THE HOLISTIC WELLBEING CLASSROOM: TRAINING HEALTHY PROFESSIONALS FOR A BETTER SOCIETY
University of Granada (SPAIN)
About this paper:
Conference name: 18th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 29 June-1 July, 2026
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
The Holistic Wellbeing Classroom is conceived as an innovative and transformative space aimed at promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the university community. Its main purpose is to incorporate wellbeing as an essential dimension within higher education, understanding that academic development cannot be separated from personal well-being. In this sense, the Classroom seeks to strengthen mental health, foster community cohesion, and promote the social responsibility of future pharmacy professionals. The goal is for both students and healthcare professionals to fully develop their potential through the applied knowledge of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits—key elements for effective and humane performance in the healthcare field.
Furthermore, the Holistic Wellbeing Classroom is designed as an environment that encourages collaborative work and the active participation of students and professionals, fostering shared learning and the building of support networks. This collaborative approach enriches educational experiences and generates a sense of belonging that contributes to collective wellbeing.
One of the fundamental pillars of the Classroom is the development of emotional competence. To this end, students are encouraged to understand their own emotions, express them appropriately, and develop self-regulation skills. They are also encouraged to identify and understand emotions in others, which fosters more empathetic and respectful interpersonal relationships. Learning strategies to manage and reverse the harmful effects of negative emotions is a key aspect of students' personal and professional growth.
The Holistic Wellbeing Classroom also fosters the development of self-motivation and a positive attitude toward life, essential aspects for facing academic and personal challenges. Along these lines, it works on strengthening skills for managing stress, anxiety, and depressive moods, promoting awareness of the factors that influence subjective wellbeing. It also encourages resilience and frustration tolerance, helping participants recognize their capacity to develop personal, academic, and social skills that improve both their personal situation and their academic performance.
Another objective of the Classroom is to facilitate the establishment of healthy social relationships based on empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect. It also seeks to promote the appreciation of academic and professional life as spaces for continuous growth and development. In parallel, special attention is paid to the early detection of potential difficulties in learning, professional performance, or neuropsychological functioning, in order to offer appropriate support and prevent more complex situations.
Finally, the program emphasizes the importance of acquiring and consolidating healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity, adequate rest, a balanced diet, and the development of reading habits. These factors, along with a positive emotional attitude toward learning, contribute significantly to improving academic performance and overall well-being, fostering a comprehensive and sustainable education.Keywords:
Higher Education, Holistic Well-being Classroom, University Well-being, Mental Health, Emotional Balance, Neuroscience, Emotional Intelligence.