Thriving in 2020: Explore your path to mental health

Fostering and maintaining mental health is a year-round pursuit, and UBC recognizes that it plays a crucial role in the ability to live, work, and learn well— whether on campus or at home.

November is Thrive month at UBC. It is a time when we come together as a UBC community to learn about, talk about, and explore ways to support our mental health.  Whether we’re working from home or on campus, the past few months have presented many new challenges and changes. It is more important than ever for each of us to foster and maintain mental health—for ourselves, and for others—and to make sure we have the skills and resources to cope and be resilient through life’s ups and downs.

Thrive is for everyone—we all have mental health, and while it might look and feel different for each of us, we all benefit from maintaining and fostering it. 

Explore the Thrive 5+:  Research shows that there are five ways that promote and support mental health. These are the Thrive 5 (Moving more, Sleeping soundly, Eating well, Giving back, Saying Hi).  While the Thrive 5 are some of the most commonly cited ways to foster and maintain mental health, they are not the only ways. Mental health is different for everyone—and so are the ways to support it. For some, it might be engaging in arts and culture or connecting through spirituality for others. Many people also find being in nature restorative and effective, while others practice gratitude. 

Here are some ways I’ve been incorporating Thrive 5+ in my life

Saying hi: This year, staying connected with co-workers, friends and family has been very important to me in maintaining my mental health. Working from home can get very isolating but check-ins, whether they are quick or last hours, have kept me going.  

Moving More: I found that moving more boosts my energy for the day. I incorporate 10-15-minute workouts as a part of my daily morning routine and this helps in keeping me energized and motivated.  

How do you Thrive?

This November, I encourage you to take some time to explore how you are fostering and maintaining your mental health.  Using the Thrive 5+ is a great way to explore your path to mental health. Check out the Thrive Calendar for a variety of engaging events, activities and experiences happening throughout the month. 

Stay safe and well,

Truelove