Asynchronous Academy

Independent Living

Department
PHYS-ED

Moving out on your own brings incredible freedom, but it also removes the structures that often keep our health on track. From navigating rising food costs to managing the stress that can trigger compulsive habits, this module focuses on the practical skills needed to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle while living independently.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious health conditions often tied to compulsive behaviors and mental health. Dispelling common myths is essential for recognizing these issues in ourselves or our peers and seeking the right support.

The Economics of Eating (Food Inflation)

Global events have caused a significant rise in grocery prices in Canada, making healthy eating a financial challenge for many young adults.

Mastering the Meal Plan

Without a set schedule, many students fall into the trap of "convenience eating." Learning to plan and prep your own meals is the most effective way to stay healthy and save money.

Assignment

Independent Living Plan

For this final assignment, you will reflect on your personal habits and create a strategy to stay healthy, active, and balanced after you graduate. Everyone has behaviours they find difficult to manage—whether it's a habit like vaping, nail-biting, or social anxiety that prevents you from trying new things. This is your chance to plan for those challenges.

Your Plan Should Address:

  1. Risk & Protection: Identify your personal "risk factors" for compulsive behaviors and the "protective factors" (like hobbies or social circles) that keep you grounded. How will you manage stress in a healthy way?
  2. Strengths & Growth: What are your personal strengths, and how will they help you succeed? Which skills do you need to develop more (e.g., budgeting, time management, interpersonal skills, or cooking)?
  3. Active Living: How will you schedule recreational and leisure opportunities to ensure you don't become sedentary?
  4. Health Access: Will you require specific access to healthcare, counseling, or other community supports?
  5. Nutrition Strategy: How will you manage the temptation of cheap, unhealthy food and ensure you are making nutritious choices on a budget?

You may submit this plan as a Google Doc, a video reflection, a slide deck, or any format that thoroughly answers the questions above.

Assessment

Pre-Submission

Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.

What to Turn In

  • 📤
    Pre-Submission Self-Assessment Google Doc
  • 📤

    Independent Living Plan

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Understand the impact of environmental and economic factors on nutritional choices

  • 🎯

    Develop a comprehensive plan to maintain personal health and manage compulsive behaviors independently

  • 🎯

    Analyze personal aptitudes to identify areas for growth in adult life

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    Apply meal-planning strategies to make healthy eating decisions within a budget

    Expectations Covered: C2.1
  • ✅

    Identify personal protective and risk factors for compulsive behaviors like eating disorders or substance use

    Expectations Covered: C2.3
  • ✅

    Create an independent living plan that addresses personal health maintenance and recreational opportunities

    Expectations Covered: C2.5
  • ✅

    Assess personal aptitudes in budgeting, cooking, and time management to support future independence

    Expectations Covered: C2.4