BeWell October 2023

With the holiday season right around the corner, we know that there will be an increase in social gatherings for many. But the holidays aren’t the only time of the year to focus on social wellness, which is a very important component to your overall wellness.

Newsletter content prepared by Be:Well member Chelsea Jacobson

Live:Well – Social Wellness

According to a recent report from the Surgeon General, “lacking social connection is as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” For a full review of the report, which includes information on why social connection is important, how social isolation impacts your health, and how to advance social connection, visit the report here.

The National Health Institute also published a Social Wellness Toolkit for some tips about how to connect with others.

Here are some fun ways for you to connect with others in our community!

Community Walks/Runs

Participating in a community walk/run is a great way to connect with others while you get your steps in, and many of the events benefit local charities!

Upcoming events in the Vancouver and surrounding areas:

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to make new social connections and use your time for a good cause. Here is a list of volunteer opportunities in the area: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/community/activities-and-programs/volunteer-programs/

Hobbies

Find others who share your same interests on Meet Up: https://www.meetup.com/find/us–wa–vancouver/social-activities/

Upcoming Be:Well Events

Come socialize with your ESD 112 community at a Be:Well event!

Monthly Movement Break (NEW!) – Monster Mash Dance

Monday, October 30th, 2:00pm

Be:Well will host a Monthly Movement Break in partnership with rotating ESD staff members to share a specialty skill (ex: yoga, dance, self-defense, etc.) and take a 15-30 minute break and get our bodies moving!

On Monday, October 30th at 2:00pm, we will be learning the Monster Mash dance from some experts you may recognize from last year’s Hootenanny. They were a graveyard smash!

Wellness Walks

Come socialize with us during a weekly wellness walk! We are rotating the days and times to accommodate as many different schedules as we can. Meet in the ESD 112 lobby at the times listed on the monthly Wellness Walk schedule to take a stroll outside. We plan to walk, rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.

  • First Tues of the month @ 10:00am
  • Second Wed of the month @ 3:45pm
  • Third Thurs of the month @ 10:00am
  • Fourth Fri of the month @ 3:45pm

If you aren’t at the ESD 112 Vancouver campus, we welcome you to get a group together and take a walk at your location, at a time that works best for you. We’d love for you to share any pics and email to bewell@esd112.org.

Wellnes Walk

Want to Join the Be:Well Team?

We are looking for folks who are passionate (or just plain curious) about wellness. Feel free to fill out this Quick Form to submit your Be:Well committee member application. We meet virtually, and we welcome individuals who work remotely, in the field, and/or at the ESD 112 main campus.