Health & Wellness

At Cornerstones, young adult health and wellness is addressed through a holistic approach. Studies show that structured time for exercise, mindful nutrition, meditation, sleep maintenance, and time spent in nature have a meaningful impact on negative emotions and improve our mental health. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in regulating mood. Regular exercise releases endorphins, known as “feel-good” chemicals, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness which leads to increased social connection. Our coaches and clinicians work with our clients to adopt healthy eating habits, incorporate exercise, practice meditation, and make time to get outdoors into daily routines. Through this work, young adults at Cornerstones begin to experience improved mood, increased energy levels, and enhanced overall well-being.

We require organized and intentional exercise activity for a minimum of three days a week and a client must schedule this into their calendar. We offer exercise options both inside the gym and outside in nature. All clients receive a membership to a local gym. Many of our clients supplement this core exercise regimen with yoga, dance, rock climbing, biking, trail running, surfing, skiing, and hikes into the surrounding mountains and beyond. 

On a weekly basis, our clients work with a dietician to learn about nutrition and develop a menu of recipes that they prepare for themselves and their housemates. They will also learn about the impact of different foods on energy and general health. 

Developing healthy and ​productive sleep habits is crucial to being productive and effective when you are awake. Many young adults struggle with developing a healthy and consistent sleep schedule. We work with our clients to institute habits around building a strong sleep schedule that they follow throughout our program. Incorporating healthy sleep habits for young adults can lead to improved focus, cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall well-being.

Our clients engage in weekly mindfulness and meditation groups. Meditation and mindfulness practices have tremendous health benefits that include amelioration of mental health symptoms and improvement in focus, concentration, cognitive flexibility, and organization. 

Our culture is replete with stories of people reconnecting with themselves through nature. A great deal of research has demonstrated that being in nature is a therapeutic process in and of itself. At Cornerstones, we recognize the importance of a meaningful connection with nature. We incorporate these natural areas into our program to expose our clients to the benefits of being in nature and to help them develop healthy habits that lead to emotional well-being. Spending time in nature can lead to reduced stress, improved mood, increased creativity, and enhanced overall mental well-being. 

Clients are encouraged to pursue passions and hobbies that may not directly relate to a client’s future professional or academic aspirations. At Cornerstones, each of our clients pursues hobbies, such as playing an instrument, dance, physical fitness, sports, art, sailing, and photography.  The pursuit of hobbies connects to the broader goals of personal growth and emotional well-being within the Cornerstones program.