Find Your Balance with Wolfie!
Exams are tough, even for Wolfie. Student Health and Wellness is teaming up with him to tackle the exam season together.
From December 3 to 14, follow along on Instagram as Wolfie takes on different healthy habits to stay balanced, from fueling up with good food to catching enough sleep and managing stress.
If you’ve noticed that you’re feeling more tired, irritable, or just not yourself lately, you’re not alone. These changes can be signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically appears in the fall and winter months when daylight hours decrease. Even if you don’t meet the full criteria for SAD, many people experience a seasonal dip in mood and energy this time of year.
Reduced sunlight affects our body’s internal clock and the production of hormones like melatonin and serotonin, which influence sleep and mood. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty focusing, all of which can make an already busy time of year even tougher.
The good news is that there are ways to lift your mood and energy, even as the days get darker.
1. Get outside when you can.
Natural light, even on cloudy days, can help regulate your internal clock. Try to get outside during daylight hours. Walk between classes, grab your coffee to go, or study near a window.
2. Keep moving.
Physical activity boosts serotonin and endorphins, both of which help improve mood and reduce fatigue. You don’t need an intense workout. A brisk walk, stretch break, or campus rec activity can make a difference.
3. Stay connected.
It’s tempting to hibernate, but social connection is one of the best ways to buffer against seasonal lows. Plan study sessions with friends, attend campus events, or reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
5. Prioritize rest and structure.
Keep a regular sleep and meal schedule, and build small moments of joy into your day. Listening to music, lighting a candle (unless you live in residence!), or cooking something warm can all help ground you.
6. Reach out for support.
If your low mood or energy levels are making it hard to get through your day, you don’t have to manage it alone. Student Health and Wellness counsellors can help you find strategies and resources that work for you.
With a little extra care and support, you can navigate this time of year and make space for both rest and growth. For more information or to connect with a counsellor, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/shw or use the WellU Key to find supports that fit your needs.
Join Crafts and Conversation, where we'll sit down for a conversation aiming to break down stigma and normalize taking action to support our mental health, all while doing a creative art activity! Don't miss out on this chance to take a break, recharge your mind, and nurture your creativity.
#NoStigmaNovember
Student Health and Wellness and the Outpost are teaming up for Movember Trivia Night! Join us for an evening of fun, food, and friendly competition as we put your knowledge to the test. Expect a mix of general trivia with a few questions focused on men’s mental health and wellbeing as part of No Stigma November.
Bring your friends, grab a table, and compete for a chance to win Student Health and Wellness swag and other wellness-themed prizes.
Stress and anxiety are something we all experience at different points in our lives. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, starting a new project, or adjusting to a big change, it’s normal to feel a bit on edge. But when these feelings become constant, they can affect your daily life. Understanding how stress and anxiety work and how to manage them can help you feel more in control.
Stress usually comes from an external source, like a looming deadline, a tough exam, or a disagreement with a friend. It tends to fade once the situation is resolved.
Anxiety, on the other hand, can feel constant, even in situations that aren’t actually threatening. It often shows up as persistent worry, tension, or a sense of dread that makes daily life more challenging.
A great first step in managing stress is identifying what sets it off. Is it social pressure, lack of sleep, or a busy schedule? Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to minimize them or respond more effectively.
Focusing on what’s going well in your life can help put challenges in perspective. Try writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Feeling out of control often increases stress. Build a routine with small, manageable steps to tackle problems. Focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t.
Having someone to talk to during tough times can make a huge difference. Reach out to friends, family, or campus support services when you need help.
Try techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, or mental rehearsal—visualizing yourself handling a challenging situation successfully. These strategies can help your body and mind return to calm.
Not all stress is bad. “Eustress” is the type of stress that motivates and excites you, like preparing for a performance or working toward a personal goal.
Building resilience, the ability to adapt in the face of challenges, can help you bounce back stronger and more confident.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or immersive activities you enjoy, can reduce stress and anxiety.
Flow is a state where you’re completely absorbed in what you’re doing, losing track of time and self-consciousness. Achieving flow can improve focus, motivation, and overall well-being.
If stress or anxiety starts interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Familiarizing yourself with available resources can make a big difference.
Stress and anxiety are part of life, but they don’t have to control you. By identifying triggers, practicing mindfulness, and building strong support systems, you can manage stress effectively and build resilience for the future.
Small steps every day can make a big difference.
If you want to seek professional support, visit Lakehead University Student Health & Wellness for more information on the supports available on campus and to book an appointment.
Reem Alfarwan, Peer Wellness Educator Lead
Join us for Mental Health Monday at Lakehead Law as part of No Stigma November. Stop by to connect with Student Health and Wellness, explore resources, and learn practical strategies to support your mental health and wellbeing throughout the semester.
Today is World Kindness Day, so it is a great opportunity to send some love and kindness to someone you appreciate. Drop by the Orsi Learning Commons to:
- make a kindness bracelet
- write a gratitude card
- make a kindness care kit
- learn a self-kindness practice
Join Crafts and Conversation, where we'll sit down for a conversation aiming to break down stigma and normalize taking action to support our mental health, all while doing a creative art activity! Don't miss out on this chance to take a break, recharge your mind, and nurture your creativity.
#NoStigmaNovember
Join Crafts and Conversation, and help us kick off Lakehead International's winter clothing drive! Today's activity: mitten making! We'll be repurposing old sweaters and blankets to make hand-made mittens. You can make a pair for yourself, give a pair as a gift, and/or make a pair to contribute to the winter clothing drive. Don't miss out on this chance to take a break, recharge your mind, and nurture your creativity.
#NoStigmaNovember
Join Crafts and Conversation, where we'll sit down for a conversation aiming to break down stigma and normalize taking action to support our mental health, all while doing a creative art activity! Don't miss out on this chance to take a break, recharge your mind, and nurture your creativity.
#NoStigmaNovember
