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Choose a prompt to share your Way to Care!

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Choose a prompt to share your Way to Care!

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

Where do you go for support?

What makes you feel supported?

Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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Students who submit a post can enter a chance to win one of six $50 Campus Store Gift Cards.

Link to enter the draw for Campus Store Gift card!

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Type the question you choose as your title.

Sign your post with your first name, program, and year if you are comfortable sharing! Staff & Faculty - sign your post with name and department.

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day? 

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day? 

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I like to walk my dog and exercise whenever I need a break from school work!

- Michael, Kinesiology, Level 3

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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I love going to the Pulse, the gym here at Mac!! The Pulse is not only a place to do your own thing and workout but it’s also a community of like minded people where you can go to socialize and make friends with other athletes!

-Jules, 2nd year mechanical engineering and management

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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The only way is through - you’re so much stronger than you think.

Emma, 3rd year, Social Psychology

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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I love heading over to my martial arts dojo for classes, reading a good book, going to the gym, or playing with my pet ferrets!

Ashley, Life Sciences Gateway Level 1

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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A friend showed up. That's all it takes. Actions, not words.

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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Recently, I've been trying to add more physical activity into my day - even though I sometimes dread doing exercise, I always feel rejuvenated afterwards and never regret making the choice to take care of my health! I also enjoy baking, playing the NYT games and doing jigsaw puzzles when I need a mental health break :)

- Lauren, 3rd year

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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When I was going through a difficult time, my friend made me dinner and brought it to my house!

-Madison, Staff, Student Wellness Centre

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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Whenever I get stressed, I take a break and read webtoons that make me happy. I usually opt for a down to earth, slice of life comic. My favourite at the moment is 'Odd Girl Out'. It's inspiring and realistic, and helps me take a step back.

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I find that going on a nature walk or journaling tends to really help me relax and take my mind off spiralling!

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I try to find time everyday to do something I enjoy - whether that be hanging out with a friend, grabbing a treat or coffee, going for a walk, reading a book, etc.

Jess - 3rd Year Health and Society

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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When my friend knew I had been on campus all day, she cooked extra dinner and brought some for me to our night class.

- Matea, Level IV

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I call my homies! Or go for a walk/run, go to my parents' house or video call my cat.

"Asgard is not a place. It's a people!" -Thor

-Denya Medeiros, Mac Hum III

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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I love volunteering with organizations at McMaster and beyond. There are so many opportunities to get involved in the greater community. The McMaster Students Union (MSU) has a lot of volunteer positions, and there are also clubs focused on volunteering!

-Jaime, Level 4 Social Psychology

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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Depending on the scenario and stressor, I will utilize different coping strategies to reduce or eliminate stress. One strategy is practicing a meditation. I have found some very helpful videos on Youtube; some of which are more helpful than others for me. I also (if possible) remove myself from the stressful situation for some time and do something I enjoy, whether that is cuddling with my dog, spending time with those I care about, or an activity like watching Netflix, taking a walk or baking. As I have learned from my fellow Peer Educators I am working with at the Student Wellness Centre, everyone has different methods and strategies for coping, and it is important to try different methods to find what works best for you :)

- Ashley, 3rd year, Social Sciences

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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When I feel stressed, I like to go for a walk while playing calming or uplifting music, journalling, and revisiting comfort media. Sometimes cleaning helps as well, and it kills two birds with one stone!

- Urbana, Human Behaviour, Level 4

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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Engaging with clubs on campus provides a sense of community and belonging. It helps me connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and focus on interests outside of academic pressures. Even if I'm busy, I always try to incorporate some physical activity into my day, whether it's walking around campus or going to DBAC/The Pulse! There's always something there for you to try; volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc! Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally elevate my mood and reduce stress.

McKayla, Level 3

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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As a student, I have have faced many stressors that have lead me to some pretty useful coping strategies! Here are the strategies that work for me; making lists of everything I need to do (if i am feeling overwhelmed); journal and write down my thoughts (if they are playing on repeat in my head); and talk to someone about what is making me stressed (if i need someone else's opinion or comfort).

-Rachel, Student Wellness Centre Staff and 4th year Political Science

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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The lyrics from Vienna by Billy Joel:

Slow down you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You better cool it off before you burn it out
You got so much to do and only
So many hours in a day

...

Slow down you crazy child
Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

-K, 4th year, BioPNB

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.subject
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.body
I love trying new things so I always have a couple different hobbies going on. Crocheting has been a big one recently, my current project a crochet top... we'll see how that goes... I do yoga, which is a great way to destress and distract the mind especially during exam weeks. I like baking, which I'm not the greatest at, but the enjoyment is definitely there. I'm trying to perfect a banana bread recipe, I've made 3 or so different versions, so at least it feeds my roommates!

Hope everyone's summers are relaxing and smooth :)

-Margaret, 3rd year, Human Behaviour

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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It's become more routine than a hobby, but calling my family daily and seeing my baby niece brightens my day. It's been hard not being present to watch her grow up, but seeing her in any way I can brings me so much joy! On a side note, an actual hobby that always makes me feel good is getting to dance at any open studio in dbac :) if you can't find open studios, there are always other spots if you look well enough!

- Mare, Astrophysics, Level 3

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

# data[].attributes.subject
What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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1. Emotions are temporary and will pass. According to Harvard-educated neuroscientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, an emotion lasts 90 seconds.

2. It is human to have feelings and emotions. Allow them to be there, and give yourself permission to let your emotions come and go.

3. Instead of categorizing thoughts as positive/negative or right/wrong, I prefer to sort them as helpful/unhelpful.

- Wantong, iBioMed + EngPhys, Level 3

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

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What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

# data[].attributes.body
During my undergrad at Mac, I had a friend who offered their notes during classes I had missed when I wasn't feeling well. They noticed when I wasn't there and offered, without me having to feel bad about asking, which made me feel so supported during stressful times.

-Taryn, staff, Student Wellness Centre (Mac Kinesiology Alumni '13)

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I like going to my close friends and family for support for most things. They help me normalize what is going on and put things in perspective. However, if I need to learn more strategies to help me cope with challenges, I know I can use our EFAP program to access professional help through McMaster.

Cathy, Staff, Student Wellness Centre.

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When my friends keep checking back in (and offering their presence, help, and words) after I let them know I'm struggling. It helps remind me that other people care and are there for me, all I have to do is reach out.

- Alix, 3rd year Music Cognition

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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Some phrases I like repeating to myself when times get tough are: "I can do this", "I'm going to be alright", and "I can do all things". I find that repeating these phrases help calm myself down and instill confidence in myself.

- Becky, 1st year, Life Sciences

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What hobbies or interests add value to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value to your day?

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I have always loved to dance as a way to express myself. I find that school and life is so cut and dry and dance is the exact opposite. It is very important to me to keep that balance so that I can find myself and think through my feelings.

-Emily, iBioMed, Year 1

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

# data[].attributes.subject
Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

# data[].attributes.body
When you're struggling academically, don't hesitate to reach out to your professors and ask for support! Whether if that's through extensions, figuring out a study plan, or missing an assignment, your faculty is likely to want to help you succeed in some way. Even if it feels like you messed up, it's not the end of the world and it's worth a shot to ask, even if they say no.

- Alexis, Health Sciences, Level 3

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What are some coping strategies to deal with stress? 

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What are some coping strategies to deal with stress? 

# data[].attributes.body
For me, first year was a bit difficult at the beginning, it is a new environment with new people and a new way of learning for me. I had it in my mind that I had to maintain the same grades that I had in high school, and when the first grades and test results came out, I felt disappointed with myself, and reasoned that the way to improve this is only if I work harder. So I started to wake up earlier and study study study without taking much of a break. I stopped doing things that I enjoyed like hanging out with my friends, exercising, playing piano, all because I thought it would take time away from the time I needed to be studying in order to do well. As one would expect, I began to feel that burnout feeling, and my grades weren’t even improving as much as I expected based on my study input, the output in my opinion didn’t match. That’s because I was causing more stress and not treating myself right. From neglect other things for study time my mental, emotional and physical health suffered. Then a mentor of mine came up to me and told me that grades aren’t everything. It doesn’t define who you are or who you can also become. It is your values and your personality and the people that are close to you that are important in life and will help you achieve your goals. Once that perspective “switched” I did in fact started to see myself become more confident in my studies and receive positive results from doing and remaining to do things I enjoy while also having that balance with my studies.

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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I like to go for walks, journal, and play sports. They allow me to destress while spending time with others and/or clearing my thoughts!

- Evelyn, Kinesiology, Level 2

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What words of comfort helped you the most during tough times?

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What words of comfort helped you the most during tough times?

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There is always someone there to help you.

Whether it’s a classmate, Professor, friend, or loved one there is always someone willing to help you out no matter what problem you are facing. You are enough, and you are not alone!

-Jackie, 3rd year Materials Engineering and Society student

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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"I am here for you", "you are not alone", "we can figure out how to get through this together." I've realized that the most helpful statements for me are the ones that highlight that I have close ones to catch me if I fall: it reduces the fear of being alone/tackling tough obstacles all alone and helps me emphasize the love around me (more than any negativity).

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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I love to do something I enjoy (very spontaneously) like watching a movie or going to the gym! Even if I don’t think I have that much time, I find that squeezing in something “different” and “random” helps me to relax my mind.

-N, level 2 life sci

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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Communication and Physical Activity are my best strategies! Being open about what you are feeling to someone you trust helps ease tension easily. And going to the gym or even a walk can help detangle any stress you’re feeling.

- Simran, Level 2, Honours Life Science Origins of Disease Specialization

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As someone who lives far away from their family, my friends and roommates make me feel supported. They are always the first ones I go to when I have a good or bad day! I'm so lucky that McMaster has allowed me to connect with so many amazing people.

- Piper, 4th year Political Science

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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Some of my favourite hobbies are reading and making coffees or matcha's for myself and friends at home. Reading is an escape for me, allowing me to immerse myself in different worlds and live vicariously through the characters, which helps me step away from daily stress. I try to read every night as a way to unwind. Similarly, making drinks gives me a routine, where I can take a few minutes for myself. Crafting elaborate versions of my daily drinks lets me be creative and provides a joyful break from my schedule!

- Shankave, Hon. Biochemistry, Level 3 :)

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.subject
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.body
Whether de-stressing with Papa's Freezeria or having a laughter-filled Minecraft session with friends, gaming has always brought me joy among a hectic university schedule.

I made so many memories and friends through game nights with McMaster Extra Life, a casual gaming club that fundraises for McMaster Children's hospital. I found it so easy to meet people in our community by conversing over a quick game of Codenames or Among Us. It made it much easier to meet people at in-person MEL events, like the 24-Hour Gameathon.

Exploring my passion for gaming and the Mac community definitely added some spice and excitement to my daily life.

Tina, 2nd year PNB

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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When I'm stressed, I like to talk it out with my friends or go to the gym! Sometimes all I need to feel better is someone to hear me out or a good workout :)

-Celine, 3rd Year Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization (BDC)

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I like to go to my friends and family for support! When it's for something academics related, I can go to my professors and academic advisor as well. The Student Wellness Centre is also a great place to go to for support.

- Dora, 3rd year, BioPharm

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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Hearing that “it’s going to be okay” always comforts me the most. When I get stressed I often think that the worst is going to happen, so hearing these words helps to ground me!

- Holly, Mechanical Engineering, Level 4

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

# data[].attributes.subject
Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

# data[].attributes.body
There are lots of support services available for students! Check out the SWC for all your health and wellness needs or the SSC for any academic support. To find community, browse through the MSU club directory to find one that matches your interests, check out intramurals at DBAC, or attend any of the events hosted by clubs and faculties during the school year :)

- Kaneera, iBioMed Level 3

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I feel supported by having friends who follow up on our conversations. This shows that they are truly interested in my well-being and future, and that makes all the difference when I'm going through hard times.

- Grace, Level 3, Biology

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.subject
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.body
Any kind of physical activity, whether it's going to the gym, playing recreational sports, or exploring one of the many beautiful hikes Hamilton has to offer, brings me happiness.

- Eric, Commerce, Level 4

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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I tend to get stressed quite often during the school year as many others do! What helps me most is having a reliable support system, partaking in activities that add value to my daily life, and understanding that challenges make me stronger. Having people surrounding you that will be there to vent and take your mind off anxiety inducing factors truly makes life so much easier! Additionally, an hobby I like to fill my free time with is photography. Going for long walks are taking in the beauty around me helps me feel grounded and calm. Lastly, realizing that hard times and moments of stress allow me to overcome life's next obstacle helps me centre myself and turn that stress into gratitude! Good luck with your first year, I know you will succeed :)

Ashlee / Social Sciences / Year 2

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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Whenever I need to clear my mind, I make an effort to detach myself by shifting my focus onto other things. Personally, I find that hitting the gym or a quick get-together with friends does the job. Afterwards I can revisit the situation with a more open perspective.

- Ellaina, Social Sciences 1

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

# data[].attributes.body
What I do is pray to God about what us stressing me. Then I thank Him for what He has already done in my life. I then feel peace and my heart feels lighter.

Other than that, reading books helps me deal with stress; they provide me a temporary break from reality.

I also find talking to my friends helpful. Our idle banter brightens my mood.

Obinna, 1st Year Social Sciences Student.

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to my ?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to my ?

# data[].attributes.body
I love solving my rubik’s cube over and over again. Speedcubing is a recent hobby I picked up and it’s very calming!

# data[].attributes.headline
What are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

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I find the best way to help with stress is to balance your time between school/commitments and things you enjoy. I recommend creating a schedule. This will allow you to plan out how to spend time being productive on your studies while also allowing you to feel like you have time for yourself. Remember to keep it realistic. I usually dedicate 5-7 hours of my day to my academics (including going to classes) I sleep for 9-10 hours. This leaves me with ~8 hours for clubs, cooking, reading, etc. and these amounts vary from day to day, depending on if it’s close to exams and whatnot.

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What words of comfort do you find helpful during stressful times?

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What words of comfort do you find helpful during stressful times?

# data[].attributes.body
Be calm.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

# data[].attributes.body
Making small-term goals for myself outside of academics. Make sure it adds work/life balance and make small goals that only mean something to you. Something little that could add positivity to your day and allow you to destress while still feeling accomplished.

Sidrah, 3rd year Communication Studies

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress

# data[].attributes.subject
What are some of your coping strategies for stress

# data[].attributes.body
I tend to lean into my hobbies that remind me to slow down. Such as playing guitar, writing poetry, meditating, and even sitting down for coffee with a friend to talk about everything on my brain.

-Ashley, second year Hum

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My first year roommate had a free hot chocolate packet that she left on my desk with a sticky note after exams saying "Two down, two to go! Take a break, you deserve some hot chocolate." It was the sweetest tiny action, and I'm a fan of little things like that (making cute paper flowers for people, etc.)

Annika Venkatesh, Level 3 Nursing Rep

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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I find when i’m stressed I need some time alone in a quiet space to decompress. I like to schedule in some time to be alone, whether it’s going for a walk or just finding somewhere quiet to chill that helps when I’m overwhelmed.

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you are loved, you are valued, you are cared for!

# data[].attributes.headline
What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

# data[].attributes.body
I loveeee curling up in bed and watching my comfort show (gilmore girls <3) + having some ice cream- it helps me destimulate and re-center myself

# data[].attributes.headline
What words of comfort help me through tough times?

# data[].attributes.subject
What words of comfort help me through tough times?

# data[].attributes.body
Hearing that I am not alone makes me feel like I have a community of support behind me

# data[].attributes.headline
What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is a way a friend has helped you out that made you feel cared for?

# data[].attributes.body
Made me chocolate chip cookies and brought me ice cream :)

- Linda, Level IV, Health Sciences

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during challenging times? 

# data[].attributes.subject
What words of comfort do you find most helpful during challenging times? 

# data[].attributes.body
There is more than enough time. For things to change, for you to accomplish everything you want to, for everything.

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What are some of your coping strategies?

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What are some of your coping strategies?

# data[].attributes.body
Taking a long walk and listening to music!!

# data[].attributes.headline
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.subject
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

# data[].attributes.body
I am a member of one of the amazing choirs we have here at McMaster! It is so much fun to be able to express some creativity and to be around people who also love to sing!

-Laura, Chemistry, Level 3

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day? 

# data[].attributes.subject
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day? 

# data[].attributes.body
Personally, when I need to spark some joy in my life, I will go for a walk and try to take in some of the nature that surrounds my communities. As someone who grew up attending summer camps, being outdoors brings me back to those good memories and allow me to clear my head.

Katie, 3rd year Health Sciences student

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

# data[].attributes.subject
What are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

# data[].attributes.body
I like to ground myself in the idea that things are either in your control or out of your control. If there’s something out of my control that could happen, there’s no use worrying about it!

Laila, ArtSci

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what words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

# data[].attributes.subject
what words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

# data[].attributes.body
being here is enough.

-lauren, third year PNB mh

# data[].attributes.body
Doing something I love - yoga, drawing, taking deep breaths, hanging with my friends, watching a comfort show <3

- Yasmin, 4th Year BHSc Rep

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I feel supported through words of comfort and questions, I value kind words that lift me up and when people show interest in my life

# data[].attributes.headline
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your life? 

# data[].attributes.subject
What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your life? 

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoy doing digital art in my free time! It’s super relaxing and helps me recenter myself when I feel stressed.

-Veronica, 2nd year Health Sci rep

# data[].attributes.body
I get support from Academic Advising from the Faculty of Science. As a science student, I love being able to go there and get advice for my career and my school year. They know how to deal with any problem and were so caring

# data[].attributes.body
I hang out with friends or play badminton with my friends to destress. Doing sports is a great way for me to relieve myself.

Wenjing Ding, Level 3, Commerce

# data[].attributes.body
whenever i need support i always go to my friends first ! even if it isn't to solve a problem, just speaking about how im feeling always makes me feel better after :)

# data[].attributes.body
when i need support i always go to my friends and family! they always help cheer me up.

Sophia, 3rd Year PNB

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what are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

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what are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

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When i'm stressed out I find it most helpful to remove myself from the environment.

Putting my headphones on and going for a walk is a personal fav.

-Katherine, Biochemistry, 2nd year

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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I cope with stress by taking short breaks to move around or focus on deep breathing, which helps clear my mind. Organizing tasks into small, manageable steps also keeps me focused and less overwhelmed.

Maliha, Computer Engineering III

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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Joining the McMaster Association of Caribbean and West Indian Students (MACaws) truly helped me gain a sense of community at McMaster; they're my home away from home.

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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'Mend Your Mood' is one of the Programs by SWC that is helpful if you're struggling with anxiety or depression.

- Vinay, Systems & Tech., MEng.

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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A really good cup of coffee and going rock climbing are things that keep me going!

-Iris (Chemistry, PhD)

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Walking: I find it helpful since it helps me to clear my mind, and focus on other things.

Naps: Sometimes I wake up with more energy, and I regain my motivation.

Talking to friends: Super fun, and laughing help me to de-stress.

Planning: It's good when I'm feeling overwhelmed, to show me that the tasks I have are manageable.

- Chantel, 2nd year

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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What words of comfort do you find most helpful during tough times?

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Positive self-talk!!!

Tell yourself you're doing great.

Think about all you've achieved so far.

Remember your hard work.

:)

Mansoor, iBio Level III

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What hobbies or interests add value to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value to your day?

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I’ve found volleyball gave me a purpose and something to look forward to. When I’d have a tournament or game, I’d count down the days until I got to play. Even just randomly going about my day, I have the urge to play and I always think about it. When I do play, I can’t help but notice it’s the time I feel the most alive and I have a smile on my face between each point

Amy 4th year medical radiation sciences

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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Reach out, because chances are, you’re not the only one. Don’t suffer in silence, advocate for yourself and make the best out of your experiences/support… (resources: they’re here for a reason!)

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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Baking something, especially for others, always adds value to my day. I get to decompress and be creative while also giving back to my family and friends.

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what are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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what are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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i manage stress by staying organized and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. regular exercise and mindfulness practices like meditation help me stay centered and clear-headed. i also prioritize time with friends and family, as their support is crucial in maintaining a positive outlook. lastly, i make sure to set aside time for hobbies and relaxation to recharge my energy.

kiyara, level 4 pnb

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Most helpful words I’ve gotten as support

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Most helpful words I’ve gotten as support

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Do you want to discuss this issue or be distracted from it?

- Riley McKenzie, 4th year, Indigenous Student Services rep

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Spending time with my friends!

Priscilla kinesiology level 4

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress? 

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I really enjoy getting outside and sitting in the sun for a while. It really helps to ground me!

-Shreya, 3rd year Health Sciences

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A good cry, a good laugh, dancing, exercising, body scanning meditations, journaling, and praying are all examples of how I release the stressed energy trapped in my body. I find that getting into my body and giving it attention helps me get out of my mind to feel more regulated, focused, and aligned.

- communications alumni

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As a third-year nursing student at McMaster, the Wellness Centre's mental health services and the Student Success Centre's academic support have been essential. They provide the care, guidance, and resources I need to manage stress and stay focused. The library's quiet spaces also offer a perfect study environment. These facilities make me feel genuinely supported, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and future nursing career.

Kaden Liu,
3rd Year Nursing Student

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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What hobbies or interests add value or joy to your day?

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Photography and gaming bring joy and let me chill

-Lucas, Comp Sci 1

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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What are some of your coping strategies for stress?

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One really helpful strategy I was introduced to last school year was the notion of perceiving a given stressor as a challenge and responding to it with determination rather than something to be avoided or ignored through procrastination.

This change in attitude was certainly helpful in learning to become better at dealing with low-level anxiety due to various stressor both within and without school.

-Jason, Mechanical Engineering

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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Which McMaster services or programs are available to support your well-being or can help find a sense of community at Mac?

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The Student Wellness Center has been a fantastic resource for me — everyone has been so kind and supportive! From the group study sessions to the mental health nurses in the clinic, SWC has become a safe place for me. I also really appreciate the snacks and feminine hygiene products they always have out!

Sirabhatr Ratana-Rueangsri

Level III Nursing