Breaking Bread Together - The Path to Happiness

We believe in building community, in the important role that a supportive adult plays in the life of a teenager, and that eating together fosters well-being. It is one of the reasons why, each Monday, students sit with their Advisors and have lunch together.

 

"The dinner table can act as a unifier, a place of community. Sharing a meal is an excuse to catch up and talk, one of the few times where people are happy to put aside their work and take time out of their day." (The Atlantic).  Reputable sources like the University of Oxfordand Mental Health Foundation advocate the many psychological, social and biological benefits of eating meals together, saying: "The more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives…communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of wellbeing." (U of Oxford).

 

At Lakefield, we are feeling the truth of these statements as students and staff, together in our smaller advisor groups, share the highs and lows of our week and forge deeper connections with each other. As the year progresses, we know that Advisor lunches are literally setting the table to building stronger relationships within our community, relationships that will provide support during times of challenge as well as celebration. These relationships are the foundation for creating a healthy mind in a healthy body. Mens sana in corpore sano.