It’s no surprise that hobbies are a critical component of a fulfilling life. When it comes to creative pastimes, career-oriented people sometimes need time to de-stress and find it beneficial to focus on craft-based projects. Forbes notes that creative hobbies can improve mental health and cognitive function and Indeed says that developing creative thinking during downtime can help people “consider situations from innovative perspectives” in the workplace. All of these benefits combined can help someone become successful in their main career path, even if the career isn’t in the arts.  Joshua Goodman, a psychotherapist located in Ottawa, says that having creative outlets is essential to him. Playing music and working…

Often overshadowed by our neighbours to the south, Canadian authors have contributed more to literature than people realize.  Specifically, 20th century female authors have had significant contributions in the literary world. The following writers are considered pioneers of their genres, especially to feminist Canadian literature. 1. Margaret Eleanor Atwood (1939-present) Margaret Atwood is a writer, poet, essayist, teacher and activist. Her works have been published and translated in over 45 countries and 30 languages, and she is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most prominent writers.  Atwood has published works ranging from children’s books, graphic novels, poetry, fiction and nonfiction, as well as television, radio and theatre scripts. Her pieces…

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the lives of billions upside down. With schedules thrown into disarray, one of the simplest parts of many people’s daily routine has been disrupted the most: sleep. Occupational therapist Judith Mendoza says that much of this COVID-19-induced insomnia stems from the loss of regularities in everyday life, such jobs and social interactions. “There’s a lack of rhythm, a lack of regular scheduled activities. All of that has been really disrupted,” she says. “When it comes to our physical systems, as well as our mental health, when we have predictable, regular rhythms that have been in our day-to-day life that it is really helpful.” People who…

Who am I? What do I want to do with my life? Am I going down the right path?  These are just a few of the questions a young person might ask themselves when they are searching for their identity or sense of self. In late teens and early 20s, people are left up to their own devices for the first time and are responsible for the decisions they make about their lives.  Mary Charron, a clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in childhood and adolescent mental health says, “It’s kind of like we were going down this waterslide that was really predictable our whole lives, we knew the…

The world is designed for extroverted people. Crowded places, strangers that want to have small talk while waiting at a bus stop and countless public speaking presentations at all levels of education are just a few examples.  That’s why the outspoken and socially assured receive praise for social qualities that, although are great to have, don’t come as easily to introverts.  These daily environments often make introverts feel anxious, giving them the urge to dodge talkative cashiers, cold calls and social gatherings.  It is not better to be an introvert or an extrovert, they’re simply different. One major difference is that introverts often feel excluded from the social corners surrounding…

Anna Shishmanov loves to encompass the joys of being an imaginative kid again, exploring her backyard and local forest in search of mushrooms, flowers and new plants to study. Back at home, she continues to cherish each moment through handmade hobbies such as baking and knitting.  This aesthetic lifestyle was coined by Tumblr in 2018 as “cottagecore.” The emerging trend is best described as bucolic, relating to the simplicity of a slow and self-sufficient countryside life. It romanticizes overgrown plants, wildflower fields and loose vintage fabrics like gingham and floral print. It brings upon a feeling of coziness, in contrast to the loud and busy hustle culture of cities.   On…

Having a pet is great—they can be your best friend, a confidante and it never hurts to have someone who’s always happy to greet you at the door (and immediately alert your attention to their empty food dish).  Besides getting a new buddy, there are a lot of benefits associated with owning a pet. In a report published by Human Animal Bond Research Institute, it was found that 74 per cent of pet owners reported mental health improvements and 96 per cent said that their pet has had a positive impact on their lives.  It’s no wonder so many Canadians are pet parents. In November 2020, Narrative Research released a…

COVID-19 has brought trials and tribulations upon many. 21-year-old Tracy Dumael found herself facing personal challenges during the pandemic and decided that she needed a big change. The pandemic has forced families and individuals to stay home, with limited opportunities to go to work, school or travel. For some people, it has become the perfect opportunity to integrate a pet into their lives. In May 2021, the Dumael’s welcomed a new member into their family: Riley, a rottweiler mix.  “I’ve always wanted a dog,” she says. “Instead of spending another birthday alone during lockdown, I thought it would be the perfect time to ask my family for a puppy—to have…

Earlier this year, I turned another year older. As I slowly approach three decades on planet earth, it’s inevitable to reflect on what is yet to come in my life. Especially after enduring a global pandemic and living yet another year in a semi-lockdown, my reflection and mind-wandering is at an all-time high. I have started to review my childhood and where I came from, how I got to the point I am at now and what’s next. Despite all the twists and turns this year, and all that life has presented, I am enjoying the journey more than ever. I would not be where I am now without all…

Long gone are the days of Tamagotchis, Bop It and Barbies. However, certain toys contain more sentimental value than others and often evoke nostalgia in individuals as they reminisce on the experiences they had with them.  Youth Mind reached out to some individuals about their favourite toys growing up, and asked what made them so special.  Martina’s kitty  My favourite toy growing up was this little brown stuffed cat who I very creatively named Kitty. The story is that I stole her from my mom, who stole it from her brother when they were growing up. I took her absolutely everywhere with me for quite a few years. She got…

Whether brief, long-term, casual or serious, past relationships can affect new ones with current or future partners. Although it is never recommended to hold onto the past, it can be unavoidable to think about how much former partners have impacted the way someone views intimacy. An article published in The Everygirl says there are two harmful qualities that pondering past relationships can leave on current ones: restricting joy and preventing growth between a person and their new partner. However, people learn from their mistakes and there can be some benefits to looking back on the past. This can include learning what one enjoys and what to avoid in the future.…

Growing up, friends are a vital part of our lives. We spend copious amounts of time together, whether it be playing sports after school or having sleepovers on the weekends.  One thing we are sure of is that our friends will be there until the end—or will they? I’ll be moving away from my hometown soon, the place I have lived for the majority of my life and potentially will never live in again. I’ll be starting a new chapter in my life in a different province where I don’t know anyone. Because of this,  I have been thinking a lot about friendships and the importance they hold during our…

There is nothing quite like experiencing a new country, culture and environment. Travelling for pleasure is a commodity that often entails new experiences, gaining a different perspective and making lifelong memories. Statistics Canada reported that international travel to and from Canada declined from 96.8 million travellers in 2019 to 35.9 million in 2020.  Travel and border restrictions were enforced in March 2020 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But now as cases are declining, vaccination rates are increasing and borders are reopening, travel in the near future is on the minds of many.  However, leisure travel can also be out of reach for people who do not have…

It should come as no surprise that many couples now meet through online dating. A survey conducted by Stanford University found that the number of heterosexual people who met their partner on the internet rose from two per cent in 1995 to 39 per cent in 2017. This is a different outlook from just a few decades ago, when meeting your partner in a restaurant or bar was more common. There are now over 1,500 dating apps or websites. With over 270 million users globally, the $3 billion industry is a key player in many love lives. Online dating is the second most common way for heterosexual couples to meet…

After over a year of lockdown boredom, some Torontonians have been inspired to rekindle old hobbies or start new ones while isolated at home.  A Canadian research study found that 63 per cent of Canadians have begun new hobbies to pass time while staying at home. Playing games, cooking and baking were the most commonly-reported pastimes.  Sania Siddiqui, a nutrition and food service management student at Centennial College, revived her love for baking as a form of relaxation and de-stressing during the pandemic. “As soon as school finished, I didn’t have much to do. So it made perfect sense for me to get back into it,” she says. “It did…

Some people crave thrill-seeking activities, even if it makes them nervous. For adrenaline junkies, this could mean skydiving, swimming with sharks or other pursuits that require someone to ignore their natural desire to retreat.  The same could be said for those who enjoy huddling on a couch and peering through their fingers while watching a scary movie.  Horror movies aren’t just popular around Halloween. Hit films like It: Chapter Two released on Aug. 26, 2019 made roughly $211.5 million, and The Invisible Man released on Feb. 24, 2020 made about $65 million.  These films are popular because of the sensation of adrenaline people get from watching them. An article published…

Alexandrea Fiorante glued a pair of feathery false eyelashes to her glittered eyelids as she chugged down a beer. She then slipped into a backless black dress before piling into an Uber with her friends.  Destination? Any club she could get a cute picture to post on Instagram, simultaneously making her ex jealous and proving that she’s “winning” the breakup. At least that’s how she imagined dealing with the heartbreak of ending her long-term relationship with her partner last November. But the continuous lockdowns in Toronto have restricted Fiorante from taking the rom-com suggested formula for getting over a breakup.  Instead, she had to sit alone in her bedroom with…

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a massive dent in the tourism industry. Its sector saw a loss of nearly $4.5 trillion US in 2020, according to a report released by the World Travel and Tourism Council. The report also revealed that approximately 62 million jobs in the travel industry were lost, leaving only 272 million employed globally. However, with vaccination rates rising and pandemic restrictions loosening, it is expected that international travel will be possible again very soon. Linda Hoang, a travel blogger based in Edmonton, hopes that masks and hygienic practices will still be normalized once travelling is more widely available.  “If there’s more hand sanitizer, if people…

Running is a great way to beat the COVID-19 blues; it keeps you energized, as well as physically and mentally fit. As a Skechers performance athlete, I run year-round and participate in competitive races—although virtually since the start of the pandemic. Here are some tips that will help if you’re new to running and don’t know where to get started.  CHECK THE WEATHER   The temperature can change at a moment’s notice in Canada, so make sure to check the weather in the area of your run and dress appropriately. During the summer, it’s best to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Typically all you need are shorts, a shirt, socks and a…

I wasn’t quite sure the best way to start this piece. It was left open to my interpretation, as long as it centred around my time spent circling the globe alone. But with an adventure such as that one, where do I even begin? Do I tell the story of how I spent 10 days in a town in the middle of the Swiss Alps creating a short documentary, or the time I drank a questionable beer (the questions were definitely warranted) and FaceTimed a friend during their dance class from a random alley in Budapest? Or maybe how an Australian hostel friend got me to slap him every five minutes so…

With more than 90 per cent of the world living under travel restrictions this past year, I went from being in a long-distance relationship to suddenly living with my partner. Talk about a “new normal.” After cohabitating for five years, my partner left to study for a graduate degree in Washington, D.C. Not wanting to be one-upped, I moved twice — first a transcontinental move to Portland, Oregon, and then an intercontinental move to Copenhagen, Denmark. Our long-distance relationship was a unique time in our lives where we grew our careers and pursued our professional goals independently. Travel became our biggest solace during our time apart. (A)synchronous dating At first, we struggled to communicate…

The winding alleyways of downtown Amman smell like spices. The sharp za’atar—a blend of oregano and thyme—with the toasty nuttiness of sesame seeds and freshly baked naan wafting out of mismatched homes and shops. Waves of heat radiate off of the pavement while the dusty air blows through the streets, rippling through the colourful fabric stores.   Amman is easily one of the quietest cities I have ever been to, the silence only broken by calls to prayer and rumbling gasoline trucks making rounds in residential areas. In startling contrast is Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also located in Jordan. The vast visual collision of the Ancient East and Hellenistic…

Safety isn’t always at the forefront of our minds with all the excitement that comes with travelling. However, it is important to remember, when travelling, that you are in a new environment, often in big cities with different primary languages. Being alert and aware of your surroundings could potentially save your life, especially for those travelling on their own for the first time. Here are some tips to ease the stress of staying safe, so you can make your travel experience even more enjoyable. Learn about your destination  Before you head overseas, do your research. Inform yourself about which neighbourhoods to avoid and what crimes often happen there. Know where…

Plans were made, tickets were booked, bags were packed. And then COVID-19 hit. The many months spent indoors gave people plenty of time to think up their dream travel expeditions and look forward to a post-pandemic future. With answers ranging from sightseeing in Canada, cooking classes in Italy or exploring Japan and its culture, Youth Mind talked to people across Ontario about where they plan to go when travel becomes possible again. I feel torn about traveling after COVID-19. On the one hand, I do feel that there is so much of the world to explore and I appreciate new cultures and new countries so much more now. Japan or France have…

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, camping has become a much-needed escape for many people. It allows you to experience nature first-hand and is also a good way to distance from others.  There are plenty of campground options to choose from, ranging from provincial and national parks to privately-owned campsites. If you’ve never roughed it on your own before, this is an easy beginner’s guide to make your first campout experience memorable and safe. What to bring Stocking up on camping supplies can be daunting, especially if you’ve found yourself staring down the many aisles of a camping store with no idea where to start. Supplies can range in…

Second-hand shopping is on the rise in countries around the world, including Canada. A 2019 report by ThredUp, conducted by GlobalData, showed that “resale has grown 21 times faster than the new apparel market in the last three years.” The report said that people between the ages of 18-37 are 2.5 times more likely to buy used clothing. The majority of people shopping second-hand are those from Generation Z, followed next by Millennials. There are also many online thrift stores like ThredUp, Swap.com and Urban Outfitters vintage that sell second-hand clothing. For all of you who are interested in thrifting, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you find great pieces.  1. Have something specific in mind Thrift…

On Oct. 8, 2020, New-York-based skateboard brand, Supreme, released a long-sleeve tee on their online store that featured what they dub as the “box logo” or “bogo” for short — the word “Supreme” in Futura Bold Italic font, encased within a rectangle. The shirt was priced at $48 USD. It sold out in under one minute. Every color. Every size. Supreme is just one brand consisting of today’s “streetwear” culture whose key marketing tactic is to supply a small amount of stock relative to each brand’s high demand. This shortened supply creates an exclusivity which is one of many contributing factors to these brands’ large followings. Celebrity endorsements, brand authenticity,…

With physical distancing protocols in place, many of us have transitioned to working from the office to working from home. Although working from home is convenient and allows us to be safe, it’s definitely an adjustment, especially for those who live alone.  You are no longer surrounded by your co-workers. And even though your co-workers aren’t there to distract you, that doesn’t mean there are no distractions. You might find yourself scrolling Facebook instead of doing work, or taking an extra long break, just because you can. As someone who currently works from home, here are some tips that I found to be helpful.  Follow the same routine you had…