6349 Ways to Care: A Guide to Self-Care and Community Support

Introduction 

6349 Ways to Care represents the approximate number of students starting their journey at McMaster in 2024. It symbolizes the number of individuals arriving to find community in a new place, as well as the countless ways we support and care for ourselves and each other within the McMaster community.

Our 2024 Welcome Week campaign on Padlet explores the various ways students, staff, and faculty care for themselves and others. Among the many ways identified, we wanted to share some common areas of care that you may find helpful during your time at Mac and beyond.

Keep reading for practical tips on self-care, insights into building a caring community, and strategies for finding and giving support. We are sharing a few ideas to continue the conversation on these topics, both individually and collectively. 

Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is important for maintaining both mental and physical health, especially during the demanding times of year. It’s about taking intentional actions to improve your well-being. Here’s how to get started:

Assess Your Needs: Identify the main areas of your life, such as work, school, relationships, and family. Understanding where your time and energy go can help you pinpoint which areas need more attention.

Address Stressors and Basic Needs First: Recognize the aspects of these areas that cause you stress. For example, if academic deadlines stress you out, consider time management strategies. Ensure your basic needs are met, such as getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, taking your medications, and staying hydrated. These are the foundations that set you up for the day.

Explore Your Self-Care Strategies: Find activities that work well for your needs. For instance:

• Social Health: Spend quality time with friends, connect with supportive communities, or establish healthy boundaries in your relationships.
• Physical Health: Incorporate movement into your days, whether it’s a brief walk or activities you enjoy to stay active.
• Mental Health: Practice mindfulness or meditation, and limit social media use to avoid comparing yourself to others.
• Emotional Health: Reach out for support or set boundaries to limit commitments that add to your stress levels.
• Environmental Health: Declutter your living space to create a more peaceful and organized environment. A tidy space can help reduce stress and improve focus.
• Spiritual Health: Engage in activities that nourish your spirit, such as prayer, meditation, attending religious services, or spending time in nature.

Choose One Thing to Start: You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Begin with small, manageable steps, like going to bed 30 minutes earlier or taking a daily walk.

Be Kind to Yourself: We tend to be our own harshest critics. Recognize and challenge negative behaviours, such as fixating on perceived flaws or comparing yourself to others. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that everyone is on their own path. If you notice you’re neglecting certain aspects of your life, make a plan to address these areas. Setting realistic goals can help you make sustainable changes.

Schedule Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by scheduling it into your routine. Even when busy, taking time for yourself can improve your efficiency and overall well-being.

Remember, self-care looks different for everyone, and it’s important to find what works best for you. These practices can help you maintain a balance between your academic responsibilities and personal well-being, ensuring a more fulfilling and enjoyable university experience.

More Ways to Reflect on Self-Care:  

• HellYeahSelfCare 

Community Care 

In our university journey, we all rely on each other and the positive environments we create together. Building a caring community is about recognizing your strengths in offering support to others and acknowledging how you rely on their support. It’s a mutual effort that makes our time here more enriching and supportive. Here are some meaningful ways to contribute: 

Practical Help: Simple acts of kindness can make a big difference. Share your class notes with a peer who missed a lecture, help a classmate with their homework, or offer to pick something up from the store for a roommate. These small gestures show that you care and are willing to lend a hand. 

Well-Being Activities: Foster a sense of community by inviting people to join you in activities that promote well-being. Invite a friend for a walk, organize a study session, or suggest a group exercise class. Respect each other’s sleep schedules by keeping noise levels down in shared living spaces. Regularly check in with friends and classmates to see how they are doing and offer a listening ear. 

Emotional Support: Sometimes, the best support you can offer is simply being there. Make time for conversations, listen actively, and provide a safe space for friends to share their thoughts and feelings. Your presence and understanding can be a great source of comfort. If you’re going through a time when providing emotional support may be too much for you, doing activities that allow you to connect or just share space and time with someone can be very important too. Engaging in shared activities like studying together, cooking a meal, or even watching a movie can foster connection and support without the need for deep emotional involvement. 

More Ways to Reflect on Community Care: 

• TEDx Talk – Self Care to Communities of Care 
• Why Community Care is the Perfect Companion to Your Self-Care Practice 

Finding Support 

University life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we need help navigating its challenges. Reaching out for support is an important step in taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Here’s how to find the right support: 

Choose the Right Time and Person: It’s important to think about who you want to talk to and when would be the best time. Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Remember, you have control over what you share and how much you disclose. Services such as the Student Wellness Centre have privacy and confidentiality policies to protect your health information. Additionally, consider asking the other person if it’s a good time for them to talk, ensuring they can be fully present and supportive. 

Prepare for the Conversation: Before you talk to someone, take a moment to consider what you want to share. Think about the key points you want to discuss and how you can articulate your feelings. Also, prepare yourself for different types of responses and how you can support yourself if the conversation doesn’t go as expected. 

Celebrate Your Courage: Asking for help is a brave and significant step. Acknowledge your courage and reward yourself for taking this action. It’s a big deal to reach out, and you deserve to recognize your strength. 

If you’re not sure who to turn to for support, there are several resources on campus that could be helpful. These include professional counselling services, peer support groups, and various student organizations dedicated to providing assistance.  

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By seeking help, you’re taking proactive steps towards improving your well-being and navigating the challenges of university life with resilience and support. 

Giving Support 

Supporting others can be both rewarding and challenging. Reflecting on your past experiences and understanding the needs of those you’re helping can make a significant difference. Here are some helpful tips to guide you: 

Listen and Encourage: The most important aspect of providing support is to listen without judgment. Allow the person to express their feelings and thoughts openly. Sometimes, just being there and listening can be the best support you can offer. 

Validate Emotions: Let the person know that it’s okay to feel the way they do. Validation helps in acknowledging their emotions and making them feel understood. Phrases like “It’s okay to feel this way” or “Your feelings are valid” can provide much-needed comfort. 

Ask What Type of Support is Needed: Everyone’s needs are different. Some people might just need a listening ear, while others might require practical help. Ask the person how you can best support them, whether it’s through advice, assistance, or simply being present. 

More Ways to Reflect on Giving Support: 

• More Feet on the Ground 
• Be There 

Final Thoughts 

Taking care of yourself and others is an ongoing process that requires awareness, compassion, and action. By fostering a culture of care and support, we can all contribute to a healthier, happier, and more connected McMaster community. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and remember that you are never alone in your struggles. Together, we can make our time at Mac a positive and enriching experience.