This can be a tough time of year.
Usually around this time, I tend to lose sight of the bigger picture. I can barely see above the stack of readings and papers I have to do, and my view of the outside world becomes limited to the inside of my umbrella.
But, speaking of umbrellas…
Thrive is almost here!
If you’re looking for ways to break out of the doldrums of the season, look no further. From October 30 to November 3, campus will be filled with events and activities than can help you build your mental health alongside your UBC community. It’s a great chance to take a short break in your day to try something new, feel good about who you are, and gain confidence and motivation to handle every day with a bit more positivity.
We could all use more of that, amirite?
Whether you do or don’t live with mental illness, Thrive is for everyone. It’s always useful to foster your mental health. And, you never know – you might even discover a new hobby along the way.
Here’s a teaser of what to look forward to:
- Thrive Kick-off: The can’t-be-missed Thrive Kick-off is here to help you start your week off right – with free coffee, energizing music, a nutritious snack, and stress balls you can bring to your 9 am (or later) class!
- Gratitude Wall at Vantage College: Being thankful can be as contagious as a smile or a yawn. Every day during Thrive, you can check out what your community is grateful for and add your own “thank yous” to the wall. Let’s spread some gratitude!
- From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion (interactive workshop): It can be easy to doubt or criticize yourself at this time of year. Bring a friend to the Nest, or come by yourself, to learn more self-compassion skills from your friendly Speakeasy peers.
- UBC’s Largest Zumba Class: Come out, move around, and laugh with friends at this huge Zumba class, led by UBC Recreation. A great way to wrap up Thrive week, UBC’s Largest Zumba is guaranteed to be fun and freeing. It’s also a great, easy way to be part of our community.
I know, group activities aren’t for everyone…
You don’t have to be at Thrive events to get involved. There’s something for everyone.
If going to events is not your jam, check out thrive.ubc.ca for inspiring ways to practice more mental health in your daily routine (going to yoga, painting, walking in nature, writing thank-you letters, etc.).
There’s also a hashtag you can follow to get in on the action! Be sure to join the #LetsThriveUBC challenge on social media – you might even catch a glimpse of Santa Ono thriving!
Let’s Thrive, UBC!
However you choose to get involved, Thrive helps us all build mental health together, in different ways, here at UBC. We are all part of this UBC community, and what better way to honour our community than honouring our best selves together? And so, I hope to see you on a mat, in a workshop, or maybe even somewhere in the crowd under a rainbow of colourful umbrellas. Consider this your open invitation to come Thrive with me!
Be sure to keep up-to-date with all of the events as they get added to the Thrive calendar.
