to give participants an opportunity to learn a little more and communicate with others on campus who are also participating in the challenge.
In previous Whole Health Challenges, we had to track our progress and earn points - do we need to do this again this year?
No!* We heard your feedback and we have decided that while tracking is a great tool for some, it can be a barrier for others. So, this is completely up to you. We will give you some guidance on setting intentions and goals for this challenge (and suggestions for those that really love to track their progress).
We will require all participants to complete a Reflection Survey at the end of the 8-week challenge. Completed Reflection Surveys will be compiled and we will draw a winner at random for the grand prize of $100 (applied to your JACard).
Am I required to participate in the health screenings that are being offered?
Participation in the health screenings is completley optional. This is simply an awesome option that our friends in the Integrative Nutrition & Physiology Lab are offering for faculty and staff to get a snapshot of their health before and after incorporating these healthy habits - and see the impact that these habits have on our health.
What if I have a question that isn't listed here?
Contact Tara Torkelson - torkeltb@jmu.edu | 8-5533
*exception: those participating in the optional health study must commit to all five habits and track them - information, including a tracking sheet, will be sent to those chosing to particpate in the health screenings.
