Thrive 5

• Check out exercise classes online and in-person: UBC Recreation wants to keep you moving whether on campus or at home with Instagram Live Movement Breaks (led by the Move U Crew) and in-person and Virtual Fitness Classes.

• Stretch it out: Try taking a stretch break (or two) during your day. Try out these Move UBC tips from the Kinesiology Undergraduate Society. 

• Dance: Bust a move to your favourite song. 

• Take a brisk walk in nature: Take a break from classes or work and get outside to enjoy some time in nature.

• Add a movement break: Request a free guided movement break from the Move U Crew and they will join your lecture, meeting, or event to guide attendees through a short routine of stretches and light exercises. Sessions are typically between 5-15 minutes and can be held in-person or remotely.

 Abdin, S., Welch, R. K., Byron-daniel, J., & Meyrick, J. 2018 U.K., Finland, Australia, Spain 

• Incorporating physical activity into the workplace, specifically, walking, yoga, or an exercise program, was shown to increase the wellbeing of individuals who participated
• These interventions showed participants to be less anxious, confused, depressed, stressed, and tired.

• Try to get 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night: The Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines recommend this as optimal for ages 18-64.

• Turn off your screens before bed: This is especially important if you find that information in the news and on social media is causing you stress. Stay informed by visiting accurate sources. 

• Establish rest routines: It may be tempting to sleep in or to go to bed later than usual for those of us still working or studying from home, but waking up and going to bed at your regular times can help with better-quality rest.

• Take a nap: A 20-minute nap during the day can leave you feeling more refreshed and well-rested. 

Short, M. A., Gradisar, M., Lack, L. C., & Wright, H. R. 2013, Australia 

• Poor sleep quality and/or more evening chronotype were also more likely to report worse grades 
• Students reporting low alertness during the day had higher levels of depressed mood, associated with reduced academic performance. 
• Good sleep quality can be maintained by practicing good sleep hygiene

H.C. Woods, H. Scott, 2016, Scotland

• Those with higher social media use experienced poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem, and higher levels of anxiety and depression
• Constant incoming alerts contribute to sleep disturbances
• Fear of missing out may contribute to the inability to relax at bedtime due to a fear of missing out on notifications 
• Putting away your phone at nighttime may provide a better sleep

• Eat your fruits and veggies: Mom wasn't kidding when she said they're good for you; research has shown that greater consumption of fruits and veggies may be correlated with greater happiness and positive well-being. Adding extras to each meal will help you meet those daily needs. 
   
• Practice intuitive eating: Listen to your body when it tells you that you are hungry or full. And don't be afraid to eat certain foods; there are no good foods or bad foods. 
   
• Try the power of plant-based: Try incorporating one plant-based meal into your diet each week. Tofu, chickpeas, lentils and canned/dried beans are great plant-based, protein-packed foods to try.
   
• Eat breakfast: It's the most important meal of the day and will help you maintain alertness and focus, whether you're working or studying. 
   
• Stock your pantry with nutritious staples. Nut butter, canned beans, and oatmeal are all healthy nonperishable options to have on hand. 

Have questions or concerns about nutrition? UBC’s Registered Dietitians are here to help. For nutrition tips, recipes, and more, visit the UBC Food Services Vancouver  Nutrition Blog. 

Faculty and staff may be able to access nutritionists through their Extended Health Benefits. 

Branchflower, D.G., Oswald, A.J., Stewart-Brown, S.2013, United Kingdom

• The greater the consumption of fruits and vegetables, the greater happiness and positive well-being reported 

• Association peaked at 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day 

Bruce, L.J., Ricciardelli, L.A. 2016, United States of America

• Intuitive eating is an eating practice that encompasses a positive attitude towards food, body, and physical activity

• A review showed that intuitive eating was related to less disordered eating, improved body image, and higher emotional functioning

• Donate to causes that are near and dear to your heart: Did you know UBC has been supporting the United Way since 1976? Donations to the AMS Food Bank help support food-insecure students who may be particularly vulnerable during this time.
   
• ​​​​​Show your nurturing side: Whether you're caring for a pet or a plant, being nurturing can be a great mood booster. 
   
• Lend a helping hand: If you're going grocery shopping, offer to pick up essential items for friends or neighbours who may not be able to do so themselves. 

Akinin, L.B., Barrington-Leigh, C.P., Dunn, E.W., Hwlliwell, J.F., Burns, J., et al. 2013. Canada

• Prosocial spending is associated with higher levels of happiness 
• The evolution of altruistic behaviour was essential in creating large social networks, which supported the growth of early human groups

Dunn, E., Aknin, L.B., Norton, M.I. 2014, Canada

• Spending money on others rather than yourself may lead to greater happiness
• Greater happiness can occur when the money being spent allows for connection with people, the ability to see how donations make a difference, and the option to choose to give or not

• Join an event or meet with friends and family- Check out the Thrive Events Calendar for in-person and remote ways to join an event.
   
• Reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with- Give them a call or send them a text to let them know you're thinking of them! 
   
• Feeling Zoomed out? Try a walk and talk! As we come back together in person, online gatherings, classes and meetings are still common practice and Zoom fatigue is real. If you're having a check-in or discussion that doesn't require you to be at your computer, try lacing up your shoes and taking it outside. You'll get a bit of a movement break, and possibly boost your creativity. 
   
• Join an online community! The Wellness Centre Online is a great resource for students who are feeling stressed, worried, or isolated. Learn more about health-related resources, access tips and strategies for your wellbeing, and talk to a Wellness Peer. 
  • Wellness Centre Online- Vancouver
  • Wellness Centre Online- Okanagan

MacIntyre, J.C., Worsley, J, Corcoran, R., et al. 2018, United Kingdom 

• Loneliness and academic assessment stress are strong predictors of mental distress
• University social groups were the strongest protectors against mental distress  

Whillans, A.V., Christie, C.D., Cheung, S., et al. 2017, Canada

• Individuals in new social environments tend to perceive others as more socially connected than themselves 

• Individuals who perceived their peers as more socially connected reported lower well-being and belonging but over time showed a higher association with friendship formation