By Linda Scales
A new year can mean a new-and-improved you. At least that’s what many of us strive for when making New Year’s resolutions.
The University of Ottawa offers many opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Getting fit, learning a new language, helping others … all these worthwhile aims, and more, are supported by services available to you at uOttawa. But do yourself a favour: remember to plan for your success. It can make all the difference.
Good luck and best wishes for 2019.
Want to feel happier?
Residents of Canada are particularly susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. Exercise, good nutrition, and volunteering are some tried-and-true ways of keeping these winter blues at bay. You might also want to try pet therapy, guided meditation and reiki.
Want to help yourself and others too?
Helping others is a sure way to feel better about yourself. One place on campus that offers meaningful volunteer opportunities is the Michaëlle Jean Centre for Global and Community Engagement. For more information, you can drop by the Centre every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and be sure to follow the Centre on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more news.
Want to get in shape?
Every year, getting fit is one of the top New Year’s resolutions listed by Canadians. If this is your goal for 2019, start by deciding what “being fit” means to you, and then, what types of sports and activities you enjoy doing. At uOttawa, you might want to join the uOttawa Running Club, which meets twice a week. Also, in mid-January, Sports Services will offer plenty of new classes and activities for you to try, including cross-country skiing, or learning how to skate, or training for a triathlon with a certified coach.
Want to learn French (or English)?
Second-language training courses offered by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) will be starting again in January. One way to improve your second-language skills is to take linguistic risks, a concept developed by the OLBI. Although created for students, anyone can download the linguistic risk-taking passport and play along. However, if you prefer learning French or English in an interactive classroom setting, OLBI also offers language courses for students and employees.
Want to learn to cook?
Tapping into your inner chef is an excellent way to save money and eat better. In fact, you’ll never regret learning how to cook! Watch for the cooking demos that Health Services and Housing Services offer from time to time. Also, the People’s Republic of Delicious, a uOttawa food collective staffed by student volunteers, prepares tasty meals on Wednesday mornings in the Déjà Vu kitchen on the second floor of Morisset Hall. All helpers are welcome. Cooking begins at 9 a.m. with lunch service starting at 11:30 a.m.
Want to promote sustainability?
If your goal this year is to become more environmentally responsible, you’ll find many easy ways to be green at uOttawa. Why not start by carrying your own mug (and participating in Muggy Mondays)? You might also want to grow your own vegetables in the community gardens, and on those days you forget your lunch at home, reduce waste by going trayless in the dining hall.