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5 Ways to care for your well-being

Posted August 20, 2020

By Samantha Lizardo

Laptop and cup of tea on bed with throw pillows
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from pexels.com

During stressful and uncertain times, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being to help you manage stress and enjoy other aspects of life.

These five simple, evidence-based actions can be applied in a variety of ways to promote positive mental health and well-being while practicing physical distancing and managing new stressors related to COVID-19.

Connect with others

Staying socially connected with others helps you find support and build meaningful relationships. There are even many different opportunities to meet new people online. Explore programs such as Community Support Group, Stories from a Distance or Que(e)rying Religion to connect with other students over themed discussions and activities. And check out our upcoming events for more chances to connect with others online.

Keep learning

Learning helps you gain new experiences, keeps your mind engaged and can go beyond your coursework. Develop a new hobby or skill by joining a student group or weekly events. You can also practice a new language with International Language Exchange or build intercultural skills through the Intercultural Learning Program.

Notice how you’re feeling

Practicing self-awareness and mindfulness can teach you how to identify and navigate negative emotions, thoughts and stress. To learn mindfulness techniques such as meditation and yoga postures, drop in to weekly Mindful Moments sessions. Learn other strategies for reducing stress such as balanced thinking and restorative breathing through programs such as Better Coping Skills, Breathe Well and Sleep Well.

Be active

Physical activity boosts your mood and energy levels. Explore online fitness programs and resources such as recorded workouts and live classes from MoveU, U of T Sport & Rec, and Hart House Fitness to discover how you enjoy moving your body and being active.

Give

Expressing gratitude and doing something nice for others not only makes others feel good but can make you feel good too! Use your strengths and skills to volunteer and support the community by joining programs such as Community Action Projects or Community Action Groups.

The stressors of the pandemic affect us all differently and how you take of yourself is unique to you.

For more strategies and resources on how you can apply these actions to your daily life, attend the 5 Ways to Wellbeing workshop.