Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The End

Well, we have finally made it to the end! Two terms, dozens of essays, countless labs and a couple handfuls of exams later, another year at McGill has gone by. And in between all of these we've walked, ran, cycled and swam. We've played frisbee, gone skating, done yoga and skied. We've tried new exercises, learned new sports and challenged ourselves to be the best athletes we can be. There's an excellent reason McGill is the best school in the country and one of the top universities in the world: its students are dedicated, determined and strive for nothing less than the best. This year we've seen our fellow students succeed in social efforts, academics and sports. We are among the top students and athletes in the world and we prove ourselves time and time again.

Recovering from a severe injury this year, I rediscovered the necessity of maintaining proper fitness. I had to adapt the way I did many activities and I had to learn new exercises. Changing my lifestyle was difficult, not to mention I was unable to pursue some of my favourite sports. But life goes on, and I was gradually able to regain my strength, mobility and confidence. An active lifestyle not only helped me heal physically, but helped me manage the psychological trauma I experienced as a result of the injury. Regular exercise helped keep me calm and provided me with an outlet for stress. Beyond physical activities, McGill's Sports Medicine Clinic and my physiotherapist guided me in my recuperation and along my path to full recovery.

In September, I never thought the day would come when I could step out my front door and go for a run. Today is that day. It feels fantastic to be able to realise my goals and 
I have loved sharing this year with you. Thank you to all the dedicated readers and to those who may only now be discovering the blog. 

I wish you all a relaxing, enjoyable and active summer. See you next year!

- Martlet Girl

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Sunshine and Fresh Air

Spring has finally sprung! After a long, snowy winter, the orientation of the Earth's axis has tilted in our favour. Walking through Jeanne Mance park, Montreal feels alive again: kids climb on the jungle gym, dogs play in the field, guys on skateboards ride through the empty wading pool, a soccer league has its first game, players littler the diamond for pick-up baseball, and there are walkers and joggers galore. Maybe it was the fresh air getting to my head, but I was on such a high and could not stop smiling as I walked through. Adrenaline was rushing through me and I hadn't even started my workout yet! The second I got home, I swapped my jeans for shorts and boots for sneakers and was out the door again.

My artistic interpretation of human photosynthesis!
Running through the park, I almost tripped over fallen branches because I couldn't stop looking around me, amazed by the energy and joy of the park-goers and in awe of the beauty of springtime. Have you ever noticed how awesome the trees look with all that green moss on their trunks and branches? What about the smell of mud? That's great stuff. I swear, I must have been tripping on photosynthesis happening in my own brain. The sun was shining, I was running, everyone around me was happy and life was good.

Exams might be looming over our heads, but it's hard to resist the beautiful weather! A little fresh air and human photosynthesis is enough to make the day feel a little brighter. You might think you can get your dose of Vitamin D by sitting in the Redpath fish bowl or running on a treadmill by the window at midday, but nothing beats a stroll through the park.

Enjoy the season!

- Martlet Girl

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Your inner kid

Sometimes we all need a reminder to not take life too seriously. It's tough while finals are overwhelming and it seems like passing a class is the only way to feel like we're succeeding at life, but remembering to seek out the smaller joys of life can be the most rewarding. I've recently started teaching swimming lessons at community pool and working with so many bright, enthusiastic and smiling children has brought out my inner kid.

I teach a few groups throughout the week with the ages ranging from infants to 12 year-olds, but the group that stands out to me are the six year-olds. They're at an age where everything is awesome and they totally keen to go along with whatever silly game I create. We splash, swim, dive and jump with the help of colourful noodles, sinky toys and foam animals. Every class they're bursting with energy and excitement and are the happiest when they're swimming around. At the end of a class, I feel tired out but they're just getting started! Sure, they may not have all the worries of tests, essays and exams, and they don't have a coffee addiction or a strong dependency on late-night bowls of Cheerios, but we were like them once, and we can be like them again.

It's all about finding your inner kid. I find mine by swimming -- one of my favourite childhood joys. Try searching for yours! Maybe it's skating, going for a bike ride, roller blading, playing soccer, reenacting your TMNT days or walking your dog. No matter what it is, find it and enjoy it. Experiencing genuine happiness is important for our well-being. Health is more than physical-- it's psychological, and together the two are a winning combination.


- Martlet Girl