Well-being and YU

Would you ever help someone you love if you had the chance?    At first, that might feel like a naive question; of course the answer is “yes.” But what if the “someone” is Earth itself? And what about those moments when we unintentionally harm someone we love—out of ignorance, habit, or even fear? In this Earth Day episode, we re-introduce the environment not as an abstract iss...

When you think of art, where does your mind go? Art isn’t just about a famous painting on a museum wall, or the powerful acting in a movie like The Fault in Our Stars. It encompasses that and so much more — from the doodles in your notebook to the creative spark I’m using right now to write this description. In this National Art Day special, we re-introduce the concept of art, reminding ourselves...

If I asked you to name one need you’re constantly thinking about right now, what would it be? If I asked you to name one need you’re constantly thinking about right now, what would it be? Maybe you're aiming for academic success and focusing on high grades during exam season, or maybe you're striving for strength and health to support your physical well-being goals, or perhaps your focus is on occ...

Not all heroes wear capes, but those in heels, are all heroes. In honour of Women’s Empowerment Month, this episode dives deep into what empowerment really means. From celebrating traits often linked to femininity, like softness and empathy, to confronting the pressures many women face, including imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the expectation to ‘shrink’ themselves, we explore the emotional an...

Picture a first-year lecture hall. Now think about the people in that hall — are they all fresh out of high school, the same age, with similar first-year experiences? I hope your answer is no, and here’s why.     York University is home to over 6,000 mature students, adult learners who bring stories of courage, resilience, and determination that challenge traditional expec...

We’re almost halfway through January; the cold’s biting, motivation’s hiding, and your physical wellness might feel like a distant goal. But what if it didn’t have to be that way?      Physical well-being is often boxed into gym routines, dieting, and the “fit” lifestyle, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a crucial part of overall wellness...

New year, or new at YorkU; in this episode, we’re listening to YU!      You might be used to this part of the description telling you about our guest, but in this episode, the spotlight’s on YU. We flipped the mic at Orientation Week’s Well-Being Fest to hear how students plan to use York’s resources, care for themselves, and help build a positive campus com...

The countdown to mid-December is on and I could bet on what you’re busy with right now.     Are you wrapping up your exams and paper submissions? Or unwrapping your PlayStations and video games that got dusty while you aced those exams? Or maybe you’re lingering on online shopping sites, waiting for the moment we finally start wrapping holiday gifts. Re...

She, He, They, Ze; what’s the purpose of pronouns? Are they just grammatical structures, or something more? And is gender only tied to trans identities, or is it a part of us all?   Feeling safe and grounded in your gender identity is not a luxury; it’s essential to mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore what well-being can look like for trans and gender-diverse stu...

Not all chills come from cold autumn nights amid the eerie Halloween season. Sometimes it’s the mystery of the unknown. But what if the unknown wasn’t something to fear, but something that could bring peace, meaning, and connection?  This episode, we’re exploring spiritual well-being; a kind of well-being that’s definitely not spoken about enough, almost like those who avoid mentioning ghosts...

Wellness is a journey.  It is critical to the success of a university student. In this impactful conversation, we will explore different pathways to health and wellness, both within and outside of the York University community.  Have you faced shame, anxiety or stigma, while trying to find your pathway to health and wellness? Have you faced challenges finding the right mental health prof...

What do you think of when you think of Indigenous well-being? If your mind jumps straight to history or trauma, this episode will challenge and expand that perspective.  As we approach Orange Shirt Day, conversations about truth and reconciliation often centre harm and hardship, and while acknowledging those truths is necessary for healing, this episode invites a deeper reflection. What does...

The month of April represents an exciting transition for university students, that is as it marks the end of a school year and the beginning of a new one. For many students, the transition could be greater than beginning a new school year, and instead, they begin a new chapter as they graduate and explore their career options.  Just like the yin and yang, a transition could be both exciting a...

Ability is a spectrum, yet a spectrum still has two ends. So, in order to create a universal design inclusive for all, we should first understand the needs of everyone in the “all.”    How should I communicate with a person with a disability? Is that even how I should refer to them, “person with a disability” or is that not inclusive? How about viewing disability as a spectrum inste...

The world could be unkind sometimes; and as we approach Black History Month, we reflect on the historical resistance to behaviours that could be least classified as unkind. The guest in our episode today, however, approaches adversity with his faith that “there is power in kindness.”   In this episode, our host Susu B. conversed with the Black identifying York University student, speaker...

Sex and Sexual Activity are parts of many university students; to ensure you and your partner(s) are getting the best out of your experiences, you must first understand the art of asking for consent.   Everything that consent is and is not, will be discovered in this episode. For example, consent is an ongoing process of understanding, communications and connections, with the persons you...

We are now approaching holiday season and the so called “most wonderful time of the year,” however, holidays can be bittersweet for international students who navigate going back home or staying in Canada.  Many conflicting emotions arise for international students during the holidays. For those who travel back home, there’s the exhaustion of booking flights, the feeling of being an outsider...

Until 2003, the month of November has had the significance of any other month in the year. In 2003 however, this month marked the start of a movement referred to as “Movember” that aims to address multiple aspects of men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention. Mental health has been historically overlooked in comparison to physical health, however men’s mental health has particul...

What do you think of when you think of the word “well-being”? If you fall into the trap of only thinking about mental and physical health, then you should definitely watch this episode that discusses a forgotten aspect of well-being: Financial Well-being.  Many of us run past the Student Financial Services Department at York University, so we are not reminded of the uncomfortable conversation...

Some students may think that obtaining a degree is a direct and linear process, however, life might throw you with academic, financial and health challenges that you may not expect while navigating your path. How many of us predicted the York University strike? How many of us knew of financial difficulties while doing well financially? And how many of us see health crises coming? The answer to the...

If you're feeling tense, this is the meditation for you. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce tension and promote relaxation. It is a powerful tool to calm oneself and detach from stresses.

Take a couple of minutes to relax and detach with an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) activity. Whether you're seeking relief from stress, anxiety, or simply wish to unwind after a long day, this guided session offers a tranquil retreat for the mind and body.

Meet Ashlyn Nguyen, York University Peer Health Educator and the Project Lead on an exciting new Cookbook for the York University Community called FUEL- Feel Good University Eating and Living. The main goal of this project is to create a cookbook that will be a valuable resource which provides proactive approaches to healthy eating which will enhance your well-being on campus. FUEL - Feel Good Uni...

In this Mindful Moment episode, we will go through a brief guided meditation to help destress and recenter yourself. Use it before a big presentation, test, or a difficult conversation. Focus on the present by focusing on your senses!

The university Experience isn’t just a degree—it’s also important to build your community.  It can have a great impact towards your success as a university student by providing you with a valuable network of resources.    Are you having difficulty making connections? Do you feel lonely on campus? Do you come to campus feeling a desire jus...