There is a limited focus in the literature on wellness and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students. The purpose of the present qualitative, heuristic research study was to describe the experience of wellness during the dissertation process. Twelve co-researchers, including the primary researcher, volunteered to answer the research question, "what is the experience of wellness during the dissertation process of recent PhD graduates?" Nine core themes emerged in association with the experience of wellness during the dissertation process: balance and priorities, becoming a scholar, identity of perceived stressors, keeping the dissertation in perspective, making sacrifices, motivation to finish, physical activity and health, social support facilitating dissertation completion, and spiritual practices. The findings from this study extended the knowledge of wellness, research doctoral education, and adult learning theory. Implications for current and future PhD students as well as existing PhD programs, and suggestions for future research were presented. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]