Benefits of Implementing Creative Outlets in Life

A guide to improving mental health and creating fun ways to cope with stress and daily complexities
By: Gurveer Kular

 Post-COVID mental health statistics show a steep decrease in good mental health mindsets. This results from long-lasting impacts of unbalanced work-life pressures, increased rates of mental illness, financial and stress factors. Studies show that incorporating activities that bring fulfilment and enjoyment in life allows for overall improvements in mental health, health promotion, and individual well-being

The following are benefits of implementing creative outlets in life:

Whether it be baking, listening to music, practicing self-love, meditation, yoga, exercising, dancing, or singing, the effects of these creative activities allow for self-growth and happiness.

1.  Improving mental health
   
   Focusing on fun things in life allows for individuals to combat feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and repetitive lifestyles. By working on their self-growth and prioritizing themselves, their mental health significantly gets better with practicing self-care behaviours.

2. Having something to look forward to and enjoyment in life
   
   Whether it’s hanging out with friends or ordering your favourite things online, everyone has forms of happiness that are achieved from simple tasks. This also includes creative outlets, as these hobbies become something individuals are passionate about.

3. Allows for creative ways to express yourself

   People often express themselves through art forms. Whether this is painting, colouring, singing, writing poems, or dancing, significant meanings can be depicted. These meanings are interesting to observe as many individuals express their lives and stories through emotional breakthroughs.

Overall, implementing creative forms of activities and outlets in life plays a role in improving mental health, gives individuals enjoyment opportunities, and allows for creative and unique ways to express oneself. Everyone is different from one another, and expressing yourself through art forms shares personal experiences and allows others to reflect on their stories.

References

Institute of Mental Health, & Logan, C. (2024, September 4). 10 important activities that improve your mental health. Institute of Mental Health. https://iomh.co.uk/10-important-activities-that-improve-your-mental-health/ 

Clearing the air: Understanding the impact of vaping

Shared with permission.

Written by: Amir Meghjee

Amir Meghjee is a second-year 2nd entry nursing student. Prior to entering the nursing program, he completed three years of study in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. In his spare time, he enjoys playing ball hockey and giving back to the community by coaching youth sports. 

As I exit from the York University subway station, I take a deep breath of fresh air and smell... strawberries? I look up ahead and see a group of students and a cloud of smoke above them. That's where the smell is coming from, I realize, as I continue to my lecture. While vaping might make the air smell nice, it can have a lot of effects on your body. This post will explore what vaping is, its risks and side effects, how vaping compares to smoking and resources to help kick the habit.  

What is vaping?

Vaping is the inhalation of vapours (which create the visible cloud of smoke) produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen or any other vaping product. A vape is made up of four parts: the battery, a heating element, a mouthpiece and a cartridge or tank. The cartridge or tank contains the vaping liquid or "vape juice," which is heated into a vapour by the heating element and then inhaled. The vaping liquid is made up of numerous chemicals, contains nicotine and is usually flavoured.

What are the risks and side effects of vaping?

The primary side effect of vaping is nicotine dependence. Nicotine is a stimulant drug that is found in cigarettes and can cause you to temporarily feel good and relaxed. . It releases dopamine to the same parts of the brain as other addictive substances and can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Substances found in vaping liquid can also impact your lung health.

Is vaping better than smoking cigarettes?

Neither option is healthy. Cigarettes produce a lot of chemicals that can cause cancer and are linked to heart and lung diseases. While vaping aerosol does not contain tar or carbon monoxide, some of the disease-causing chemicals in cigarettes, it still has nicotine and other components that can affect your health. 

It’s important to keep in mind that vaping has not been approved as a therapy to stop smoking.

What resources are available to help me stop vaping?

If you or someone you know is thinking about quitting vaping, there are many resources available to help guide you. 

• Student Counselling, Health and Well-being (SCHW) at York offers free counselling services for students, which includes same-day online or in-person counselling, short-term counselling and support groups. 

• Quash is a free Canadian app developed by the Lung Health Foundation that helps you change your smoking and vaping habits, and you can tailor your plan to your needs. 

• The Smokers Helpline contains online resources to help you stop smoking or vaping, and Health 811 provides phone-based support. You can also speak with your doctor or primary care provider about how to stop vaping. 

The Health Education and Promotion team often holds a “Vaping: Misconceptions & Safer Practices” workshop for students. You can find more information about their upcoming events and workshops in their calendar.

If you or someone you know is looking to learn more or speak to a healthcare professional, reach out to our Public Health Nurses and they’d be happy to support you!

Introducing Ask a Nurse: Your go-to service for health-related questions

Shared with permission.

Written by Ayan Wehliye

Ayan Wehliye, RN BScN, is a Public Health Nurse within the Health Services team at Student Counselling, Health and Well-being (SCHW). She is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of students by ensuring they have the education and services available to them to lead a healthier and more balanced life. 

Welcome to the new school year, Lions! The Student Health team hopes you had a safe, relaxing and fun summer. We're excited to have you on campus and have some exciting news to share! 

Have you ever had a health-related question, but aren’t sure where to go or who to ask? York has a new initiative that can help you with just that. Read on to find out more about Ask a Nurse! 

What is Ask a Nurse?

Student Counselling, Health and Well-being's Health Services have launched a new service called Ask a Nurse, where you can ask our Public Health Nurses your health-related questions. This confidential service is provided at no cost. 

How do I ask a nurse my question?

There are two ways you can get in touch with the Ask a Nurse team.  

1. Drop by our in-person tabling events throughout the year across the Keele, Markham and Glendon campuses.  

2. Fill out the Ask a Nurse contact form on our website. We will do our best to get back to you within five business days. 

What can Public Health Nurses help with?

Our Public Health Nurses are here to help answer your questions and empower you to make informed health choices.  

Public Health Nurses can:  

• discuss your general health-related questions and/or concerns;  

• assist you with finding a new doctor or primary care provider; 

• provide information and resources on a variety of mental and physical health topics;  

• provide information and resources on community clinics, social services and health initiatives in the GTA;  

• assist international students with navigating the Canadian healthcare system; and 

• support all students, including Black, POC, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and persons with disabilities, with finding healthcare services that support their needs. 

It’s important to know that York’s Public Health Nurses do not have a physical clinic on campus and may need to redirect your questions and concerns if they are outside of their scope of practice. 

Public Health Nurses cannot: 

• diagnose or treat any illness or concerns; 

• complete physical health assessments; 

• renew prescriptions or make specialist referrals; or 

• provide urgent medical care. Please call 911 if you are experiencing a crisis or are in medical distress.  

For a list of other health services, helplines and facilities, visit York’s Well-being resources webpage.  

Remember Lions, a healthy school year starts with a healthy you! To learn more about what health services and resources are available to you, come to see us on campus or fill out the online contact form and a Public Health Nurse will get back to you. We wish you a healthy school year and look forward to seeing you soon.