Summer brings a unique set of benefits for mental health and well-being having long sunny days, warm temperatures and even more time outdoors. Prioritizing your mental health and support is key to enjoying the summer season to its fullest. While the summer often brings sunshine and fun, it can also come with unexpected emotional challenges like summer depression.  Increased sunlight helps boost Vitamin D levels which can elevate mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Practicing self-care, through screenings, assessments or even something as soothing as a massage, can make a big difference in how you feel. Engaging in outdoor activities can relieve stress. Boosting self-esteem, exploring a new hobby or simply taking time to celebrate, including the small wins can help you stay grounded and joyful. Remember, care for your mental health, nurture your relationships, embrace healthier routines and enjoy the warm weather.

Sources: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, School Mental Health Ontario

Resources:

• School’s out: Navigating summer stress

1. Promoting daily movement, stretch breaks or even walking meetings to greenspaces on campus
2. Support balance with tips to take care of YOU, that promote a healthy mind and body

Resources:

Ergonomics:

• Occupational Safety “Standing vs. sitting” 2019: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/sitting
• University Health & Safety: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/our-safety/

Eye Strain:

• Eye Strain Tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JB6kovsS2M YouTube, SpecsaversOfficial “What Causes Eye Strain? 5 Ways To Prevent Computer Eye Strain” Jan 14 2021

Mac Mindfulness:

• https://mentalhealth.mcmaster.ca/initiatives/macmindfulness/

Discover McMaster:

• https://discover.mcmaster.ca/

Benefits of Taking Vacation

• https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employee-well-being-the-importance-of-vacation/

Share easy nutritious wellness recipes or participate in hydration challenges. Choose seasonal fruits and veggies for a natural boost.

Nourish to Flourish-Take a cooking course and learn to cook easy, nutritious, healthy meals

One of the things that plays a vital role in supporting mental health and overall well-being is healthy foods. How we feel, think and function each day is directly affected by what we eat. To support brain health, improve mood you can choose to eat nutritious foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, that can boost energy levels. You can find delicious, balanced recipes, discover helpful food facts and pick up tips for making the most of seasonal produce. Nourishing your body with the right foods is a powerful step toward a healthier, happier mind.

Resources:

• MSU Food Collective Centre: Cook Book – msufcccookbook
• Ontario Foodland Website: Foodland Ontario website
• Hospitality Services: Nutrition & Dietary Restrictions – Hospitality Services

Fitness plays a powerful role in supporting mental health and overall well-being. Engaging in physical activities, taking on fitness challenges, and participating in recreation programs and those that are inclusive and adaptive, can help reduce stress, boost mood and improve self-esteem. Whether you’re enjoying a workout indoors or exploring the outdoors through hiking or other activities, staying active supports both body and mind. Don’t forget to stay safe with tips on UV protection, bug prevention and hiking safety as you make fitness a part of your healthy lifestyle.

Resources:

• UV, Bug Safety:
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/sun-safety-basics.html
  • https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/insect-bite-prevention.html
  • https://trca.ca/outdoor-safety-tips/

• Hiking Prep and Safety
  • https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/experiences/sports/randonnee-hiking/preparer-prepare
  • https://conservationhamilton.ca/trail-safety-etiquette/
  • https://hikeontario.com/takeahike/resources/

• Bike Safety
  • https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/getting-around/biking-cyclists/cycling-safety-education
  • Cycle Hamilton

• Adaptive and Inclusive recreation programming
  • https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/recreation/programs/adapted-and-inclusive-programming
  • https://parasportontario.ca/get-involved/join

1. Create a simple summer budget to manage spending and savings and take a workshop to build confidence in saving investing and planning ahead

Taking care of your finances is an important part of maintaining good mental health and overall well-being. Feeling in control of your money can reduce stress, increase confidence and create a sense of security in daily life. Learning the basics of budgeting, understanding the impact of inflation and developing smart money management skills can help you make informed decisions and set achievable financial goals. By building healthy financial habits, you are not only planning for the future, you are also supporting your mental and emotional balance.

Resources:

• Budgeting Tips
  • https://nomoredebts.org/budgeting/budgeting-tips
• Telus Health:
  • https://mcmaster-university.lifeworks.com/life/employee-assistance/articles/money/personal-financial-issues/budgeting-and-basic-money-management/achieving-financial-well-being

• ALS Awareness Month
• Brain Injury Awareness Month
• Canadian Men’s Health Month
• Cataract Awareness Month
• Cavernous Malformation Awareness Month
• CMV Awareness Month
• Migraine Awareness Month
• Parks and Recreation Month
• Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month
• Intergenerational Day Canada – June 1*
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week – June 1 to 7
• Spinal CSF Leak Awareness Week – June 1 to 7
• National Kinesiology Week – June 1 to 8
• Clean Air Day – June 4
• World Environment Day – June 5*
• National Health and Fitness Day – June 7
• Action Anxiety Day – June 10*
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15*
• World Sickle Cell Day – June 19*
• International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – June 26*
• National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day – June 26*
• PTSD Awareness Day – June 27*
• World Scleroderma Day – June 29*