Physical activity isn’t just a hobby or important for our physical health, it’s an essential tool for us to excel academically and protect our mental health

In today’s high-pressure academic environment, balancing social and academic demands often leads us to push physical activity aside, despite its importance in helping us stay resilient and perform at our best. With McMaster University offering a variety of programs and classes, staying active is not only achievable but necessary for those of us who want to perform at our best, both academically and mentally.

Mental health challenges are on the rise among university students, as anxiety, depression and burnout are becoming increasingly common. Physical activity can act as a buffer against these issues by regulating and reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol.

Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that boost our mood and reduce stress, often with benefits comparable to medication or therapy.

The cognitive benefits of physical activity go beyond just stress relief. Studies reveal that engaging in regular physical activity often results in sharper mental function, better problem-solving abilities, and higher academic performance. Physical activity promotes better blood flow to the brain, which enhances neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to learn and adapt. 

Studies reveal that engaging in regular physical activity often results in sharper mental function, better problem-solving abilities, and higher academic performance.

Sleep also plays a significant role in academic success and physical activity is a well-known contributor to better sleep quality. A lack of restful sleep impairs memory consolidation and cognitive function, making it harder for us to absorb and retain information. Those of us who exercise regularly are more likely to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed, giving us the energy and focus we need to excel in the classroom.

It’s easy to assume that staying active is impossible with a packed student schedule, but physical activity can be integrated into our daily lives. McMaster University offers several programs designed to make exercise accessible and enjoyable, even for those of us with the busiest routines.

McMaster University offers several programs designed to make exercise accessible and enjoyable, even for those of us with the busiest routines.

GymBuds, for example, connects us with fitness mentors who help create an inclusive space in the gym. As well, personal training offers students expert support and personalized guidance.

Group fitness and cycling classes are another great option. From yoga to spin classes, these classes make it easier for us to build fitness into our day without overthinking it. They also foster a sense of community, as exercising alongside our peers helps us combat loneliness while also boosting our motivation to stay active.

Intramural sports and drop-in activities offer a different avenue for fitness by combining physical activity with fun, low-pressure competition. Participating in activities like volleyball, basketball, or soccer provides more than just physical benefits — it teaches us teamwork, communication and stress management skills. For those of us overwhelmed by academic pressures, these activities provide an outlet to release tension while fostering friendships that support our mental health.

Plus, since we're already paying for access to all these activities through our tuition, we might as well make the most of it and get our money's worth.

The benefits of fitness extend far beyond university. Developing healthy exercise habits now sets us up for lifelong physical and mental well-being.

The benefits of fitness extend far beyond university. Developing healthy exercise habits now sets us up for lifelong physical and mental well-being. Physical activity is just as essential as studying or attending lectures. We can build exercise into our routines, even through small steps like biking to campus, taking the stairs, or getting off of the bus one or two stops earlier. 

Fitness isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. For us students looking to excel in both academics and life, it’s time to embrace movement as the foundation of success.

With the blackout period now over, McMaster students are encouraged to review their coverage details and submit any outstanding claims to ensure reimbursement

The blackout period for McMaster undergraduate students’ health and dental insurance, provided by the McMaster Students Union, has officially ended.

The blackout period is a temporary pause in insurance services at the beginning of each academic term. During this time, students may experience delays in accessing coverage as the insurance provider updates enrollment information for eligible students.

Health and dental insurance are provided as part of supplementary fees through the MSU, administered by ClaimSecure. The plan offers a range of benefits such as prescription coverage and extended healthcare, covering vision care and ambulance services. Dental coverage includes cleanings, exams, fillings and some major procedures.

Each full-time McMaster student enrolled in 18 units or more pays $136 for the dental insurance plan and $110 for the health insurance plan. All students are automatically enrolled but have the option to opt out of the plan each year before September 30 to receive a refund of the fees.

These benefits aim to supplement the Ontario Health Insurance Plan for domestic students. International students not covered by OHIP can use these services for more comprehensive healthcare access.

These benefits aim to supplement the Ontario Health Insurance Plan for domestic students. International students not covered by OHIP can use these services for more comprehensive healthcare access.

Now that the blackout period is lifted, students can submit electronic claims to be reimbursed for any expenses incurred during the blackout period through ClaimSecure. To take advantage of all their coverage, students are encouraged to review the guidelines outlined by the MSU and ClaimSecure.

IHM co-chairs outline their plans to make discussion around Indigenous health more accessible and engaging

Three years ago, for our first Education and Reconciliation issue, The Silhouette spoke with the then co-chairs of the Indigenous Health Movement, Jayden Rivers and Alexa Vrzovski, about the student-lead group, its operations and its goals.

For this year’s return of this important issue, we spoke with current co-chairs Darci Debessige and Georgia Campbell about their goals for the group and where they hope to take it this year. Debassige is of Ojibwe ancestry and Campbell is Metis.

The Indigenous Health Movement was initiated in 2016 by students Yotakahron Jonathan, Yipeng Ge, Alex Liu, Sharon Yeung and Deepti Shanbhag as a group project. It was launched with the goal of harboring discussion and raising awareness about the systemic issues Indigenous folks face in the context of health and healthcare.

Due to this lands history of colonialism and the attempted erasure of Indigenous cultures and people, Indigenous folks have poorer health outcomes for many conditions, are relatively lacking in access to health services and face racism within today’s health care system.

“There are vast differences in the health outcomes of indigenous people in Canada, but also across the world. There are vast differences in the healthcare that they receive, and the way that they are treated by healthcare practitioners,” said Debassige.

There are vast differences in the health outcomes of indigenous people in Canada, but also across the world. There are vast differences in the healthcare that they receive, and the way that they are treated by healthcare practitioners.

Darci Debassige, Co-chair
Indigenous Health Movement

Since its inception, the main event the Indigenous Health Movement has held is the Indigenous Health Conference. The group has since expanded and diversified its endeavors to engage people and raise awareness about Indigenous health. “We’ve run learning circles where you can have facilitators come in and run cultural programming. We had a birch bark basket making event last year, and we’ve had a speaker series, which are like smaller forms of a conference,” said Debassige.

Debassige and Campbell explained that the smaller events like their speaker series as well as some of their new ideas for this coming year are all aimed at engaging more students by making the movement more accessible and approachable. Because the movement aims to educate and raise awareness about Indigenous health to as many as they can, the group and its events are open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

One of their bigger projects this year that students should look out for is their new podcast called The Circle, which hopes to be a medium for discussion and awareness-raising just like the conference and speaker series. Debassige revealed that Campbell had initially proposed the idea in her application to join the Indigenous Health Movement.

"At the end of all of our applications for the executive team is “what is an idea that you have? What would you like to see happen?” Because people who have good ideas make good team members. And so at the end of this one application, it’s like, I just think that a podcast would be really cool … and I was like, “that’s a good idea,”” said Debassige. “A podcast I think is a good way to deliver information because it’s so accessible,” said Campbell.

A podcast I think is a good way to deliver information because it’s so accessible.

Georgia Campbell, Co-chair
Indigenous Health Movement

The group has over the summer recorded their first pilot episode of the podcast, and is hoping to release it in the coming weeks as they figure out the logistics of publishing it. For their first few episodes, they hope to speak with both current about and past Indigenous students, both about Indigenous health and their experiences and journeys.

Whether you are an Indigenous or non-Indigenous student or member of the campus community, the Indigenous Health Movement welcomes all to become involved in their events and partake in their opportunities to educate the community about Indigenous health and reconciliation.