-
Strategies and tools: Battling bullying in school
Bullying remains a consistent and pervasive issue in schools all over the globe, and Canada is no exception. As youth navigate the complex landscape of adolescence, it is essential to know your resources, tools, and strategies to confront and overcome bullying. Build a support system Establishing an expansive and compassionate support system is one of the most effective ways to combat bullying. For youth, confiding in friends, family members, or trusted adults about their experiences is extremely important. A 2022 study found that social support enhances resilience in stressful situations. This network of people who care can provide emotional support and practical advice on handling bullying situations. Lean on trusted…
-
Guide to meditation: Finding the peace within and improving overall wellbeing
In the fast-paced, digital age, finding moments of stillness and calm can seem like a luxury. However, amidst the chaos, meditation is an accessible way to get closer to serenity, offering a pathway to inner peace and overall well-being. Whether the aim is stress relief, improved focus, or a deeper connection with the self, meditation provides a holistic approach to cultivating a balanced and harmonious life. This guide will explore the art of meditation, its various forms, and the numerous benefits it brings to those who embrace its practice. What is meditation? Meditation is an ancient practice that many cultures have embraced for centuries. Meditation involves training the mind to…
-
A comprehensive guide to vitamins and supplements: Nutrition essentials for youth
As a youth, life gets busy, and it is easy to get caught up in the bustle of work and school and neglect basic nutrition. It can be a challenge to maintain a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Fortunately, vitamins and supplements can play a crucial role in filling nutritional gaps and promoting overall well-being. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of vitamins and supplements, explaining their functions and the benefits they offer to support optimal health. Please remember to always consult a healthcare practitioner before using supplements to ensure you are taking vitamins that align with your individual health needs. Vitamins: The basics Vitamins are organic compounds that our…
-
Rise
The world is a beautiful place. We share it like apple pie A robust, honey-dripped slice Through community we rise We thrive A million lightning bolts from our eyes Through coalescence, we grow sturdy and wise We clasp hands in unity and hope Fingers intertwined, braided like ravishing rope A bright future, a road paved in gold Soles on the ground, souls to behold \ Hearts burst with tenderness Grab it with your hands, pull it from your chest Put kindness in a basket and place it on your neighbour’s welcome mat Make time for a friendly chat Lend sugar and love, offer compassion and care Pick fresh flowers, tuck…
-
Focusing on the positive
People often try to think positively but can sometimes fail to do so. An article written by SkillPath states, “The human brain has a natural tendency to give weight to (and remember) negative experiences or interactions more than positive ones – they stand out more. Psychologists refer to this as negativity bias.” Regardless of the kind of person someone is, people can tend to think negatively more often than not. If someone is regularly told how well they are doing, but something negative is brought up, they will likely focus on the negative. That’s why activities such as gratitude journals can help someone focus on the positive. Gratitude journals are…
-
Mindful gratitude
A listicle of small ways to bring appreciation into daily life Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful and willing to show appreciation and kindness. Busy lifestyles and depressing news cycles can be counterintuitive to an individual’s ability to be grateful for the good things in their life. It is often necessary to carve time out daily to practice gratitude. Modern life can be hectic and not conducive to intentional appreciation. Daily gratitude practice can be done in as short as a couple minutes and the results can be life changing. Showing gratitude can shift a negative mindset to a positive one. It can alter the way the…
-
Breaking the binary
Ezra Morrison has just completed their degree in sexuality diversity studies at the University of Toronto. They are eagerly entering the job market, looking for an entry-level job in their chosen field. “My dream job would be to work with specifically trans and non-binary youth. I’d love to work at The 519 Community Centre or something like that,” Morrison says. Morrison identifies as non-binary and has their pronouns at the top of their resume, beside their name. “I think that cisgender people putting their pronouns in their bio on social media or in their email signatures and resumes really works to make the world a safer place for trans and…
-
Safe at home
Cindy Hershal*, an English major studying at the University of Toronto (U of T), has always struggled with anxiety. She dealt with social anxiety and the fear of public speaking throughout all of elementary and secondary school. When Hershal had her first panic attack during class, things began to spiral. Feeling lightheaded, dizzy and short of breath, she abruptly left the classroom. Hershal found a private washroom to be alone and calm her nerves. The terror was visceral. “I thought I was going to die. Or just completely lose my grip on reality. It was so scary,” she says. This first attack left Hershal frightened about it happening again. She…
-
White Whale
A white whale—I swim in its mouth all year A darkened room, a maze made of keepsakes A mauve turtleneck, tight around the shoulders Cracked, plastic champagne flutes Your fingers trace my collarbones until they meet in the middle A burlap sack race that ends in a tie My neck snapped and nobody noticed, I propped it up with a metal rod and a roll of masking tape, A makeshift body, broken, Burnt palms in lace gloves Cover rock bottom with a flashy rug and maybe they won’t notice. I was a snake with its tail in its mouth, a cycle too comfortable to break Now, Suspicious peace, a buoy…
