In this seasonal blog post, Paul shares his thoughts about staying active, his favourite summer recipes, and taking care of his mental health when life gets hard.
Staying Active
What kind of physical activities do you like to do in the summer?
I really love playing baseball in the summer and I really do enjoy it a lot! I like to play golf with family and friends, occasionally swimming at outdoor pools when camping, and sometimes go to the gym at the local YMCA with my community support worker.
Tell us about playing baseball.
I did community baseball when I was very little and my Dad was the coach. The position that I used to play was right field!
I still mainly play right field, sometimes shortstop. I have tried many positions over the years, but I mainly stick to right field.
I love batting, but I had to be out in the field also! Exercise is always part of the warm-up before we play. Proper warm-ups and exercises help prevent you from getting injured and pulling/twisting something.
Do you have a favourite baseball team?
Me and my Dad went to Toronto and we had a wonderful time together! We did see the Toronto Blue Jays when we were there. My favourite teams are the Toronto Blue Jays and the Okotok Dawgs.
Tell us about swimming. Are there specific strokes you like to do best?
When I was learning how to swim, I learned specific strokes like Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Butterfly, and Breaststroke. The stroke that I can do best is Front Crawl! Some of the strokes were hard to learn and I struggled with them.
I used to compete in races when I was younger. I no longer do that as I am slowing down. I am kind of hoping to be a coach with the Dolphins. I really do see myself as coach in the future.
What do you do when you’re swimming with the Dolphins?
We always get into our bathing suits and meet on the pool deck to do our warm-ups and our team cheer. Then we find our names on a board (for lane assignments) before we get in the pool. We swim lengths and listen to the coaches. At the end of practice, we sometimes play fun games in the pool.
Do you find it hard to stay active?
Sometimes it is hard to really stay active. I can get too busy with other stuff or sometimes it is because I don’t feel like it. But we all have to stay in shape for the things that we do and for ourselves.
I do all these exercises to help my fitness. I often feel good after I do sports or exercise. My goal is to be healthy, and it’s the way to go.
Summer Snacks
What are your favourite meals to make in the summer?
My favourite meals are hamburgers, grilled fish and chips, and mac n’ cheese, toast with eggs, chicken, pork and lamb chops, as well as pizza and ribs!
Can you tell us how to make one of them?
If I make a pizza, the first thing to do is heat up the pizza crust in the oven. Then we put on the pizza sauce and the meat and cheese. Then I cook it so it’s golden brown. Then I carefully take it out of the oven so we can cool it before eating it.
Are there any snacks or sweet treats that you find it hard to stay away from?
There are so many kinds of cookies that are made with lots of sugar and it can be hard to stay away from them. There are so many kinds of candy (especially Hershey’s & Reese’s) and also pop as well. I try to keep away from sugar.
What do you like to make when you need a healthy snack?
Sometimes I have cheese or peanut butter on bread. I sometimes eat fruit, I like apples. I sometimes make smoothies and shakes with banana in them.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is important. When you are feeling depressed, what helps you feel better? Are there any activities you do or words of comfort you think about?
When I am feeling sad or lonely, listening to music helps me feel better and turns that frown upside down. I also watch my favourite TV shows like Hannah Montana, Zac and Cody, When Calls the Heart, and Heartland. Listening to my Star Wars audiobooks also helps.
Sometimes I relax by having a favourite snack, like chips, cookies, or Coke Zero. I also like to go to the movies and CFL games with family.
When you are feeling angry or upset, is there anything you do to calm down?
I show my feelings. I do talk to my counsellor. I talk to my parents or my roommate. I sometimes take it out on my pillow. I have to get up and get moving. I put my headphones on and go out the front or back of my condo for a walk.
Do you have any advice for someone who is feeling lonely?
If people are very lonely – know that you aren’t really alone. I am there for you, I can help you not to be alone.
I would find things to do. I find being a part of a sporting team or club like Dolphins helps with loneliness. Being able to support others.
