Incorporating brief nature breaks into your daily routine isn't just enjoyable, it's a scientifically-supported approach for enhancing mental health, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. Being in nature:

Boosts Brain Power: Direct exposure to natural settings is linked to improved concentration and heightened cognitive functioning. Nature effectively refreshes the mind, enabling better focus and clearer thinking.

Sparks Creativity: Open spaces and green views encourage innovative thinking. They help you solve problems more creatively and come up with innovative ideas.

Enhances Sleep Quality: Regular interaction with nature helps synchronize your circadian rhythms, which improves sleep patterns. Better sleep is associated with reduced stress and increased overall well-being.

Make nature a priority; your mind and body will thank you.

A self-affirmation is anything you think about yourself – it affirms who you are. You can affirm negative qualities about yourself (I am selfish) just as much as you can affirm positive qualities about yourself (I am thoughtful). 

Research shows the more you think a particular thought, the more you believe it. The more you believe a particular thought, the more you act as if it’s true. By intentionally thinking positive things about yourself and your goals, you can actually feel better about yourself and achieve your goals.

Follow these simple steps to create positive affirmations that are meaningful to you! 

Step 1. Think about your many strengths, your goals, what you value, and the best parts of you. Choose a specific strength, trait, or goal that you want to affirm to yourself.

Step 2. With that in mind, create an affirmation that begins with “I am”. Using “I am” helps you recognize your own identity and being. For example, write: “I am productive”, not I will be productive. 

Step 3. Keep your affirmations short and sweet. This allows you to be direct and focused on the topic of your affirmation. 

Step 4. Write down your affirmation. Then, in a safe space where you can focus on yourself, read it out loud. Do this daily, when you first wake up and before you go to bed.

It’s hard to talk across differences in race, class, political affiliation, religion, ability, culture or any other kind of identity. You might avoid talking to people who seem different from you due to worry about saying the wrong thing, even though that’s not your intention. 
To start a conversation with someone who seems different from you, try this:

Start slow. 
Share some thoughts and feelings about your own cultural background. Invite the other person to share their thoughts, and then be ready to meet the person where they’re at. Truly hear, recognize, and honor that person’s words.

Be forgiving. 
Maybe some things will be said that feel uncomfortable. In that case, try to give yourself and the other person room to be clumsy and flawed. By continuing the conversation, you both have the chance to recalibrate and find shared humanity. 

Build self-awareness. 
Reflect on own hidden biases and assumptions about other cultures. Through self-awareness, you can become more comfortable and able to interact with folks whose cultures differ from yours.

Manage your emotions.
Be fully present in the conversation. Accept the candidness of the other person as a gift, not a challenge. Aim to respond thoughtfully, rather than react recklessly. 

Supporting a friend who might be struggling can make a big difference. Inspired by the R U OK? Campaign, here’s how to approach the conversation: 

Step 1. Ask your friend “Are you okay?” Choose the right time and place to start the conversation, ensuring you both feel comfortable. Approach them in a relaxed, friendly manner, and if they’re not ready to talk, let them know you're there for them whenever they are. If they prefer, suggest talking to someone else they might be more comfortable with.

Step 2. Make sure to listen to your friend with an open mind. Listen attentively and without judgment, allowing them to speak at their own pace without interruptions. Avoid offering immediate solutions; instead, encourage them to share more and show you’ve understood by repeating what they’ve said and asking for clarification.

Step 3. Encourage your friend to take action. Suggest steps that might help ease their burden, such as considering professional support or talking to someone they trust. You don’t need to solve their problems, but you can help them think about the next steps, like reaching out to family, a friend, or a doctor. Suggest activities that have helped them before or things that bring them joy, such as going for a walk or watching a movie.

Step 4. Check in with your friend. See how they are doing and ask if there's a good time to touch base again. If they haven’t taken any action, offer encouragement and remind them you’re always there to listen. Understand that it may take time for them to seek professional help, and gently reinforce the benefits of doing so, suggesting different options if needed. Stay in touch, as your ongoing support can make a significant difference.

For more guidance on how to approach the conversation of “are you okay”, visit the R U OK? website for simple conversations guides and extra support.

Here are resources you can access through the Brock University website:
The Wellness Hub is a drop-in space where students can talk with a Peer Health Educator about enhancing their overall well-being. You’ll find the Wellness Hub in Thistle TH134, down the Student Success hallway next to Market Hall. For more information, visit the Wellness HUB – Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.
24/7 Crisis Counselling is available at 1-833-BROCK33 (1-833-276-2533).
Campus Safety can be reached at 1-905-688-5550 Ext. 3200 (crisis).
Emergency Student Loans provide temporary financial assistance to undergraduate students facing short-term financial challenges. This support is meant for emergencies and is not intended to replace other funding sources like family contributions, OSAP funding, or employment income.
Food First offers resources related to student food support. Visit Food First - ExperienceBU for more details.
Personal Counselling Services are available through the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre. For more information, visit Personal Counselling Services.
Student Accessibility Services are also provided by the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre. More details can be found at Student Accessibility Services.
For health concerns, contact the Harrison Hall Health Clinic at 905-688-5550 x3243 or email referralstaff@brocku.ca.

If you choose to use cannabis, think carefully about whether it is going to help you in some way or make things worse, and commit to these lower-risk practices: 

Try a small amount first. Some strains may have a stronger effect than you expect. Some products (like teas and edibles) take longer to produce effects.

Don’t mix cannabis with tobacco products, other drugs, or alcohol. Avoid cannabis smoke if possible. It contains tar and toxins and can be harmful to your lungs.

Use occasionally rather than frequently; avoid daily use all together. This may prevent cannabis from becoming a coping mechanism and can preserve the relaxation effect when you do use it.

Avoid using if you have a family or personal history of mental illness. Cannabis us may increase the risk of symptoms.

Abide by laws related to possession and consumption.

(adapted from University of Victoria, B.C.)
https://www.uvic.ca/students/health-wellness/cannabis-use/

You might find some helpful ideas in these sources.

Putting Things in Perspective: Five easy steps to reducing daily stress
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/anxiety-files/201702/putting-things-in-perspective

Building Resilience
https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/building-resilience