September 2015 Dimension of the Month: Social Wellbeing

We know that your student’s wellbeing is of the utmost importance to Wake Forest parents, and we want you to know that it’s important to us too! That’s why Thrive is bringing you monthly Parents Only blogs on how you can support your student’s wellbeing at Wake Forest. Each month we’ll post Parent Wellbeing tips, tools, and resources, both local and national. We hope that you leave a comment with issues or resources you’d like to see covered or what you liked about the blog!

What is Thrive?
Thrive is the university wide wellbeing initiative focused on the health and wellbeing of the whole person. Our comprehensive wellbeing approach focuses on helping members of the Wake Forest University community create a life that is conducive to reaching their highest potential. Thrive addresses wellbeing through 8 dimensions: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual.

Arrive and Thrive: First Day of Class Kick Off
In case you haven’t heard, our Arrive and Thrive event was a huge success and our chance to introduce the eight dimensions of wellbeing and the array of campus resources to your students on their first day of class! Please take a look at pictures from the event!

Social Wellbeing
Each month a dimension of wellbeing will be highlighted this year. This month, Thrive will highlight the dimension of social wellbeing. Social wellbeing is a crucial aspect of maintaining and improving happiness. Time spent with close friends, social time at work, at home, on the phone, or any form of communication can improve one’s level of life satisfaction. Encourage your student to participate in our professional workshops and community programs each month to learn more about themselves and how to Thrive!

Activities this Month:

Positive Affirmation – Workshop – September 23rd
The Positive Affirmation workshop focuses on personal and social wellbeing and how to incorporate the use of affirmations in daily life. Participants have the opportunity to learn techniques and tools that encourage daily introspection for positive outcomes through verbal communication.

Thank You WFU – Community Program – September 30th 2-5pm
The community program, Thank You WFU, will give the campus an opportunity to express their gratitude towards all things WFU. Taking time to express gratitude and positive affirmation can produce a range of  benefits including:

• Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure;
• Higher levels of positive emotions;
• More joy, optimism, and happiness;
• Acting with more generosity and compassion;
• Feeling less lonely and isolated.

Encourage your student to take advantage of these resources.

WFU Certified Peer Educator Program
In addition to Dimensions by the Month, the Office of Wellbeing is launching WFU Certified Peer Educator Program which focuses on training students to become advocates and leaders in three priority areas: Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention, Nutrition and Mindful Eating, and Invisible Disability Awareness. A general meeting will be held mid September for your students who have shown interest. Thrive is committed towards partnership with your students to help improve the wellbeing of our entire community.

Social Norms Campaign
Lastly, we’re excited to share the Alcohol Safety and Success social norms campaign. The social norms campaign focuses on correcting misperceptions about alcohol use among students.   As parents, we welcome your partnership in communicating  expectations for alcohol use with your student.   Ask them about how they socialize with their friends. Do their friends drink? Do they participate in drinking? If they are underage, encourage them to abstain.  If they are consuming alcohol, is it done safely? As parents, you still have a great influence on your student. Please encourage them to engage fully in their college experience and take steps to positively manage their wellbeing.

Visit our Events page for more information on upcoming Dimensions by the Month activities.  Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook.