As the wind picks up, our bodies and minds might just mirror the approaching chilly season, and it’s important to remember that our mental health deserves our attention. With the year’s end approaching, bringing its familiar melancholy, it is the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and discuss how to navigate the darkness.
I am no guru, but based on my sense of the world, I believe that protecting your mental health is a personal responsibility. One way to do so is by setting firm boundaries — with yourself and others. In Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book, titled “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself” (2021) the author writes that “boundaries set you free,” and I wholeheartedly agree.
While ~~setting boundaries~~ can be exhausting, I find it important for my well-being. To set boundaries, you must know yourself; for me, nurturing self-awareness of my strengths and weaknesses has empowered me to recognize my triggers. Once you learn what makes you uncomfortable, it’s easier to address the issues and work toward a resolution. Having clearer expectations in different aspects of life, be it professional or personal, empowers me to define my boundaries. Knowing what I want in my life helps me eliminate influences that hinder my growth. This clarity allows me to invest wholeheartedly in what’s mutually flourishing — for myself and for others. I truly believe that once you create a solid support system, life becomes significantly more fulfilling.
Engaging in ~~self-care~~ and doing things that bring me joy also improves my mental health. A literature review by Kirsten Posluns & Terry Lynn Gall suggests that fostering self-care can help prevent the downward spiral of stress and promote an upward spiral of well-being, improving overall mental health. It’s important to note that self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming; it can be as simple as making your bed. For me, keeping my space organized contributes to my peace of mind. When I am overwhelmed, I find myself deep-cleaning my space. I also enjoy ~~making to-do lists~~ and taking it one day at a time, both of which alleviate my stress. Seeing my calendar filled with deadlines can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into daily to-do lists and mini goals rather than looking at the big picture eases the load.
As we go through different stages in life, our self-care practices may evolve. Growing up, journaling was my refuge, it was where I vented and found peace, while last summer, baking every week was my source of happiness. Whatever you choose, it’s incredibly important to dedicate at least ten minutes a day to yourself, using practices rooted in self-love rather than obligation.
~~Building happiness rituals~~ has improved my mental health, and now I look forward to each day. For as long as I can remember, I have been practicing daily gratitude for what I have and my ability to work toward what I want. I even have a tattoo which reads “grateful” as a reminder. Connected to this, shifting my mindset from “I have to” to “I get to” has turned tables for me. Sometimes, what we have is someone else’s dream. I get to live this life, shape it into my dream life — for example, I get to write for The Cascade*. Once you start viewing everything with gratitude, it makes a difference.
Another cherished happiness ritual is having dinner with my flatmate at the end of each day. While we eat, we share one good thing and one bad thing from our days. Once, she told me her bad thing was she didn’t have a job; a couple weeks later, she had one. Practicing this ritual is a great way to reflect on each day for a better tomorrow.
If I can say anything else it’s that ultimately, your mental health starts and ends with you. You are your own constant; you know yourself the best. Gaining positive mental health is easier said than done — it can be challenging. What works for me may not work for you, but there’s always something that will work for you.
There should never be any shame in seeking help. While you should reflect and work on yourself on your own, it’s helpful to know the resources available to you. UFV offers group workshops and individual counselling sessions for their students, and also provides Student Success Handouts alongside multiple self-help resources. The provincial government also has a number of resources for mental health support.
“There can be no health without mental health” stated Professor Martin Prince for The Lancet*. And with this, a gentle reminder: it’s the baby steps that help you weather the storm. You’re valued and you’ve got this.
