Thrive Week returns Oct. 25 to 29 with virtual and in-person events
Reflect, reset and reconnect during Wilfrid Laurier University’s Thrive Week, hosted in person and virtually by Laurier’s Student Wellness Centres from Oct. 25 to 29.
Thrive Week, which is held each fall and winter term, aims to foster positive mental health and create awareness about available supports for students. The fall 2021 event includes daily wellness activities, get-togethers and fun ways to connect with fellow students both in person and virtually.
All events are free and registration is not required unless noted. All students are welcome to attend. And don’t forget to follow Laurier Student Wellness on Instagram and Twitter for Thrive Bingo and Thrive Hunt to win some great prizes.
Featured Events
Several events, both in person and remote, are happening daily. Check out the full schedule online for details and how to join in on Thrive Week activities.
Pawsitive Puppy Hour
Monday, Oct. 25: 9 to 10 a.m. (in person, Brantford)
Join Brantford counsellor Stephanie and her dog, Leonard the French Bulldog, to discuss ways to practice self-care with our furry friends. Learn how to interact with your pet to self-soothe, promote relaxation and ease stress before tests and exams. Registration is required.
Glow in the Dark Cyclefit
Tuesday, Oct. 26: 7 a.m. (in person, Waterloo)
Get pumped up at Laurier Athletics’ glow-in-the-dark Cyclefit. Wear white to make yourself glow. Register online at laurierathletics.com.
Social Media and Mental Health
Tuesday, Oct. 26: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (remote)
In this workshop, dive into how social media affects mental health. Particular attention will be paid to the impacts of social media and the news while experiencing the stress and isolation of the pandemic. Participants will discuss strategies for managing stress and setting healthy boundaries. This workshop is open to all students but is also one of the workshops required to complete the Wellness Education Certificate.
Golden Rules Resiliency Program
Tuesday, Oct. 26: 3 to 4 p.m. (Remote)
Pre-register for one-hour modules that help build resiliency-based skills through practical methods such as positive psychology exercises, growth mindset tools and small group activities. Students can receive BF290 volunteer hours credit for attending each session, as well as Laurier Experience Record credit and a Wellness Education Certificate for attending all five modules.
Peer Walking Groups
Wednesday, Oct. 27: noon to 12:45 p.m. (in person, Waterloo and Brantford)
Join students, staff and faculty for a weekly relaxing walk. In Brantford, the walk begins at the YMCA Water Street entrance and continues along the Grand River. In Waterloo, the walk begins at the Laurier Library and continues around Waterloo Park.
Self-Care and Resilience
Wednesday, Oct. 27: 2 to 3 p.m. (remote)
Learn how your habits can impact your sense of well-being and your ability to cope throughout the day. This workshop is led by Sherrie, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre on the Waterloo campus. This workshop is open to all students, but is also one of the workshops required to complete the Wellness Education Certificate.
Peer Support for Undergraduate Student Stress
Wednesday, Oct. 27: 6 to 7 p.m. (remote)
This session is specifically for undergraduate students to have a friendly space to discuss the various stressors students face. Two undergraduate students who are trained as peer supporters will be facilitating the session.
Keynote: Calm Within the Storm
Thursday, Oct. 28: 1 to 2:30 p.m. (remote)
Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a multi-award-winning psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, leadership and personal wellness in the workplace, will deliver a keynote presentation about everyday resiliency in times of uncertainty and ever-changing landscapes.
Peer Support for Graduate Student Stress
Friday, Oct. 29: noon to 1 p.m. (remote)
This session is specifically for graduate students to have a friendly space to discuss the various stressors you face as a graduate student. Two graduate students who are trained as peer supporters will be facilitating the session. This session is open to all Laurier Masters and PhD students.
Indoor Lawn Games
Friday, Oct. 29: 4 to 6 p.m. (in person, Brantford)
Let off some steam and have fun while playing lawn games indoors! The Laurier Brantford YMCA is hosting a variety of drop-in lawn games and activities in the double gymnasium and all are welcome to participate.