Health and Wellbeing

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People in today’s society are increasingly struggling to regulate their emotions in the face of growing stress and technological demands. In her presentation on May 13, 2011, Dr. Nancy Heath, James McGill Professor Human Development and School/ Applied Child Psychology Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, demonstrated how  mindfulness – full and focused awareness – can be a powerful approach to reduce stress and regulate emotions. A copy of her presentation is here: Mindfullness

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When you feel stressed and overwhelmed proper breathing techniques can help create mental clarity. Often when stressed, we use shallow breaths or even hold it. To relieve the stress, it’s important to recreate balance with a longer exhale: slow exhales help you breathe out the tension. Proper breathing enhances health and healing; boosts the immune system; improves exercise; and is a powerful tool for relaxation. Read more

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We all encounter stress in our daily lives, traffic jams, work deadlines, family responsibilities. How we handle them makes all the difference to our health. The Heart and Stroke Foundation has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association to create a resource called Coping with Stress. Identify your stressors and learn how to manage them in a healthier way by taking the Stress Index Test. Read more

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If you act happy, you may actually feel happy. The Act Happy Theory contends that if you smile, laugh, hug, or cheer you get the benefits of those feelings right back at you. Read more

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Although stress can sometimes be a good thing, too much stress can actually harm your health and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you are suffering from high stress levels, you may feel tense or anxious, have headaches, stomach complaints or even symptoms that mimic illnesses. Long-term exposure to stress can also lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. If your life is stressful, it can be difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle. Relieve your stress with these stress reducing tips. Read more