Recovery College Medicine Hat

08/13/2025

Setting boundaries is one of the most important things we can do for our mental health. When we say “yes” to everything, we can quickly find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, drained, and resentful. Boundaries help us protect our time, energy, and emotional space. They create a clear line between what we are willing to give and what we need to keep for ourselves. This is not about being selfish, it is about knowing our limits and respecting them. When we set boundaries, we give ourselves permission to prioritize what truly matters to us instead of running on autopilot and trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do for our wellbeing is to say “no.” It is not always easy, especially if we are used to putting others first, but saying “no” can be an act of self-respect. It allows us to make choices that align with our values rather than sacrificing our needs to please others. Every time we choose to protect our energy instead of overextending ourselves, we strengthen our sense of self-worth and create space for rest, joy, and meaningful connection. Saying “no” is not closing a door, it is making sure the right doors stay open for us.

08/12/2025

Shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion takes time, but it can make a big difference in how we feel about ourselves. When we’re constantly hard on ourselves, it creates a cycle of shame and feeling like we’re never enough. Learning to be kinder to ourselves, especially when we make mistakes, helps break that pattern. Self-compassion doesn’t mean making excuses. It means recognizing that we’re human and we all mess up sometimes. Talking to ourselves the way we’d talk to a close friend can really help build confidence and inner calm.
Re-framing negative thoughts is just as important. Our minds can easily slip into worst-case thinking or harsh self-judgment without us even noticing. If we don’t question those thoughts, they start to feel like facts. But when we stop and ask ourselves things like “Is this really true?” or “Is there another way to see this?” we start to think more clearly and kindly. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It’s about being more honest and gentle with ourselves. And that kind of shift can go a long way.

08/10/2025

This week at Recovery College Medicine Hat (Aug. 11-15):
Mon-Mindful Monday online 10-10:30am (message for link)
Mon-Caregiver Connections Weekly Online check-in: 11am-Noon (message for link)
Mon-NextGen Connections: 6:30-8:00pm at MHFS
Tue-Confront the Discomfort in-person course session #2, 10am-Noon at MHFS
Tue-Caregiver Connections 1-to-1 Peer Support (in-person/phone/online) 1-3 pm, call or message to book
Wed-Circle of Friends drop-in group: 10-11:30am. This week: Make our Bucket Lists
Thu-Budgeting Basics, session #2, in-person at MHFS from 10am-Noon.
Fri-Flora & Flow Nature Walk from 10-11am. Meet at Lion's Park North picnic area.

08/10/2025

Check out all our courses and other programs at https://recoverycollegemedicinehat.ca

08/09/2025

Enjoy your get-up-and-go! Or not! Enjoy your weekend either way! No judgements here!

08/08/2025

08/07/2025

Staying hydrated isn’t just good for our bodies — it’s also important for our mental health and wellness. Even mild dehydration can impact our mood, focus, and energy levels, making it harder to cope with daily stress. When we’re well-hydrated, our brains function better, we think more clearly, and we’re more likely to feel calm and balanced. Sometimes, something as simple as a glass of water can help reset our day and give us a little mental boost.

Keeping a water bottle nearby or setting reminders to drink throughout the day can be easy ways to build this habit into our routine. It’s a small act of self-care that supports both our physical and emotional well-being. Whether you're feeling tired, foggy, or a bit off, check in with your water intake — it might be just what your body and mind need.

08/06/2025

Financial stress can take a real toll on our mental health. When we’re constantly worrying about how to pay the bills, buy groceries, or handle unexpected expenses, it can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and even ashamed. Over time, that stress can affect our sleep, our relationships, and how we see ourselves. It’s hard to focus on our overall wellness when money feels like a constant struggle. But the good news is that support and tools are available—and taking small steps can help you feel more grounded and in control.
If you're ready to take some of that pressure off, our free Budgeting Basics course at Recovery College Medicine Hat might be a great place to start. We focus on practical, judgment-free strategies that can help you make sense of your money and build confidence along the way. Whether you’re living on a fixed income, managing debt, or just want to feel better about where your money’s going, this course offers tools you can actually use. Join us Thursdays, August 7, 14, and 21, and take that first step toward financial wellness—and peace of mind.

08/04/2025

Enjoy the Heritage Day long weekend. Our office re-opens at 8:30 am on Tuesday, August 5. We have many programs happening this month, so check out our website for more information. www.recoverycollegemedicinehat.ca

08/02/2025

Financial stress can weigh heavily on our mental health. When money is tight, it can lead to constant worry, sleepless nights, and feelings of shame or hopelessness. It’s hard to focus on wellness when you're just trying to get by. But learning how to manage money in a way that feels doable and empowering can make a big difference. Our free Budgeting Basics course at Recovery College Medicine Hat is a great place to start. It runs Thursdays on August 7, 14, and 21, and offers simple tools and real-life strategies to help you feel more in control of your finances and your peace of mind.

08/02/2025

Stay hydrated over the long weekend friends!

08/01/2025

Register at: www.recoverycollegemedicinehat.ca