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Exercise and mental health are important to manage after after arriving in Canada. Canadians greatly value physical well-being. So each city provides health and fitness clubs and sport-based community centres. We’ll look at options to maintain your physical and mental health. Some of the private, brand-name clubs may have high membership fees. However, they may also provide a pool, private training, saunas, tanning booths, and a more private environment. So if this is important to you, you may want to consider if it fits your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community fitness centres are more affordable than private gyms. Municipalities run local community centres that offer facilities and programs for families, children, and seniors. You can visit your city’s website to find sports programs, arts and crafts classes, and dance lessons that suit your schedule and budget.\u00a0 City-run programs are often the most affordable. The YMCA and Boys and Girls Club<\/a> also offer recreational programs for your children. There are also sports leagues for children and adults such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Team sports are a great way for adults and children to get involved in sports. And, it’s a great way to meet new friends in the community! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The easy and affordable way to get exercise is right outside your door.\u00a0 Canadians enjoy nature for exercise and mental health and you’ll find many parks, hiking trails, and other outdoor escapes in your community. Public parks provide well-maintained:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be exciting to venture out and go on long drives to explore your province. British Columbia, for example, is much more diverse than just the city of Vancouver! So be sure to explore beyond the urban centres and big cities. Acquaint yourself with small towns and well-kept traditions of First Nations settlements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are having mental health problems, talk to your family physician. They can refer you to a specialist to get the support you may need.\u00a0 Some mental health services are covered under the provincial health care system. However, prevention is key to maintaining strong mental health when settling in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon settling in Canada, you may be questioning your decision to immigrate. You may have doubts, anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, and frustration. If you have language difficulties and few ties to your ethnic community, you may experience a deep feeling of isolation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also compare Canada to your home country and point out everything you feel was better back home. Such stress may trigger depressive or anxious symptoms including insomnia, change in eating habits, or misuse of alcohol or drugs. These tips can help you cope: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t know anyone in Canada, go to an immigrant-serving organization or community centre. When you arrive at the airport, the immigration officer will give you a booklet with useful contacts and cultural community centres in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Build a supportive social network and use technology and social networks to maintain your contacts at home. Participate in social activities to meet new people. For example, join the gym or take up dance classes. You’ll meet people from all ethnic backgrounds and other recent immigrants. So you’ll get exercise and improve your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you\u2019ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently. <\/p>\n REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMaintaining Your Mental Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Reach out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYour First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan<\/h3>\n