Mental Fitness

Being in good health means more than feeling physically well; it also means feeling mentally well.

Assessing our mental health is not as simple to do as measuring our physical health. The Canadian Mental Health Association provides the Mental Health Meter, a tool to help you reflect on your unique strengths and identify areas where your level of mental fitness could be improved to help you cope with all of life’s up and downs.

Today, we are more aware of how our mental and physical health affect each other. Setting aside time to focus on mental health is important – to you and those who care about you. By practicing mind and body fitness, you can nurture your mind, body and spirit in a positive and enjoyable way. Learn more on mental fitness tips…

(Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)

What is Stress?

Stress is part of everyday life. It results from both good and bad events. It affects people in different ways. Coping with stress can be "stressful". Learning to change your reaction to stress takes time. Make changes slowly.

Learn more

Stress Related Videos

Motoring to Wellness is pleased to bring to you newly developed tips to help you and your family manage stress during changing times. We would like to acknowledge the St. Catharines Motoring to Wellness committee for their initiative and development of the stress videos.

Background information Managing change at work, at home NOTE: Contact information is specific to St. Catharines

• Stress Tip Videos

If you need more help, consult:

• a doctor or health care provider
• your union or management counselor

Achieving Balance

More than ever before, Canadians play many different roles in their lives.  They are workers, parents, spouses, friends, caregivers of elderly relatives and volunteers in their communities.  They must also make room in their lives for taking care of their own physical and mental well-being.  Not surprisingly, achieving balance among all these competing priorities can be difficult.  In fact, 58% of Canadians report "overload" associated with their many roles. (Canadian Mental Health Association )

To discover more about Work/Life Balance, take this quiz.

Aging and Retirement

Growing older is an experience we all share and many of us worry about. As we age, we face many changes and many sources of stress. We are not as strong as we used to be, illness is more of a problem, children move away from home. Your retirement can be another major source of stress because your job is usually a very important part of your life. You may lose your sense of identity and feel less worthwhile. You will probably miss the daily contact with friends from work. However, there are things you can do to meet the challenges facing you.

Learn more…

Job Loss and Unemployment

When you lose your job, not only is your usual source of income gone, but also are your personal work relationships, daily structures and an important sense of self-purpose. Unemployment can be and often is a shock to your whole system. You can go through some of all of the stages of grieving just as you would with any other major loss. To keep your stress level down, your confidence up, and your health and relationships strong, you can develop some special strategies. (Canadian Mental Health Association)

Learn more…

Coping with Stress booklet

Your first aid kit for stress, to learn easy ways to take pressure off yourself. Order your FREE copy now (1-800-841-2729 ext. 2863)
(A joint publication of Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Mental Health Association)

Relevant Motoring to Wellness Newsletter

• Volume 1 Spring 2009 (PDF)

Planning for the Holidays

There are many inexpensive ways to celebrate the holidays. Take the time to think about what the season really means for your family, set limits and be creative. When determining your budget and activities for the holiday season, ensure that all of your monthly re-occurring bills are up to date. Then use your surplus for your holiday spending.

Consider the following Smart Holiday Spending Tips

Shopping Tips
Shorten your shopping trips - don't plan to do all your shopping in one day. You will get tired and make spending decisions you may regret.
Shop all year long - if you can, spread your spending out over 12 months. Make a list and keep it with you. Be on the lookout for bargains that will make great gifts.

Gift Giving
Draw names - it's a great way to cut down the number of people you need to buy for and it is a lot of fun!
Give the gift of time - make a coupon for babysitting, snow shoveling, dog walking or spring yard clean up.

At Home
Host a holiday brunch instead of a sit-down dinner. The food and drink costs are less expensive but you can still have a great time visiting.
Organize a cookie exchange with your friends. You'll have a great variety of goodies and will save on baking supplies.

Have Fun
Look for low-cost activities - skating, sledding, cross-country skiing or a classic Christmas movie night are all great ways to spend time with family and friends

(Adapted with permission from Credit Counseling Canada)

For more great ideas or for more budgeting and money management tips, visit http://www.creditcounsellingcanada.ca

Complete on-line assessment
http://www.creditcanada.com/welcome.asp

Links

Antidepressant Skills at Work: Dealing with Mood Problems in the Workplace