We know you have heard this many times but it is very important to take care of your physical, social, and mental wellbeing while at university.

Physical Wellbeing

Social Wellbeing

Mental Wellbeing

Physical Wellbeing 

Eat Well: Food can greatly impact your energy levels, mood, and academic performance. We know it is super convenient but try not to eat fast food every day. Drink several glasses of water a day. Avoid sugary foods.

Move Well: Grab a friend and go for a hike along the river. Western has trails all along both sides of the river, explore the nature right here on campus. Go to the rec center. Remember that any type of physical activity will improve your brain function and help you do better on exams.

Sleep Well: Stick to a regular bedtime if possible. Try not to have caffeine or alcohol 5 hours before bed. Get up at the same time every day. Turn off your phone an hour before bedtime. Sleep in a quiet, dark, cool room. 

Social Wellbeing

Engage Well: Try joining a club at Western, if you join early, you will not be the only new person. If clubs aren't your thing, try volunteering at the USC food bank or for Western's Foot Patrol.

Chat Well: Find friends that share common interests and check in on your friends every once in a while. If you are on residence, don't sit in your room all the time, try sitting in the common lobby, someone might sit next to you to chat. If you're not up to chatting in person, stay connected with friends and family online via Zoom calls or social apps.

Mental Wellbeing

Think Well: Focus on what YOU can control. When you are feeling overwhelmed, try to find one thing that you can control and get 'er done. For example, if it is raining outside, you can't do anything about that, but you can clean up your room to give you a tidy space in which to work on your homework. If you have 4 assignments due at once, you can't do anything about changing the due dates but you can start working on one of those assignments to, at least, get one off your plate. If you have two midterms next week, don't stress, instead think "If I open the textbook and read chapter 7, I will be ready for 25% for one of the midterms". 

Breathe Well: What gives you happiness? Is it reading, listening to music, colouring or breathing in fresh crisp air? Figure out what sparks joy in your life and make sure your weekly schedule has a time slot built in to allow you to do that little thing that brings you happiness. If you are feeling anxious, as lame as this sounds, 3 big, very deep breaths in and out will calm you down. Try it during exams or when you are feeling overwhelmed. Again, more ideas that may sound lame but really will help, are a big stretch or sitting by a sunny window.

Laugh Well: