Winter in Oregon can be dreary, with long, dark days making it harder to feel energized and connected.
To support students through the colder months, the Honors College is introducing a new Winter Wellness event series designed to foster connection and help students recharge, de-stress and thrive.
Upcoming events include sessions on stress management and study strategies, a “Dive-In Movie” at the Dixon pool where students can float and relax while watching a film, a Valentine’s-themed bracelet-making and cookie-decorating event, a tax night with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program where students can get free support filing their taxes, a Zen garden workshop and more! Many events will also include drinks and snacks.
“Wintering in Oregon can be tough. The days are darker, rainier and honestly a little gross. It can be hard to feel good,” says HC Student Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator Taylor Maki. “Wellness is multi-faceted, and we want students to take care of themselves and show up as best they can this winter. We also want them to know we’re thinking about their social and mental health in addition to their academic success. These events are meant to be low‑commitment, low‑key and open to any HC student looking to destress for a bit.”
HC students can work towards completing a Winter Wellness Passport, collecting staff signatures at each event they attend. Attending four or more events enters students into a drawing for a Dutch Bros gift card and attending six or more enters them into a drawing for a Beaver Bookstore gift card.
“Even if a student doesn’t know if an event is for them, I encourage them to come check it out anyway. You never know who you’ll meet or what you could learn,” says Taylor. "Maybe you’ll make a new friend or discover a new hobby or interest!”
First-year honors Biology student Helena Linnen attended the Winter Wellness Series hot chocolate event during week 1 after hearing about it through the Honors College Student Association. “It was very fun! The campus wellness dog, Cedar, was at the hot cocoa event. He enjoyed a cup of whipped cream, which was really cute,” says Helena.
First-year honors Computer Science student Vedika Sheth has attended several of the Winter Wellness Series events. Drawn in by the potential of grabbing free snacks and warm drinks between classes, Vedika says that the events have all been enjoyable. Vedika also says she has “enjoyed collecting plants at the events,” noting that she now has two that she named Bingy and Bong Bong. Vedika plans to attend future events and is working towards completing the passport.
"The hosts of the events have been awesome. They have been really welcoming, giving us the freedom to take what we want, stay as long as we want and make the event our own. That’s what I’ve been doing — making each event something I can enjoy,” says Vedika. “The events give me a nice break between classes and studying. They let me sit back and relax. Wellness, to me, is very individual. What it looks like depends on the person. Maintaining wellness can be difficult as a student, but these Winter Wellness activities are perfect because you can make them work for your needs.”
Students interested in learning more about the ongoing Winter Wellness Series and other HC events are encouraged to look out for additional details in the Monday Message, HC social media and on the HC Events App. More information about the series and a list of all wellness events can be found on the Winter Wellness Series website.
