Have you ever wished that you could fast forward to the end of university so you could know now what you will learn in the future? Here's your chance to learn about the triumphs and obstacles current 4th year Lakehead University students have faced and gain valuable knowledge about how they approached their student experience with a focus on your wellbeing. Think of this as your wellness cheat sheet!

Lesson Learned #1 Time Management

One of the most common difficulties that students encounter that impacts their wellness is the stress associated with time management. After almost four years of university, what you come to discover is that coordinating your ‘me’ time is just as important as your academic time. We understand that it may be unrealistic to believe that there will be an equal amount of time available for both, which is why we have learned that you’re looking for more of an 80/20 split. If you spend 8 hours a week studying, you have earned 2 hours of time to focus on your passions. Passions don’t have to be a big extravagant hobby either, something as simple as going to see a movie qualifies as a brilliant form of self-care.

Lesson Learned #2 Learning to Self Moderate

One of the biggest challenges of transitioning to a university environment is learning to adapt to being your own best moderator. You get what you put into your Lakehead experience so it is important to be accountable for your actions and study habits. However, being your own moderator doesn’t mean that you’re alone in the process, it just means that you have accepted your role as being the leader. Use your role to access the numerous supports available to you at Lakehead University. Finding the support (counsellor, peer support, academic support, etc) that matches your wellness needs will help you complete your university journey with special respect for your health & wellness.

Lesson Learned #3 Explore all of your Options

Finding your true passion and unlocking your full potential is what university is all about. You don’t have to stay within the realm of what you thought you originally wanted; don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities! Switching your course plan does not EVER mean that you failed or gave up, it means that you have moved onto something new and more suited for your own unique potential. Discovering your true calling is essential to maintaining your wellness.

Lesson Learned #4 Relying on Your Peers

When it comes to facing obstacles in university, one of your best resources is your peers. Developing friendships based on trust and respect will help you to discuss challenges you are facing which gives you a safe space to vent & learn valuable advice. The dynamic relationship between peers is founded on the unique shared experience that you’re both working through. 

Do you want the opportunity to connect with your peers? Peer Chat is a program made by students, for students. It takes the pressure off of traditional counselling methods (which are still amazing options for some- everyone is different) by allowing you to discuss obstacles you are facing with other students and offer your own advice to other students looking for guidance. Follow @lupeerwellness on Instagram to learn more about upcoming Peer Chat meetings!

-Samantha Sawyer, 4th year student and Peer Support Lead 

Food can eat up a large part of your monthly budget and at times you might feel like you have to go the ramen route to make ends meet. There are ways to stretch your dollar and still eat food that is satisfying and provides the nutrients your body and mind need!

Plan Ahead

Don’t let your mood dictate your groceries for the week- take the time to plan your meals for the week and write a list based on that. Try to make use of ingredients in several different meals. You can also try meal prepping or batch cooking so that nothing goes to waste, having a meal ready also curbs the desire to order in on busy days.

Take Advantage of Student Discount Days

Some grocery stores or restaurants have dedicated discount days- if you can make it work with your schedule plan your shopping on those days.

Thunder Bay

Bulk Barn: Bulk Barn offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays with a valid student ID (source). 

Metro Grandview mall: Get 10 percent off your groceries every Tuesday with your student card.

Orillia

Bulk Barn: Bulk Barn offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays with a valid student ID (source). 

Grocery Store Loyalty Programs

If you hit up the same grocery store week after week, take advantage of any loyalty or points programs they have. These programs are almost always free and allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts. Some programs also offer personalized coupons and discounts to loyalty members.

Apps

As always, there is an app for everything- including grocery discounts- these are ones we recommend.  

• Flipp- Flipp takes the weekly flyers crammed in your mailbox and puts them on your phone or tablet in a clean, searchable app. While you can search for a specific flyer and browse flyers as you would if they were sent to your house, the best capability of Flipp is being able to search for a product, such as milk, to see all the flyers that have it listed and for what price.

• Checkout51- Checkout 51 gives you money back on certain products after you purchase them. Some items will give you 0.25$, while others could give you a few dollars back. The app shows you what products you can get money back on that week so you know what deals you can get ahead of time. After you purchase items on the list you photograph and upload your receipt via the app. The receipt gets checked and once approved (usually within 48 hours) the money you earned gets added to your account. Once you hit $20 a cheque is mailed out to you.

• Caddle- The Caddle app is similar to Checkout 51, but unlike Checkout 51, Caddle is currently only available in Canada. Caddle publishes cashback offers every Thursday and this runs for a week. To claim an offer, purchase the item (usually at any store), scan, and upload the receipt for processing. You can claim multiple offers on one receipt. When your cashback balance reaches $20 or more, it is easy to cash out and receive a check in the mail.

Student Discount Cards

The requirements for student discounts vary- some only need to see your Lakehead ID but others require a specific membership program. Some cost money to sign up so read through their partnerships to see if it is worthwhile.

• ISIC Card- LUSU

• SPC Card

• Unidays

Food isn't the only thing that can get expensive and a lot of companies offer student discount, check out a complete list of Student Deals at https://dealhack.ca/blog/canadian-student-discounts

Wintertime can be tough mentally and physically without a pandemic placing restrictions on outings, gatherings and activities. But whether we like it or not, the cold weather is here to stay and this year is definitely the time to embrace the season rather than get through it. Try some of the following to make the change:

Dress for the Weather. A popular saying in Norway is “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. It’s important to prioritize your extremities-if they are cold, you will be miserable. Get warm socks, waterproof insulated boots, mitts or gloves and a toque. To keep your core warm and dry, plan to layer. You need a base layer, an insulating layer and an outer shell. 

Find an outdoor activity you enjoy. Now is the time to try something new (or rediscover an old pastime) that makes you want to spend time outside. Snowshoeing, ice climbing, cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding, and fat tire biking are all options even under the current Ontario COVID-19 public health restrictions.

Socialize. While indoor gatherings are restricted, going outside is an opportunity to get together with friends or family. Bundle up and have a bonfire (keep the guest list within gathering limits) or meet a friend for one of the outdoor activities from the last tip. 

Shift your mindset. Focus on the small things you enjoy about the winter: the beauty of a fresh snowfall, warming up with hot chocolate, the opportunity to get cozy and lost in a book, whatever is it, try to consciously focus on it instead of focussing on the things you dislike. 

If you are struggling with the winter blues, don't forget to reach out and book a counselling appointment with Student Health and Wellness. Our counsellors can give some guidance and help connect you to resources if needed. 

-Lindsey Wachter, R. Kin

Health and Wellness Promoter

Finding ways to cope with exam stress has always been imperative to taking care of one’s self as they navigate through their academic journey. As we all head into exam season during this pandemic, the need to support your wellbeing has never been more important. Your Peer Wellness Educator team has compiled a list of their best academic and wellness tips to help you cope with stress and avoid the chance of burnout.

ACADEMIC TIPS

1) Plan ahead! A key part of reducing stress during exam season is to make a plan and to make the plan early. We recommend printing off a blank calendar and writing down all of the readings and assignments you need to complete on the schedule. Space out the assignments based on how much time you will need to complete each task and give yourself plenty of time to complete each task before the due date.
2) Connect with your peers! There’s nobody better than your peers to help you through a tricky assignment or a complex reading. By putting your knowledge together, you can help each other succeed and hold each other accountable. Zoom is a great platform to hold study sessions. Remember: Meeting with your peers doesn’t always have to be strictly about academics! Take the time to destress and talk to your peers about how you have been feeling and develop friendships.
3) Reach out to your professors early! Is there something you have not been understanding as well as you would like to? Reach out to your professor through email or ask to set up a zoom meeting. Your best bet is to start the conversation early because exam season is when questions will start flooding into the professor’s inboxes and you want to get your opportunity for one-on-one help before it’s too late.

WELLNESS TIPS

1) Fuel your body and your mind! We know that when studying the days can fly by and you can go hours without realizing you have not stopped to eat. Make sure to keep a schedule that allows you to eat healthily and gives you the opportunity to try your hand at cooking. Baking and cooking are a great way to take a break from your studies and destress by engaging in a fun and satisfying activity. Remember: Make healthy choices that will help fuel you and keep your mind sharp.
2) Take time for yourself! While it may feel that every moment you possibly have should be spent studying, this is not true. While studying is important, it is just as important to continue doing things that bring you peace and joy. No matter what, schedule some time into your day to do something you enjoy. This could be as simple as watching a tv show, having a relaxing bath or practicing a new hobby! We are not robots and cannot study 24 hours a day, nor should we! Take some time to be at peace and enjoy life around you. While exams can be overwhelming, remember it is okay to take time and relax and feel grounded. This will help you study and focus better!
3) Do not over caffeinate! While many of us love coffee, consuming too much caffeine can worsen the stress we already encounter from exams. Caffeine is a stimulant and increases your body’s stress levels. If you feel you need those cups of coffee to stay up and finish studying, listen to your body instead and get some sleep. You will feel more refreshed and will retain more information once you properly take care of your body. Try swapping out your coffee for herbal tea or water while you are studying!

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any exam stress tips that you think we should share, message us on Instagram @lupeerwellness

-Ashley Warburton and Samantha Sawyer, Peer Wellness Educators