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Type the prompt you choose as your title.

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

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Choose a Prompt to Share how you Take Care!

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Choose a Prompt to Share how you Take Care!

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Where do you turn to for support? What makes you feel supported?

What McMaster services or programs support your health and well-being or support your sense of a caring community?

What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well-being?

What self-care practices help you take care?

Share an example of a way a person helped you in a time of need that made you feel cared for.

Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness.

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Students who submit a post can enter for a chance to win one of two $50 Campus store gift cards!

Take Care Mac!  – Fill out form

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Something that brings me joy and happiness.

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Something that brings me joy and happiness.

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Being surrounded by people that make me laugh and understand me!

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Hi, my name is Finnick (He/They). This is my 5th year at Mac, and I am working as the sexual health and harm reduction assistant at SWC. Walking to work every day and seeing the baby bunnies brings me joy.

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Something that brings me joy and happiness!

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Something that brings me joy and happiness!

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Being able to study what I love and be surrounded by like-minded people!

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I like to grab food and take a walk around campus!!

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I love the Mac Bike Share Pass because biking and being outdoors is a great way to take care of myself :) It encourages me to bike to school rather than taking the bus, giving me time to slow down and regulate my stress.

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I love going for hikes, and Hamilton has a ton of amazing trails! I highly recommend checking them out!! My personal favourite is going to Princess Point Lookout (it's a part of Cootes Paradise).

-Laurie (she/her)

Third year IRH student :)

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness. 

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness. 

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The campus gym! It has such a welcoming atmosphere, and I love the vibe. Being surrounded by people working toward their goals while music is playing always makes me feel less alone. It reminds me that I'm part of a community, and it's a place where I always feel comfortable and motivated. Harleen Sahni - Faculty of Science

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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I enjoy running and hiking to help me clear my mind while exercising and getting outside into the great outdoors!

Ben 4th year Nursing

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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I personally like to block off a section of my day to dedicate that to myself. Within that time frame I usually do a form of physical activity and then replenish my energy with one of my favourite foods. This allows me to reset my state of mind and approach tasks feeling fresher!

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Share an example of a way someone helped you in a time of need that made you feel cared for.

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Share an example of a way someone helped you in a time of need that made you feel cared for.

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When I was really stressed over something that happened to me, my best friend stayed up late to listen to me talk about my feelings and comfort me.

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One coping strategy I use to take care of my well-being is going to the gym. When things feel overwhelming, working out helps me clear my mind, release stress, and feel more grounded. It gives me a break from school and responsibilities while also helping me feel stronger and more balanced. Even when I am busy, making time for the gym reminds me that taking care of my health is important and helps me handle stress in a healthier way :)

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Surrounding myself with friends, going on night walks with them and talking about our lives. We are able to help each other and listen to each other's feelings.

Jubilee Kim (she/her), Life Science IV

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Share something on campus that brings you joy

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Share something on campus that brings you joy

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I love the Waterfall Room in MDCL. I find it really relaxing, and it has a calming, de-stressing atmosphere that's a great place to unwind.

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What are some coping strategies you use to take of your well-being?

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What are some coping strategies you use to take of your well-being?

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To take care of my well-being, I often take walks around McMaster or my house/community. I also put on some music and try to tune out the things that are stressing me out and just focus on the moment :) - Lovejeet, 4th Year Biochemistry Student

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Getting exercise!!

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Something that brings me joy on campus is walking around and bumping into my friends!

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The Grind in Togo Salmon basement!

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what is self-care practices help you take care?

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what is self-care practices help you take care?

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I take care of my well-being by going for walks, listening to music, and taking short breaks when I feel overwhelmed. Checking in with people I trust also helps me feel supported. (Ashlene Metley, she/her)

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I like to hang out with my family and friends, as well as go on long walks with my dog while listening to music.

Sagana Yoheswaran (she/her), Level 4 Honours Life Sciences

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The variety of clubs on campus bring me joy! I am currently part of the Mac Dance Recreational club and this brings me joy every week. Spending time in the dance studio and with the friends you see every week is the best!

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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I love spending time in the greenhouse! The plants are so lovely and I always find myself feeling more calm and grounded when I visit. I also love just walking around campus to clear my mind! Gabby Faragitakis (she/her), 4th year BioPNB

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of well-being?

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of well-being?

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I've got a variety of strategies I use to cope in order to take care of my overall well-being, when i'm more in the mood to be alone I really enjoy reading, colouring and/or watching my favourite show Friends. Though when i'm feeling more social I love spending time with friends and trying new local cafes!

Carys (she/her), Year 3 Honours Political Science Specialization in Global Citizenship

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Something that brings me joy and happiness

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Something that brings me joy and happiness

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As a HUGE pup lover, I stop to say hi and pet every cute dog I meet. I enjoy talking to the owners about their dog, getting to know each dog's personality, and even feeding it a treat or two if I can! Attached is a picture of Ducky, my grandma's 8 week old cockapoo :)

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Hanging out with loved ones and nature!

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness. 

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness. 

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I really enjoy the outdoor space at Mac. It can be really peaceful at its less busy corners and lots of animals come by (geese, rabbits, raccoon, deer...). If it counts, my commute to and from campus also brings me joy: the views of the sky can be especially beautiful at sunset and there are many types of birds that I can spot!

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I love having a solid morning and night routine that allows me to start my day right and wind down. At night, it includes getting a good book, turning of the lights, and setting up some reading lights to get cozy before I sleep.

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Share something on campus that brings you joy

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Share something on campus that brings you joy

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Something that makes me happy on campus is drinking coffee and walking around cootes during the fall

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Hi, my name is Leilani! I am in the Sociology program, and I am entering my last year.

One of my favourite things on campus is the gym (especially when it's not busy), and Pizza Pizza at MUSC!

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To take care of my well being I like doing activites that move my body :) I usually like going on long nature walks or taking a drop in dance class! - Jia (she/her Level 2 Honours Commerce)

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I can always rely on my best friend for support, even if she did betray me to go to Guelph. She hears my craziest, most infuriating problems, and I hear hers i return. Our phone calls get ridiculously long at times, frequently hitting above 12 hours (especially during exam season), but I wouldn't trade it for the world! To be fully honest, at least half of that time is spent trying to convince her to transfer to Mac . . .

Come home Ayesha! The kids miss you :,)

Aalia (she/her), lvl III Combined Hons. Health & Society And Anthropology <555

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Share something on campus that brigns you joy or happiness

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Share something on campus that brigns you joy or happiness

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The beautiful willow trees and diverse food options on campus brings me joy

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I love walking around campus and seeing all the nature. I also like to walk on the trails behind campus.

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I love taking a good walk on a perfect summer day with a good breeze!

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I like to go to DBAC and work out, watch the office because it makes me laugh, and/or take a warm shower!

Preethi (she/her), Level IV Political Science

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Every once and a while on a bad day, I'll treat myself to the wonders of the Willy Dog!

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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For me, it's the soup and bread initiative. I often skip breakfast at home so I can make it to campus for my classes, and so I pick up some soup and bread and it starts my day off strong. A great MSU service!

- Celine S (she/her) Faculty of Humanities

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness.

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness.

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The green spaces and nature on our campus. It helps to ground me in stressful times.

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Taking a breather to do a relaxing activity like watching a show or playing a game, or going to the gym/taking a walk to take things off my mind.

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well-being?

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well-being?

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Coping strategies I use to take care of my well-being are listening to music, journaling, and talking to a friend!

- Sorna (she/her) Level III Social Psychology

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My friends are my biggest support systems. I always feel comfortable sharing and talking about my problems with them.

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I love to allocate times to activities that I love and help alleviate stress. This includes pilates, reading, going for walks, or spending time with my friends and family!

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To take care of my own mental and physical well-being, I like to go to the gym and journal.

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Seeing the beautiful nature around campus always brightens my day!

Nicole - Commerce

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I like to take time & watch the sunset when I am overwhelmed.

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Describe your current strategies to cope with overwhelming or stressful situations.

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Describe your current strategies to cope with overwhelming or stressful situations.

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A coping strategy I use to cope with an overwhelming situation is creating art. I find that putting my energy into something creative helps me feel calm and see the stressful situation more clearly after some time away from it.

Stella, she/her, lvl II Arts & Science

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well-being?

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well-being?

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I always ensure that I allocate time for breaks even when I think that I can still continue. It's the best way for me to prevent breakdowns. During my breaks I try to do things that I enjoy. For instance, read, make a coffee, play an instrument etc.

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McMaster Services Supporting Health & Well-Being

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McMaster Services Supporting Health & Well-Being

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Hey! I'm Arshida (she/her), and I'm in level II of Honours Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour. I absolutely LOVE Pulse, the McMaster gym that is known as one of the best university campus gyms in Ontario. I've always loved working out, and honestly, it takes my mind off of everything stressing me out for a few hours and lets me focus on myself. I leave the gym feeling proud and fulfilled and motivated to get things done, and I find it to be a great balance of taking care of your mind, body, and hobbies. Not to mention, there is no extra expense since it's covered in tuition, so it's very accessible.

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McMaster Services that support my health & well-being

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McMaster Services that support my health & well-being

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Intramural sports! I've loved joining teams, making new friends and enjoying playing the sports I love

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What McMaster services or programs support my health and wellbeing? 

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What McMaster services or programs support my health and wellbeing? 

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The Student Wellness Centre greatly support my health and wellbeing. I feel safe bringing issues to them that I am usually embarrassed to bring up otherwise. It is a really safe and compassionate environment.

Jona (Arts and Science student)

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My favourite coping strategies are to talk to, or spend time with friends and family, even if it is hard. I also love to express myself through arts and journal

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I love spending time outdoors and with loved ones to help me recharge!

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When I'm on campus, seeing everyone outside with their friends, playing sports, or chatting makes me feel a strong sense of MAC community. I love when campus is full, and it's warm out!

Giselle, she/her, Nursing year 4

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Treating myself to something to drink on or near campus brings me happiness and helps me shift my focus to something more positive, like my sweet treat. I love going to Booster Juice on campus!

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As a social science student, I love having access to the quiet study spaces in the basement of LRW! I can have the small room to myself for up to three hours a day and really just relax, eat my lunch, and catch-up on work.

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I like walking around my neighbourhood and on campus! I also like to listen to music and explore new genres.

Molly (she/her), Arts & Science, Level 4

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Taking walks around campus during sunset while listening to the birds.

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Something on campus that brings me joy and happiness

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Something on campus that brings me joy and happiness

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Being part of clubs!

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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My name is Bohmie (she/her), going into my 3rd year of iSci, and some of my fav self-care practices are: sitting out in nature near the baby bunnies, going to the beach, doing pre-shower makeup :).

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Eating lunch at The Buttery by Faculty Hollow and visiting the area around dusk to see the deer brings me joy. It gives me a peaceful break from the busyness of campus and reminds me to slow down and appreciate the little moments.

--- Wantong, she/her, iBioMed + Engineering Physics, Level 5

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Something that brings me joy is my friends I've meet on campus and my family and cats

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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Taking a long walk with my headphones on, and inviting friends if they're available!

-- Kaneera (she/her), iBioMed

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something on campus that brings me joy and happiness

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something on campus that brings me joy and happiness

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I love hanging out with my friends and taking walks on campus! (as well as chopped leaf salad bows)

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My night routine is one of my favourite ways to practice self-care. Before going to sleep, I like to tidy up my room, take a long shower, do my skincare, turn on my candle wax warmer, and relax in my bed. Doing these things helps me feel relaxed and gives me time to unwind after a long day.

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Hi everyone! My name is Quinn Camp (he/him), a 4th year Health Science Student at McMaster! When I need some down time, and want to relax, I love to watch movies or go on walks with my roommates!

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I really feel my best and more positive about myself when I engage in physical activity. Signing up for intramurals each semester really helps me stay active and boost my mental health. Once a week, meeting up with my team and playing a fun sport that I love really helps me, and I feel like Intramurals is such an underrated activity some students don't know about!

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My parents! They never fail to sit down with me for hours and hours to hear me out and give me advice. They are the most supportive people in existence so I'm am grateful to have them!

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When I'm stressed, I focus on what's within my control and let the rest go. I take a breath, reset, and put that energy into action instead of worry. Stepping away, whether through a workout, a conversation with a friend, or a good meal, also helps clear my head. And I make time to reflect, since understanding the root cause is usually the fastest way to actually solve it, not just manage it.

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Taking time away from work or my phone to do things I enjoy, like watching movies or my favourite TV show, Baking, going for a walk or bike ride, reading, self-care (face masks, painting nails), sometimes even cleaning, allows me to feel productive but take my mind off of stress.

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Something on campus that brings me joy and happiness!

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Something on campus that brings me joy and happiness!

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I love the nature, especially bsb field and cootes paradise! I also love the sense of community, something as simple as someone holding the door for me makes me feel seen and apart of something bigger :)

- Anuska Prasai (she/her)

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They just sat with me and never made me feel like a burden. Like they wanted to help, and it wasn't an obligation. She reflected my comfort of hugs and just held me for minutes until I was breathing better!

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When I'm feeling like I need some help/support, I always turn to my loved ones! My friends and family have always been an outlet where I can vent my frustrations and gain insights on situations that I find myself struggling with :)

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My favourite strategies to cope with stress is to simply go on a walk with friends/alone, read, watch shows and simply journal. This picture is a Hamilton Sunrise :)

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Something on Campus that brings me joy and happiness!!

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Something on Campus that brings me joy and happiness!!

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This past year, Brandon Hall has brought me so much joy. I have so much love for everyone on my floor and all the memories we made together!! All the late night movies when we all should have been studying, all the sledding and I can't forget all the just dance!! #BrandonHall2ndFloor4Life

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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I enjoy going to pilates and the gym because it helps me de-stress and take my mind off school and work! - Yasmine (she/her) 4th year nursing

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Something that brings me joy and happiness

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Something that brings me joy and happiness

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Spending time outdoors and spending time with my friends!!

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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What self-care practices help you take care?

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Going for walks, going to the gym, spending time with my friends, doing activities I enjoy such as trying new cafes and food.

-Grace (she/her)

4th year Kin!

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allot my self care time with as much importance and priority as a work meeting, or a family event - my wellbeing deserves a spot up high in my life, regardless of the busy day-to-day.

moving my body through training, yoga, and swimming.

saying no when i know i need time to myself.

understanding what i can control and cannot, and letting go of any worry/thoughts that do not serve me.

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I turn to people like my mom and dad, close friends, and my boyfriend for support. Depending on the situation. They all make me feel supported, loved, and sooth the stress or anxieties I have after I talk to them. Also, just being around my favourite people brings me joy. :)

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Something that brings me joy and happiness!

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Something that brings me joy and happiness!

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Hi my name is Liv (she/her) im in MoMac nursing going into my 2nd year! Something that brings me joy and happiness is seeing friends on campus everyday and getting to study together!

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Share an example of a way a person helped you in a time of need that made you feel cared for.

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Share an example of a way a person helped you in a time of need that made you feel cared for.

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When I was going through a rough time, my roommate took the day off to help me clear my mind. We went out to lunch, ran errands, went hiking, bought snacks, stayed up late and watched a movie together. Having him there with me during that time meant a lot. Even though we didn't talk about the entire problem, his presence was enough to help me through the day.

Isabelle Frias (she/her), Second Year -Social Psychology

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I really like to do any activity like go for a walk, run, journal, bake and go to the gym to name a few!

Vanessa she/her 3rd year Science

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I like read a book that i’ve been putting off

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Share Something on Campus That Brings You Joy and Happiness

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Share Something on Campus That Brings You Joy and Happiness

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The campus Starbucks! Nothing makes me feel better than a mental health drink!

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Share something on campus that brings me joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings me joy and happiness

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On Campus what brings me the most joy and happiness is participating in intermurals with all of my friends and sometimes strangers who I get to bond with. It's an amazing way to connect with others, be active and be apart of a team at Mac!

Isabelle (she/her)

3rd year commerce!

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness.

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness.

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Campus during fall time with the colourful trees and crunchy leaves!

- Rasookh (she/her)

4th year Commerce

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An example of a way a person helped in a time of need and made you feel cared for

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An example of a way a person helped in a time of need and made you feel cared for

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I find that in a stressful situation I like to say everything out loud and talk it out until it longer is on my mind anymore. My friends are great listeners when this happens and it allows me to feel supported and understood just to have somewhere to put my thoughts.

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I like to take a break and listen to music and go on nature walks, journal, talk to my friends/family, read a good book or watch a movie, bake, or put on a face mask. Sometimes I do a combination of these too!

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Friends, family, myself

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I love to walk around campus during the fall!

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I like to go on walks around campus with my headphones on! :)

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I like to be mindful and enjoy the nature around campus!

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One thing that brings me joy on campus is when I’m walking out and I feel a strong sense of community. Viewing on the people and how close everyone has gotten from the sidelines is so warming!

Ethan (he/him), Nursing, Level 3

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Share something on campus that brings you joy and happiness

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Something on campus that always puts a smile on my face is taking a walk during the spring/summer time through campus. From the cherry blossoms, to the many flowerbeds, to the Willy dog cart our campus is stunning always :)

Bryson Carey (He/Him)

Materials Engineering V

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I go to a cafe once a week to journal! I get a matcha or coffee of some kind as a treat. I find it helps me stay connected to myself even when my schedule is busy

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What self-care practices help me take care?

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What self-care practices help me take care?

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Exercise helps me take care of my physical and mental well-being. Going to the gym, hiking, and wrestling help me clear my mind, reduce stress, and feel more energized.

-Alexandria, she/her, Kinesiology, Year 2

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One self-care practice that helps me take care is taking myself to places I know bring me comfort when I am feeling overwhelmed or out of tune with myself. This helps me ground myself and reminds me that I am more than just what I am struggling with. One specific example would be going to the lake for a swim!

- Jaziba Purewal (she/her), Humanities, Level 3

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well bring.

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What are some coping strategies you use to take care of your well bring.

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5 days a week I go to the gym, because thats where im able to truly relieve my stress and anxiety as it helps me truly think about how each day even if its little progress im making in the gym, that I will be the person I always wanted to be if I continued to show up.