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.
How fertility methods like IVF are giving more opportunities for conception for those who may not be able to and why Canada needs to do better in terms of coverage and accessibility
One thing that has always been on my adulting list is to have kids one day.
I have always wanted kids; I did not just play with my baby dolls for fun, I genuinely was excited to take care of someone one day. Little did I know just the number of complexities that come with having kids at that age.
Although we may jump to the idea of raising kids as a difficulty, simply conceiving them is a very serious difficulty that seems to still be overlooked today. Particularly, with COVID-19 passing through many of us have been rethinking our life choices, especially the grandiose ones. Thus, many have either jumped to wanting to postpone the fertility process with egg freezing or starting the process but needing a fertility services for support.
I did not understand the complexities with fertility and kids until my late teens. As I grew older and became more familiarized with my body and dealing with menstruation issues myself, the fear of infertility had been mentioned to me, so I needed to learn more.
I did not understand the complexities with fertility and kids until my late teens. As I grew older and became more familiarized with my body and dealing with menstruation issues myself, the fear of infertility had been mentioned to me, so I needed to learn more.
There are many different fertility services, for example, In-vitro fertilization, also known as IVF, is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility and assist with the conception of a child. This is usually done by combing the sperm and the egg under a microscope, kept in a lab for a bit, then transferring the egg back.
Although this is a beautiful process and discovery, the reality dawned on me when I realized not everyone can just go through this procedure, let alone even carry a baby. Physically, many individuals with a uterus may have trouble carrying and/or conceiving a child, but many individuals who want children may not be able to conceive at all.
As they need external aid or an extra push to get things rolling, it can come with a great cost, as IVF in Ontario is around $20,000 (your first cycle covered of course by our amazing healthcare, just the first).
The cost of the overall procedures on one’s bank account, energy and overall well-being can be dreadful and traumatic. Additionally, the accessibility is not vast due to the lack of fertility coverage, yet just in the last five years, the IVF procedure has gone up by 30 per cent.
For example, Canada will only cover the first cycle of IVF and you also will not be covered for any fertility medication that you need to be on. I would love to know where the government thinks we have all this money?
Infertility affects one in six Canadians and is an even bigger barrier for those who fall in marginalized communities simply due to their sexuality, disabilities and race.
Many may already be thinking about what options to lean towards as we really are here, adulting or whatever it is.
It is important that we incorporate fertility issues and services within our sex-ed system, as many individuals are not aware of this at all, or if so, very late in life. Moreover, our government, specifically our healthcare system, has ways to go in terms of fertility.
The lack of coverage, immense costs and lack of support is immense, and it only snowballs into other issues. Creating a life can be one of the most exciting and beautiful times of one’s life, it is important we let any individual with a heart who wants to be a parent, to be a parent.
