How to Beat the Winter Blues | Tips from Our THRIVE Council

This week, our THRIVE Council (comprised of student leaders, staff, and Seniors-in-Charge) shared some important messages about wellbeing. Winter is approaching, which for some can mean the start of “winter blues” but THRIVE offered some tips to manage the change in season.

Spending time with friends and family can help boost your mood as you build connections and maintain a sense of belonging and community with those around you. Student representatives for the THRIVE initiative offered several other ways our community can prioritize their wellbeing as the temperature drops and the days feel shorter. In addition to socializing, they recommend spending time in nature, moving your body to benefit from the endorphins produced by exercise, utilizing the light therapy lamps provided by THRIVE in each of the student houses, and embracing the winter weather by trying seasonal sports, such as skiing or snowboarding. 

In Advisor meetings this week, our students also considered small steps they can take to boost their wellbeing in the coming days, months, and years. They talked about micro-changes they can make to help themselves make better choices for their physical and mental wellbeing. Advisors prompted students to consider what obstacles and barriers prevent them from achieving their positive intentions. One strategy they reviewed was habit tracking to monitor their success and feel proud of their accomplishments no matter how big or small.

For parents interested in learning more on the topic of wellbeing, LCS THRIVE program leader Libby Dalrymple recommends exploring the concept of developing “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Clear is known for popularizing the “2-minute rule” which focuses on establishing a habit before it can be improved, or “mastering the art of showing up.”  We look forward to seeing our students develop some of these positive habits for wellbeing in the weeks to come.

How will you THRIVE this winter?