Boost your mental health this school year!
A list of four on-campus activities that will boost your mental health.
As syllabus week ends and the pace of the semester picks up, the school year ahead can feel overwhelming at best. Managing your course load and other responsibilities while also maintaining some semblance of mental health can feel impossible! Luckily, there’s countless opportunities on campus to unwind and find support if you’re struggling with mental health.
- Get in a workout at the Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre (RAWC)
It’s no secret that regular exercise protects all aspects of health. Luckily, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has a state-of-the art athletic centre that makes finding time to work out easy. Check out the RAWC calendar to squeeze in a group fitness class between study sessions. The group fitness classes vary in length, fitness level, and intensity—there’s something for every student. The RAWC also offers scheduled drop-in sessions for squash, badminton, beach volleyball, swimming, and so much more. Certain hours of the day are blocked off for women’s only access to the Strength & Conditioning Centre, with additional women’s only classes like “Women on Weights!”
If classes aren’t your style and you prefer to go solo at the gym, take advantage of the RAWC’s varying equipment anytime during operating hours: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
- Bask in nature at Erindale Park
As autumn nears, you can expect the changing leaves on the trees around campus to provide a stunning backdrop to your fall semester. To further immerse yourself in nature, venture off campus (but right next door!) to Erindale Park, Mississauga’s largest park. The David J. Culham Trail extends more than 13-kilometres, taking under three hours to complete. The Sawmill Creek Trail is a shorter hike, at only 9-kilometres, but the less populated path provides some solitude.
If hiking isn’t your thing, pack a lunch and head to one of the five picnic areas of Erindale Park. To best enjoy the fall foliage, bring a warm drink and a book!
- Join a campus club and find like-minded people
The list of clubs and student societies at UTM is ample, ranging so vastly in interest that every student can find a group to join. Meet new friends with similar passions while building your extra curriculars.
If you’re an avid reader, consider sitting in on one of UTM Book Discovery’s meetings to discuss their book of the month. For the athletes, registration for tri-campus sports is now open, with tryouts scheduled throughout September. Have fun and give back to the community at the same time by participating in the UTM Charity Fashion show.
- Attend one of UTM’s many free events
Campus events are a great way to break up the monotony of classes. If you’re not cramming for a test or finishing that essay due at midnight, head to a free campus event between classes to socialize and do something fun. This September 14, join the Blackwood Gallery in front of the Communication, Culture, and Technology Building between 1-4 p.m. for a sign-making workshop ahead of Peel Committee Against Women Abuse’s Take Back The Night March on September 21.
If you’re an upper-year student stressed about crafting the perfect resume or gaining valuable work experience, check out the Career Centre’s calendar for workshops on cover letters, resumes, interviewing, and networking skills.
University is stressful and neglecting your mental health can be all too easy amid the pressure of academics. No matter the day, you can find something on campus to help ease your mind whether it’s crushing a workout class or finding some stillness in nature.
Staff Writer (Volume 50) — Meighan is a published author and Strategic Communications professional. She recently completed her bachelor's in Professional Writing and Communications & French Studies at UTM. Her short fiction, "Birthday Cake," appears in ICCIT's Vision Journal. Meighan specializes in Arts & Entertainment and News writing, with a particular interest in Food & Travel Writing. In her spare time, she can be found dining at Toronto's newest restaurants and planning European adventures.