Ika Janiszewski, First Year Advisor

University can be a time where our schedules get so busy it’s easy to put important things on the back burner. Forgetting about physical and mental health can happen very quickly if we get too buried in the books and our work, but they are just as important for success as studying and going to class. Although it may be hectic to balance it all at times, here are a few ideas and resources you can use to make sure that you are practicing self care!

Physical Health

Physical health can be easy to neglect when we spend so much time sitting in class, sitting during our commute, or sitting down to study. Taking meaningful breaks can help combat this. Whether it’s walking a lap of the Schulich building during class breaks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking a stroll outside during your lunch break – it all adds up. There is of course the Tait McKenzie Centre as well, where for $15 you have access to the gym for the whole year! There are also classes like HIIT, Zumba and Yoga that are available to try. Athletics Committee on UBS is also a great organization to look into, as they plan various tournaments, fun athletic activities, and help facilitate intramural sports. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day, getting your heart pumping will help you take a break from your work, refocus and recharge.

Mental Health

Mental health is especially critical in university, but it is also something that can fall to the wayside, or be dismissed as “just stress.”  Ensuring you are getting enough sleep, managing your time well, and staying connected with friends are just a few ways to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. When it comes to resources you can access on campus, there are many more than I can name here, but popular ones include Counselling and Disability Services, Passport to Success workshops hosted by Learning Skills Services, and our very own Undergraduate Programs Unit. Counselling and Disability Services are great if you are looking to discuss overall concerns about stress, anxiety, personal problems or any other issues in your life. You can book an appointment with them here. For those of you looking to learn more about efficient studying methods, test or exam taking techniques, time management, or how to transition over from high school to university, Learning Skills Services with their Passport to Success Program is right for you. If you are looking for someone to chat with about your courses, workload, or planning your degree, the UPU is the best place to check out. You can book an appointment here.

Remember, Self Care is Personal

In the end, self care for you will look different from self care for your friends. There is no right or wrong way to practice good mental and physical health, and your needs may change over the course of the semester or the situation you are going through. And that’s okay! Just remember you always have support here at Schulich, and at York as a whole, for whatever it is you need!