Take a break from the rush of student life and unwind at The Wellness Tea Bar, a cozy drop-in event designed to help you reset, recharge, and reconnect with your well-being. Enjoy a curated selection of soothing teas, each chosen for its calming and wellness-boosting properties. The Wellness Tea Bar is your space to slow down, sip mindfully, and take care of yourself.
Take a pause and focus on your well-being. Reflect on how you’re feeling, set meaningful intentions, and create small goals to support your mental health this semester. Join Student Health & Wellness for a calm, welcoming space to reset and recharge after the holiday break. Explore strategies and resources to support your well-being and set yourself up for success in the coming weeks.
Feeling the winter slump? Move Through the Cold is your kickoff to staying active, healthy, and motivated all season! Drop by to learn about our “Thawed Out Winter Challenge”, a flexible movement challenge designed to help you shake off the cold, boost your energy, and get back into a routine. Your goal: move your body on 21 out of 28 days between January 12 and February 8.
Walk, skate, stretch, lift, dance in your kitchen; it all counts. The goal is to build momentum, find your stride, and support your well-being through the coldest part of the semester.
Become trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
ASIST is a two-day, interactive workshop that teaches participants how to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. You don't have to be a professional in mental health to make a difference. ASIST is a globally recognized suicide intervention training program. Learn practical, life saving skills in a supportive environment.
What to Expect:
The end of the semester is almost here! Join Student Health and Wellness to de-stress before diving into exams. Drop by to make your own stress ball, sip some hot chocolate, and learn about stress management resources. We will also have some special guests from 12 pm - 1 pm, Therapy dogs Rex, HoneyBea, and Abby!
There will be bumps in the road on your way through the semester, but you can only give it your best, keep learning, and keep moving forward. Join SSC and Student Health and Wellness for Don't Stress the Test! Drop to play some Mario Kart for a quick study break, and learn some study and test taking tips while you're at it! We will also have some tips to help manage test anxiety
Remember - one rough lap doesn't define your race, just like one test doesn't define you!
Kick off the winter semester with the Thawed Out Challenge, a flexible movement challenge designed to help you shake off the cold, boost your energy, and get back into a routine. Your goal: move your body on 21 out of 28 days between January 12 and February 8.
Walk, skate, stretch, lift, dance in your kitchen, ski across campus, it all counts. The goal is to build momentum, find your stride, and support your well-being through the coldest part of the semester.
Give Yourself a Wellbeing Boost This Winter
The winter break is the perfect time to focus on you. Sign up for the Winter WellU Wishlist and get evidence-based wellness tips delivered straight to your inbox to help you recharge, reset, and feel your best for the new year.
From December 15 to January 4, you will receive 12 emails with practical ideas to support your wellbeing, one at a time over the break.
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.
