Summer means patios, lake days, festivals, road trips, and spending as much time outside as possible. It also means stronger UV rays and more sun exposure: two major factors that increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer over time.

If getting a glow is part of your summer vibe, you’re not alone. But a tan from the sun or tanning beds is actually a sign of skin damage. The good news? You don’t have to choose between protecting your skin and feeling confident.

And while some people may think sun safety only matters for lighter skin tones, UV damage can affect every skin tone. Skin cancer can develop in all skin types, and everyone benefits from protecting their skin from the sun.

Here’s how to enjoy summer, lower your risk, and still get the look you want.

What’s the Risk?

UV radiation from the sun (and tanning beds) can cause:

• Sunburns
• Premature aging, like wrinkles and dark spots
• Eye damage
• Increased risk of skin cancer

Even one blistering sunburn can increase future skin cancer risk, especially when it happens at a younger age.

Safer Ways to Get a Summer Glow

If bronzed skin is your goal, there are options that don’t involve UV damage:

• Self-Tanner. Lotions, mousses, drops, and sprays can create a temporary tan without sun exposure. Tips:
  • Exfoliate before applying
  • Moisturize dry areas like elbows and knees
  • Wash your hands after application
  • Build colour gradually for a more natural look
• Bronzing Makeup. Bronzer, tinted moisturizer, and body glow products can give instant colour for a night out, event, or beach day.
• Spray Tans. Professional spray tans can be a quick option if you want even coverage for a special occasion.

If You’re Going to Be in the Sun

You don’t need to stay indoors all summer. Sun safety is about reducing harm, not avoiding fun.

• Use Sunscreen Daily. Choose SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant if swimming or sweating. Reapply every two hours and after swimming.

• Time It Smarter. UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If possible, plan longer outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.

• Cover Up. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing can make a big difference.

• Find shade. Especially during peak sun hours: under trees, umbrellas, or patios.

Confidence Looks Better Than a Sunburn

Trends come and go, but your skin is with you for life. Whether you choose SPF every day, a self-tan, or a little bronzer, protecting your skin now can pay off long-term.

This year's theme for CMHA Mental Health Week highlights something easy to overlook but essential to wellbeing: connection.

For post-secondary students, connection can feel complicated. You might be surrounded by people in lectures, living in residence, or part of a team and still feel disconnected. Or you might spend a lot of time on your own and feel completely at peace. Both experiences can be true.

What is loneliness, really?

Loneliness isn’t just being alone. It’s the distress we feel when there’s a gap between the connection we want and what we’re actually experiencing. That gap can show up in different ways:

• Moving away from home and missing your people
• Struggling to find “your group” on campus
• Feeling like everyone else has it figured out
• Losing connections that changed during or after the pandemic

Loneliness is a signal, not a failure. It points to a very human need: connection with others and with ourselves.

What does connection look like?

Connection is when we feel known, seen, understood, valued, remembered, and cared for. Sometimes it looks like deep friendships. Other times it’s smaller moments; chatting with a classmate, recognizing someone at the gym, or feeling part of a campus community even when you’re not physically there.

This sense of connection and community is often called belonging. that feeling of “my people, my place.”

Finding balance: Alone vs. Together

Student life often pushes two extremes: being constantly busy with others or feeling isolated. But both connection and solitude matter.

Healthy solitude
Time alone helps you recharge, reflect, and get to know yourself.

Healthy togetherness
Being with others in ways that feel supportive, real, and energizing.

On the flip side:

Toxic loneliness
When isolation starts to impact your mental health and makes it harder to reach out.

Overwhelming togetherness
Social time that feels draining, surface-level, or inauthentic.

The goal isn’t to always be social; it’s to find a balance that actually meets your needs.

Why connection can feel so hard

When we feel lonely, our instincts don’t always help us.

Instead of reaching out, we might:

• assume we’re the only one feeling this way
• feel embarrassed or ashamed
• keep busy to distract ourselves
• withdraw even more

Here’s the reality: many students are feeling the same thing at the same time, wanting connection, but unsure how to get there. Recognizing that pattern is the first step to changing it.

Small ways to move toward connection

Connection doesn’t have to mean a complete social overhaul. Start small and realistic:

• Sit beside the same person in class and say hi
• Join a low-pressure activity (even once)
• Message someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with
• Attend a drop-in event instead of committing to a full program
• Spend intentional time alone doing something that actually restores you

Connection builds over time, often through repeated, everyday interactions.

Learn more

If you’re feeling disconnected, there are plenty of resources to explore

• TalkCampus, a 24/7 peer support app where you can connect with other students around the world in a safe, moderated space
• CMHA Mental Health Week resources and toolkits focused on connection and loneliness
• CICMH's Loneliness and Connection Infosheet
• Student Mental Health Network's Connection Tool Kit

If things feel disconnected right now, that doesn’t mean they always will. Connection can be built, rebuilt, and rediscovered, often in smaller ways than we expect.

Every day, the news delivers fresh images and headlines about climate-related disasters, so it’s no surprise that many people are growing increasingly anxious about the future of our planet. One of the most effective ways to work through those feelings is by taking action and connecting with others who care.

This Earth Day, here are a few ways to channel that energy into something tangible:

Take action, wherever you are

Visible, hands-on action creates an immediate sense of impact. Instead of feeling stuck in a global problem, you can see the difference you’re making in real time. Try joining a campus clean up or take part in one in your own community.

• Thunder Bay: April 22, 12–4 pm, Lake Tamblyn. Register here
• Orillia: April 22, Campus Clean up Event
• Not on campus? Organize a quick neighbourhood clean-up, pick up litter on your usual walk, or invite a friend to join you.

Connect through creativity and shared perspectives

Creative spaces give you a way to process complex emotions, feel less alone, and connect to a broader community working through similar concerns. Check out the Northwest Climate Gathering Artist Residency Opening Reception (2:30–3:30 pm at Thunder Bay Art Gallery) or engage with climate-focused art, writing, or media wherever you are.

Spend time in a positive, community-focused space

Positive, community-based experiences help counterbalance constant negative messaging and remind you what you’re working to protect. Find a local event, green space, or community gathering where you are.

• Thunder Bay:  Earth Day Celebration at Centennial Conservatory  (6–8 pm) with The Lorax, activities, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
• Orillia: Earth Day event (4–8 pm, Lakehead Orillia campus) featuring community booths, an Indigenous garden tour, hands-on workshops, seed giveaways, and plant-based food resources. Orillia’s event also highlights this year’s Earth Day theme, Conscious Consumption, with a focus on reducing waste and supporting food sovereignty. The evening film and discussion (6–8 pm) will explore local conservation and community action. Registration is required for the film portion, and Orillia Public Transit is free that day.

Small actions you can take anywhere

Climate anxiety is often rooted in feeling powerless. Small, consistent actions build a sense of control and agency, while connecting your values to your daily habits.

• Reduce your personal waste (reuse containers, skip single-use items)
• Walk, bike, or use transit when possible
• Eat more plant-based meals, even occasionally
• Support local or sustainable businesses
• Limit doomscrolling and seek out solution-focused climate stories

Keep it going at Lakehead (and beyond)

If you’re looking for ways to stay involved in the months ahead:

• Community Garden plots will be opening soon. You can email communitygarden@lakeheadu.ca to get a plot or volunteer
• Campus Beautification Days run throughout the summer and are always looking for volunteers to help weed and tend to campus spaces
• The Active Commute Challenge is happening in June
• Donate to, or volunteer with, Wolfie's Closet (TBay).  Clothes are accepted (year-round) in 4 locations, including the Sustainability Office, CASES 2004F. If you want to volunteer with Wolfie's Closet, email Rachel Portinga, Sustainability Coordinator, at rporting@lakeheadu.ca 
• To stay up to date on everything related to sustainability and climate action at Lakehead, sign up for Sustainability Leaders emails (about twice a month) and follow @lakeheadsustainability on Instagram

Taking action, especially alongside others, can help shift feelings of helplessness into a sense of purpose. It doesn’t have to be big to matter. Start where you are, with what you have.

When to reach out for more support

Taking action can help, but if feelings of anxiety or overwhelm are starting to affect your ability to focus, sleep, keep up with school, or connect with others, it might be time to reach out for additional support. Make an appointment with a Student Health and Wellness counsellor or use the WellU Key to navigate the resources available to you.

As the semester wraps up, it’s easy to fall into an all-study, no-self-care routine. But taking care of yourself isn’t a distraction from studying; it’s one of the most effective ways to stay focused, retain information, and manage stress. If you want to feel more energized and get the most out of your study time, start with the basics: sleep, food, movement, and breaks. Here are some practical tips to help you stay well during finals season.

Sleep Is Study Time (Seriously)

It might be tempting to stay up late to squeeze in more studying, but sleep is when your brain actually processes and stores what you’ve learned. Skipping sleep can make it harder to concentrate, recall information, and think clearly. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep when you can. You’ll likely get more out of a well-rested study session than a tired one.

Check In With Your Body

Your body gives you cues about what you need, especially during long study sessions. If you’re hungry, try a snack with a mix of nutrients like fruit and nuts or yogurt and granola. If you’re thirsty, keep water nearby and balance coffee with hydration. If your energy is low or you’re feeling restless, take a short walk, stretch, or step away for a few minutes. Staying in tune with these signals can help you study more effectively and feel better overall.

Build Balanced Meals

Eating regularly throughout the day helps keep your energy steady. Aim for meals that include a mix of protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. There’s no “perfect” way to eat: focus on what works for your schedule, budget, and preferences.

Be Mindful with Caffeine and Sugar

Caffeine and sugary snacks can feel like quick fixes, but they often lead to energy crashes. Try pairing them with more sustaining options like nuts, seeds, or fruit to help keep your energy levels more stable throughout the day.

Make Food Easy

When time is tight, having food ready to go can make a big difference. Cooking larger portions of meals like soups, pasta, or stir-fries, prepping snacks ahead of time, and keeping quick options on hand can make it easier to stay nourished during busy study days.

Move Your Body (Your Brain Will Thank You)

Physical activity isn’t just good for your body, it can help improve focus, boost your mood, and reduce stress. This doesn’t have to mean a full workout. A quick walk around campus, stretching between study blocks, or a short workout or yoga session at home can all help you reset and refocus.

Take Breaks You Actually Enjoy

Breaks aren’t wasted time—they help you recharge. Whether it’s watching an episode of a show, calling a friend, baking, or just relaxing, give yourself permission to step away and reset. Setting a loose time limit can help you enjoy the break without losing momentum.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Even small changes like drinking more water, getting a bit more sleep, or taking a real break can make a noticeable difference. Taking care of yourself is part of doing well.

There is a point towards the end of the semester when things start to feel a lot heavier. That midterm daze is just leaving, deadlines are piling up, and motivation is starting to get harder to find. For many students, myself included, it is also when self-doubt starts to creep in. You may find yourself questioning your abilities, your program, or even what your future holds. If that’s where you are right now, you’re definitely not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. 

Why This Time of the Semester Feels So Hard

Towards the end of the semester, the initial motivation you once had at the beginning of the semester may have worn off; I know mine has. At the same time, academic pressure grows. You’re balancing multiple deadlines, possibly a job, and trying to keep up with everything else in your life. Winter and colder weather can make this even harder. Less daylight, colder weather, and long stretches indoors can impact your energy and mood. 

What Self-Doubt Can Look Like

Self-doubt doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. 

It can sound like:

• “I feel like I’m good enough for this program.”

• “Everyone else seems to understand this except me.”

• “I’m falling behind, and I can’t catch up.”

• “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

These thoughts can feel very real in the moment, but they are often shaped by your stress and exhaustion rather than what is really going on. 

You’re Not Alone

It can seem like everyone else has it together, especially towards the end of the year. But most students are dealing with the same stress, even if you may not see that side. Struggling at this point in the semester is so common! It doesn’t mean you’re incapable; it means you’re in a demanding environment and doing your best to manage it. 

Personal Note: Facing the End of My Degree

As someone who is hopefully graduating at the end of this year, I’ve been feeling so many different pressures alongside the usual end-of-semester stress. I feel excited about being done, but I also feel a lot of uncertainty. I have so many questions about what comes next for me: jobs, teachers' college, moving, and whether I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. Even after all these years of school, moving across the province (not that far, really), you’d think I would have it all figured out, but I don’t. If you’re also approaching a big change or transition, it is more than okay to feel unsure. Reaching the end of something doesn’t mean you suddenly have all the answers. 

Ways to Manage Self-Doubt

You don’t have to completely eliminate self-doubt, but you can learn how to respond to it. 

• Focus on what you can control.

• Instead of thinking about everything at once, break your work into smaller tasks. 

• Talk back to negative thoughts. 

• When you catch yourself thinking “I can’t do this,” try to challenge it! Ask yourself what evidence you actually have. Often, you have gotten through similar situations before and can do it again!

• Avoid comparisons. 

• Comparing yourself to others can make self-doubt worse. Everyone is working through different challenges, even if you can’t see it. 

• Take care of basic needs. 

• Sleep, food, and movement may seem small, but they have a big impact on how you think and feel. When these are off, self-doubt tends to increase. 

When to Reach Out

If self-doubt is turning into constant stress, anxiety, or feeling stuck, it may help to talk to someone about it. 

• A friend or peer who understands student life 

• A professor or academic advisor

• Student Health and Wellness

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re struggling more than others; it means you’re taking care of yourself. 

End of the semester is a challenging time, and questioning yourself can just be part of that experience. But those thoughts do not define your ability or your future. You’ve made it this far for a reason! Whether you’re in your first year or in your last year, it’s okay to not have everything figured out. What matters is continuing to show up, even when it feels difficult. This moment is temporary! The progress you’re making, even if it doesn’t feel like it, is real. 

 -Kayla McAdam, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Gambling is usually seen as a way to socialize, relax, and have fun. It can be all fun and games at first; whether it’s sports betting, online casinos, or casual games, it might all be harmless in the beginning. But for some students, gambling can quickly become time-consuming, stressful, and difficult to control. Understanding the risks, red flags, and knowing when to step back can help you make healthier choices. 

Why Gambling Can Be Risky For Students

Gambling was designed to keep people playing. You’ll see a lot of apps use rewards and near-wins, and face-paced games to encourage you to keep playing. For students who are already dealing with financial stress, boredom, and different pressures, and these all can make gambling even harder to manage. It also feels a lot more normalized now, with all the gambling ads on both social media and streaming platforms and the rise of online betting. 

Signs Gambling Might Be Becoming a Problem

It may not always been obvious when gambling changes from something fun to something more serious. 

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Spending more money than you had planned 

• Trying to win back your money

• Feeling anxious or frustrated when you lose 

• Thinking about gambling a lot or feeling distracted while studying

• Borrowing money or using funds meant for your essentials

• Hiding your gambling from people around you 

If any of these sound familiar to you, it may be time to pause and reflect. 

The Impact on Your Well-Being

Gambling can affect more than just your finances. It can also impact your mental health, academic performance, and relationships. 

You may notice:

• An increased level of stress and anxiety 

• You’re having trouble focusing on schoolwork 

• Having sleep problems or disruptions

• Having feelings of guilt or regret 

Over some time, these effects can build up and make it harder to stay on top of your responsibilities. 

If you choose to gamble, setting clear limits and boundaries can help you stay in control. 

• Set a spending limit before you go into it and stick to it 

• Avoid using gambling as a means to cope with stress or boredom 

• Take regular breaks and avoid long sessions 

• Don’t chase your loses, accept that losing is just a part of gambling 

• Keep gambling separate from your essential expenses like rent, food, and tuition 

Being intentional about your habits can make a big difference!

Alternatives for Stress and Entertainment

If you’re using gambling as a way to relax and unwind, it might help to explore other options that don’t have the same financial risks. 

• Spend time with friends in lower cost ways 

• Move around, even with short walks or workouts

• Try a new hobby or creative activity 

• Watch a new show or listen to music to relax

• Use different campus spaces or events to stay connected

Finding a healthier ways to manage stress can reduce the feeling to rely on gambling. 

When to Reach Out for Support

If gambling is starting to feel overwhelming or getting harder to control, you are not alone! Support is available, and reaching out is a strong and important step. 

Some supports could be:

• Talking to a trusted friend or family member

• Connecting with Student Health and Wellness services

• Speaking to a counselor or a professional 

Getting help a little earlier can help prevent things from becoming more serious. 

Gambling can seem like a simple way to pass time, but it can also have some real impacts if it gets out of control. Being aware of your habits, setting limits, and checking in with yourself are important steps in protecting your well-being. Gamblings rise in popularity and the amount I see on screens, it has become bigger than I’ve ever imagined. It is basically pushed onto everything I see online and I understand how tempting it can be. But, if something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. Taking a step back is always okay. You’re not alone! 

If you or someone you may know is struggling with gambling, there is support available. Reaching out can feel like a lot, but there are free and confidential services that could help. Student Health and Wellness is also here to support you in any way we can. 

• ConnexOntario provides information about gambling, mental health, and addiction services across Ontario. You can call, chat, or email to find support that fits your needs.
Website: https://connexontario.ca/our-services/gambling-treatment/

• GambleAware offers information, tools, and support for understanding and managing gambling habits. Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/

• Gamblers Anonymous is a peer support group where people can share their experiences and support each other in managing gambling-related challenges. You can also join meetings virtually and on the phone instead of in person. Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

-Kayla McAdam, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

As cannabis becomes increasingly normalized and legally accessible in many parts of Canada, university students may find themselves navigating new social situations where marijuana use is common. While some students choose not to use cannabis at all, others may decide to try it recreationally. Regardless of personal choice, understanding how to stay safe and make informed decisions is essential for protecting your health, academic success, and overall well-being.

Know the Law and Campus Policies
Before smoking marijuana, it is important to understand both federal and provincial laws, as well as your university’s policies. Although cannabis is legal for adults in Canada, there are still restrictions around age limits, public consumption, and where smoking is allowed. Many campuses prohibit smoking in residences or near buildings, and violating these policies could result in disciplinary consequences. Being informed helps you avoid unnecessary risks. You can always find out the rules and restrictions around cannabis use by doing a simple Google search or looking on your university’s website. When on the Orillia campus, it is a marijuana-free campus; if you wish to smoke, you must leave the property. If you wish to look into this information more, the link is attached. 

Smoking on premises policy 

Start Low and Go Slow
If you choose to smoke marijuana, especially for the first time, moderation is key. Cannabis affects everyone differently, depending on body chemistry, tolerance, and potency. Start with a small amount and wait to see how your body reacts before consuming more. High-potency cannabis can lead to anxiety, dizziness, nausea, or paranoia, particularly for new users. Taking it slow allows you to maintain control and reduce the chance of an unpleasant experience.

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol or Other Substances
One of the most common safety risks among students is combining cannabis with alcohol or other drugs. Mixing substances can intensify impairment, increase the likelihood of accidents, and make it harder to recognize your limits. If you choose to use cannabis, avoid drinking at the same time and be cautious about any medications that may interact negatively.

Choose a Safe Environment
Your surroundings matter. Use cannabis in a comfortable, familiar setting with people you trust rather than in unfamiliar or high-pressure environments. Being around supportive friends can help you feel safer and ensure someone is available if you begin to feel unwell. Avoid smoking alone, especially if you are inexperienced.

Never Drive or Attend Class While Impaired
Cannabis can slow reaction time, affect judgment, and reduce concentration for several hours after use. Driving while impaired is dangerous and illegal, and it also places others at risk. Similarly, attending lectures, writing exams, or completing assignments while high can negatively impact academic performance. Plan so you have time to sober up before responsibilities.

Protect Your Mental and Physical Health
Students experiencing anxiety, depression, or high stress should be especially cautious. Cannabis can sometimes worsen mental health symptoms or trigger panic reactions. Pay attention to how you feel during and after use. If cannabis begins to interfere with sleep, motivation, relationships, or schoolwork, it may be time to reassess your habits or seek support from campus health services. You can receive support with your health and wellness team for free while you’re a Lakehead student. Some of the resources we provide to students include speaking to a Counsellor, visiting with our nurse practitioner, and other supports are provided within the WellU key, which all students have access to through the Lakehead website.

WellU Key

Look Out for Yourself and Others
University life is built on community. Check in with friends, respect personal boundaries, and never pressure someone to participate. If someone feels sick, stay calm, help them stay hydrated, and seek medical assistance if symptoms worsen.

Ultimately, staying safe while smoking marijuana comes down to informed choices, moderation, and respect—for yourself, others, and your environment. By approaching cannabis use responsibly, students can reduce harm and maintain a healthier, more balanced university experience.

- Sarah Andrew, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Finding a job in the summer can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that you are not
alone and everybody is on a different journey. Even if sometimes it feels like you may be behind,
you’ve got this! Here are some tips for finding a summer job.

Update your Resume:

Make sure that you have an up-to-date resume that includes your skills and accomplishments.
There are plenty of free resources for resume help if you’re unsure. These include free videos
on YouTube and resume services offered by Lakehead!

• Ensure that your resume meets formatting requirements
• Ensure you are listing relevant skills and experience
• Remember, you’re a student, it’s okay if your resume isn’t stacked!

Apply, Apply, Apply:
You may not always meet every single requirement for every job. That’s okay! Look at the job
description and, if you meet most of the requirements, apply away! There is no harm in trying.

Use All Your Resources:
Check a variety of different job boards and postings. Even check Lakehead for roles that may be
offered! Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket. See what is being offered on a variety of
different job boards.

Networking:
There is no shame in networking; it is actually a very important part of finding employment! Ask
your peers how they found their jobs, attend networking events (they are both online and
in-person!), and attend career fairs. Make yourself known and available for work!

Connect with Career Services

Lakehead's Career Services department is here to help you! They provide skillbuilding workshops, career fairs and netowrking events, and support with building your job search skills.

Visit the Career Services website to learn more, or attend a Career Zone drop in for support.

• Career Zone Thunder Bay (Fall & Winter Terms): Open Monday - Thursday from 1pm - 4pm. Located in Room UC 0020-B
• Career Zone Orillia (Fall & Winter Terms): Drop in services every Wednesday from 2-4:30pm in the Orsi Learning Commons

...and remember

Even if you’re working, looking for work, or out of work, you deserve self-care. Your mental and
physical well-being is important. Remember, life is never perfect. Care for yourself and
remember that you are hardworking, dedicated, and worthy!

- Jordan Calleja, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Midterms during the winter semester can feel heavier than the fall semester. The days are actually shorter, motivation is at an all-time low, and the deadlines seem to stack up against you all at once. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone! I’m in the same boat. The good news is that some small changes to your study space, habits, and fuel can make a huge difference! So easy for me to say, but I promise these small changes made a difference in my grind time and could help you, too. 

Here are some ways to set yourself up for a healthier, more focused midterm season. 

Choose a Study Space That Matches Your Energy

Where you study matters more than you think! Your environment can either help you focus or drain your energy. 

Deep Focus Spots:

• When you’re working on something heavy, like memorization or writing a huge paper, choose a quiet space to settle in. A great spot on our Thunder Bay campus would be the quiet library floors or a study room. You can book out a study room in advance on the library website to secure a spot!

• Try to sit near natural light if possible. During the winter months, even a small amount of daylight can boost your mood and alertness! There are so many spaces on campus with our beautiful big windows to study near. 

When You’re Feeling Unmotivated:

• On those low-energy days, studying around other people can help. Spaces like “The Study” or “The Outpost” at the Thunder Bay campus are great spots to study. 

• Sometimes this is called “body doubling,” which means being around others can help you stay on task. 

When You’re Mentally Tired:

• If your brain feels a little foggy, a change of scenery might help more than forcing yourself to keep going. I find that when I watch my shows at my desk and then try to study, I have a hard time keeping on task, so I move. Try moving to a different building, sitting near a window, or taking a 10-minute reset walk. 

• Resetting your environment can reset your focus. 

Study Habits That Actually Work

Midterms are very stressful, but studying longer doesn't necessarily mean studying better. 

Use Focus Blocks:

• Try the 50/10 method 

• 50 minutes of studying or working 

• Then a 10-minute break 

• Repeat this cycle two or three times, then take a longer break. Short, more structured sessions can help prevent burnout and improve memory. 

Start With the Hardest Task:

• Your brain has the most energy when you’re just starting your study session, so tackle the subject or work you’ve been avoiding. 

• I know it sucks to hear, but finishing up these harder tasks can reduce anxiety and build momentum. 

Avoid All-Nighters (if you can):

• It may feel productive to stay up late, but sleep is essential for memory. Without enough rest, your brain can’t store information the way you want. This may not be the case for everyone, but it is for most, so get your sleep!

• Protecting your sleep is one of the most effective study strategies you have. 

Brain Dump 

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed and you have so much to do and you don’t know where to start, try writing down everything you need to do before you start studying. I know for my brain, it helps me to make a to-do list of only the things I want to accomplish in that session, not everything I need to do for the month. 

• Getting it out of your head and onto paper reduces stress and helps you focus on one task at a time. 

Snacks That Support Your Focus 

What you eat while studying actually affects your energy levels. 

Good Study Snacks:

• Trail mix or nuts 

• Greek yogurt

• Apples with peanut butter (my personal favourite)

• Hummus and vegetables 

• Whole-grain crackers

• Dark chocolate (in moderation)

Try to drink water consistently throughout your sessions! Dehydration can increase fatigue and headaches, especially during those long study sessions. 

A Note on Caffeine:

• Caffeine can help in moderation, but too much caffeine can increase your anxiety, disrupt your sleep, and cause energy crashes. If you’re already stressed out, adding multiple energy drinks may make it worse. 

• Balance caffeine with water and regular meals.

Protect Your Mental Energy:

Midterms are important, but they are not the measure of your worth. 

• Take real breaks, such as stretching, walking, or talking to a loved one. 

• Move your body between study blocks.

• Avoid comparing your productivity to others. 

• Reach out for support if stress feels overwhelming (Student Health and Wellness is a great support!)

Winter semester can feel so heavy and stressful, but you don’t have to power through it all alone. Small adjustments in your space, routine and habits can make studying feel a little more manageable. Midterms are temporary. Taking care of yourself while preparing for them will help you perform better and feel better in the process. 

-Kayla McAdam, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

I feel like there’s a spotlight on relationships during February. There’s Valentine’s Day, and you’ve either been living or been around the same people for almost 6 months (that's a long time!). You see all this stuff on social media of couples’ things, romantic gestures, as well as galentines, and it can be a lot. Relationships aren’t just about being a couple; they also mean relationships with friends, family, classmates, teammates, and even yourself. Those everyday relationships often shape our lives more than one fancy date ever could. Instead of making this month about pressure and perfection, let’s take a second to chat about what healthy relationships actually look like. 

Healthy Relationships Aren’t Perfect - They are Respectful

Some signs of a healthy relationship include:

• Open and honest communication

• Respect for boundaries and personal space

• Mutual support during hard times 

• Trust without constant need for reassurance and monitoring 

• Feeling comfortable being authentically you

If you’re always feeling anxious, stressed, or uncomfortable around someone, it might be worth paying attention to. 

That February pressure is so real and so unrealistic. Valentine’s Day can make people feel like they are missing out on something if they’re single, they're not in that “perfect relationship,” or they don’t have a big group of friends to celebrate with. I feel it too. Relationships don’t follow this calendar; there is no universal time for love or having a connection. 

Healthy Relationships Grow Through:

• Share experiences

• Honest conversations

• Consistency, not grand gestures (but both can be good too!)

• Small moments of care 

Being single does not mean you’re alone; having strong friendships or connections matters just as much. 

Friendships Are Relationships Too

Sometimes we overlook our friendships and connections during February because of this massive pressure to be in a relationship. 

Some signs of a healthy friendship:

• Support without competition 

• Saying no without guilt 

• Celebrating eachothers successes 

• Respecting differences in schedules and energy levels

Sometimes, a quick text or phone call check-in can mean more than an expensive gift. 

Don’t Forget That Relationship With Yourself 

This month is a great time to check in with yourself, too. Taking that time for self-care can actually help others around you at the same time. 

Some ways to strengthen your relationship with yourself:

• Notice your body, energy levels, and your own needs

• Take breaks without guilt 

• Spend time doing things you genuinely enjoy

• Talk to yourself with the same kindness you would to your loved ones

You deserve all the love and the best kind can be from inside yourself. 

Healthy relationships aren’t all sunshine and rainbows all the time. They are built on a solid ground of trust, communication, respect, and care for each other, whether it be romantic, platonic, or somewhere in between. This February, instead of focusing on all that stuff online and the expectations that come with it, try focusing on the relationships that make you feel supported, understood, and valued. Because healthy connections, in all forms, are worth celebrating all year round, not just one day out of the year. 

-Kayla McAdam, Peer Wellness Educator Lead