#UGUmbrella – This February, we explore healthy lifestyles 

Posted January 28, 2021

January 28, 2021


GUELPH, Ontario – This month as part of the Umbrella Project, we are bringing our focus onto healthy lifestyles.  Healthy lifestyles sound easy, right? When it comes to healthy lifestyles, it may seem like eating well, getting enough sleep and prioritizing our own care is easy, but for many of us this is not the case.

Healthy lifestyles mean taking responsibility to provide your body with the resources it needs to function best. This means establishing daily habits that prioritize the care of your physical body.

From enhanced stressors that you may be facing during the pandemic and beyond, not everyone has the privilege to prioritize healthy living.  Sometimes, just getting food into our fridge, a roof over our heads or some extra time is not an option. As we explore healthy lifestyles, let’s consider that there are many who may not have the same opportunities.

This month, let’s look at ways that we can add to our overall health. For some this may be changes in diet, more exercise or sleep. For others this may simply be the ability to find five minutes to breathe.

Here are some ideas for conversations and activities at home or in the classroom can be looked at this February:

  • Get outside. Whether it is stepping outside or exercising outside, spending time outside can be very refreshing and provide us with that bit of time to move around, reflect on nature, and, when we are able, to step out of our everyday routine.  Physical activity can reduce stress, increase energy and confidence, enhance memory and help with sleeping.
  • Keep a log of eating for a day or two. What do you notice? Use this as an opportunity to discuss the ways in which this may be challenging in your household or discuss as a class how the availability of food is not always something everyone “just has.”
  • Sleep! Quality of sleep is as important as the number of hours. Try to minimize electronics, caffeine, and sugar at least an hour before bedtime to give your brain time to detox. Try different ways to help you fall asleep like deep breathing, listening to soothing music, etc.
  • Stay hydrated. Water is an important and valuable resource that we can use to enhance our overall health. Keep track of how much you drink daily and then challenge yourself to do a bit more. Drinking enough water daily can aid in better sleeps, and also helps to carry important nutrients to your cells.

The UGDSB and Umbrella Project team would like to thank Edge Mutual for their generosity. As a donation to the UGDSB Umbrella Project, Edge Mutual has donated an Umbrella Project banner to every school site. Keep an eye out for these banners at your school in the coming weeks.

What healthy lifestyle goals are you going to set for yourself this month? Let us know using #UGUmbrella.

February Umbrella Project infographic

Categories: News