Spiritual Wellness

While there are varying ways to define spirituality, one of the more common definitions is “to seek a connection to something bigger than the self.”

Religion is one of many ways we, as humans, express our spirituality. Still, it is not the only way to do so. Other examples of spiritual activities may be connecting with nature or art, or practicing things like meditation or yoga.

Yet another way to express spirituality may be to contribute to something that matters deeply to you, such as volunteering for a cause.

Spirituality can be personal, or shared with a community of people. Whichever way you experience spirituality, NOSM University aims to support you in spiritual wellness.

Resources

I Need Help

Addressing Learner Mistreatment

Learner Support

NOSM U Well App

Resident Wellness Program

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Need Time Off?

Health & Wellness Guide

Being Active at Home

Wellness rooms
Book NOSM University’s Wellness Rooms for a quiet space to pray or connect with your spirituality. You can schedule time in the Wellness Room by contacting an LAO on your campus.

Thunder Bay Wellness Room: MS 2001A
Sudbury Wellness Room: MSE 100D

Observances and religious holidays
NOSM University hosts a list of Observances and Religious Holidays on the Important Dates webpage. The Important Dates page also contains information on arranging to take time off to observe holidays.

Prepare for your placements
If you are heading to a placement soon, research ahead to see if your community has religious or spiritual services that meet your needs. If not, create a plan to stay in touch with your spirituality while away from your usual network.

Indigenous cultural rooms
Indigenous medical learners can use the Indigenous Cultural Room on either campus as needed.

Thunder Bay: MSW 2015
Sudbury: HSERC 138A

Carve out the time you need
Schedule time in your calendar to do a spiritual activity if your spiritual practices can be done solo. If not, do your best to attend a service or group practice that will nourish you spiritually.

As well, you can request time off for religious purposes by contacting an LAO.

Go for a mindful walk
This may be especially helpful if you like the idea of meditation but find it difficult to sit still.

Take a few minutes to walk, preferably in nature, and notice your surroundings. Breathe deeply, take the noises, sights, and sensations around you, and let yourself relax for a few moments. This can also help with mental and physical wellness.

Identify your core values
If you do not consider yourself to be religious, that does not mean you cannot connect to spirituality. Instead, you might sit with yourself and think about your core values, what matters to you the most, and then evaluate how your actions align with those values.

Connect with the land
Learn more about the land you are on through Native Land. Connecting in with the local community and physical space you occupy can be enriching not only spiritually, but culturally as well.