Workshops and Programming

Wellness Orientation De-Stressor

Sept. 2, 7 – 10 p.m. | Waterloo | P111
Sept. 3, 7 – 9 p.m. | Brantford | One Market

Need a break from the excitement and overwhelm of Orientation? Drop in and de-stress with the Wellness Education team! Enjoy snacks, herbal tea, relaxing crafts, while making social connections in a space with calm vibes. Have a question about wellness resources? Ask our team! 

Get Involved Fair

Sept. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Brantford | One Market Atrium
Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Waterloo | The Quad

Between your classes come check out the Get Involved Fair (GIF) and all it has to offer! The GIF is made up of student clubs and committees, Laurier departments and community partners. Learn how you can get involved at Laurier by connecting with some of the groups present. Come for the FREE swag, stay for the FUN!

Make and Take Mason Jar Meals

Sept. 9, 2 – 3 p.m. | Brantford | The Nook, Level 1 Lounge | Register in Advance

Join us to make a mason jar meal. We will connect and learn about food, nutrition, food security, meal preparation, and resources on campus. You will take away a meal with you to help you stay nourished! There will be vegan, gluten-free, and halal options available. There are limited spots, so please register in advance, or spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

Learn to Bake Your Own Bread

Sept. 10, 4 – 5 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Drop-in

You can bake your own loaf of bread at home, with only five ingredients for less than a dollar a loaf! Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll make your own bread to bake at home the next day. Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

SafeTALK

Sept. 17, 1 - 4:30 p.m. | Waterloo | P119

SafeTALK is a three-hour face-to-face workshop designed to prepare anyone to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them directly to a trained helper. This workshop is led by a skilled, supportive SafeTALK trainer, who incorporates video clips, discussion, and practice to help you learn these important skills. Learn more about the SafeTALK training program. You must attend the entire session to earn the certificate. This is being offered for free to all Laurier students.

Update: This workshop is now full; please email wellness@wlu.ca to join the wait list.

Create Your Own Mossy Terrarium

Sept. 18, 5 – 6 p.m. | Brantford | The Nook, Level 1 Lounge | Register in Advance

Join the Peer Wellness Educators to create terrariums in a glass jar! Terrariums are plants and miniature scenes within glass containers. We will learn about creativity, environmental wellness, and de-stress as we create our own greenspace. Please register in advance as there are limited spots available. You can also come without registering first on a first come, first served basis. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

Taking Charge of Your Wellness

Sept. 19, 1 - 2 p.m. | Virtual | Register in Advance

Learn about holistic wellness, and how you can take a proactive, preventative approach to build wellness in each of the seven dimensions of wellness. This workshop is led by Samantha, the Wellness Education Assistant, and is the core workshops required to complete our Wellness Education Certificate.

Eating for Well-being

Sept. 24, 7 – 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register in Advance

Food, mood, and learning are all closely linked, but when you're short on time and money it can be difficult to meal plan and prep for success. This workshop will provide you with practical strategies you can start using immediately to overcome common barriers to nutrition as a student so you can keep your body fueled and brain sharp! This workshop is led by Claire, the Wellness Education Coordinator, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

Mason Jar Meals

Sept. 23, 3 – 4 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Register in Advance

Join us to make a mason jar meal. We will connect and learn about food, nutrition, food security, meal preparation, and resources on campus. You will take away a meal with you to help you stay nourished! There will be vegan, gluten-free, and halal options available. Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

Finding Food in Brantford

Sept. 26, noon – 1 p.m. | Brantford | OM 206-30 | Drop-in

Not sure where to find food in Brantford that's close to campus? Not sure what to buy, or what to do when you have the ingredients? We've got you! Come with us for a walking tour of close-to-campus food gems! There is limited space for up to 10 students. Please note, we will be moving and standing for about 30-40 minutes during this event. 

Mental Health Nature Walk

Sept. 26, noon – 1 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Drop-in

Step away from your screens and join us for a guided walk in nature designed to refresh your mind and support your mental health. Together, we’ll slow down, notice our surroundings, and practice simple mindfulness techniques while exploring the outdoors. This experience is less about exercise and more about reconnecting with nature, reducing stress, and finding calm in the middle of a busy semester. No prior experience needed — just bring comfortable shoes and an open mind.

The Joy of Creativity

Sept. 30, 2 – 3 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Drop-in

Join us for The Joy of Creativity, a hands-on workshop that explores how making art can boost mental health, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community. Guided by principles of art therapy, participants will experiment with playful creative exercises — no artistic skill required. Together, we’ll discover the power of process over product, the calming effects of flow, and simple ways to weave creativity into everyday life as a wellness practice. All supplies provided. Spaces are limited and available on first come, first serve basis. This workshop is led by Sarina, the Manager of Wellness Education, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

De-Stress with Dogs

Sept. 30, 2 – 3 p.m. | Brantford | Multipurpose Room, Student Centre Building | Drop-in

Take a break and join us for our 'Destress with Dogs' event tailored just for you. Spend quality time with these adorable therapy dogs, pet away your worries, and find some time to relax. Don't miss this pawsome opportunity to de-stress and recharge!

Taking Charge of Your Wellness

Oct. 3, 11 a.m. - noon | Waterloo | P111 | Register in Advance

Learn about holistic wellness, and how you can take a proactive, preventative approach to build wellness in each of the seven dimensions of wellness. This workshop is led by Samantha, the Wellness Education Assistant, and is the core workshops required to complete our Wellness Education Certificate.

Self-Care for Student Leaders

Oct. 7, 11 a.m. - noon | Waterloo | P111 | Register in Advance

For any student balancing academics with work, volunteer commitments, or other responsibilities, self-care is crucial for effective leadership and overall wellbeing. Learn how to identify your own stressors, learn stress reduction techniques, and develop your own personal self-care plan. This workshop is led by Samantha, Manager of Wellness Education, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.

Digital Wellness: Exploring FOMO and Strategies for Digital Detox

Oct. 8, 3 - 4 p.m. | Brantford | OM 209 | No Registration Required

In this interactive workshop, we will learn about digital wellness and the impacts of technology in our lives. We will explore the fear of missing out (FOMO), the impacts on our health and well-being of technology use, and strategies to take a digital detox during reading week. You will develop real-life strategies to support your digital wellness throughout your postsecondary journey. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. 

Mental Health Nature Walk

Oct. 20, 1 - 2 p.m. | Brantford | OM 206-30 | No Registration Required

Step away from your screens and join the Peer Wellness Educators for a guided walk in nature, designed to refresh your mind and support your mental health. Together, we’ll slow down, notice our surroundings, and practice simple mindfulness techniques while exploring the outdoors. This experience is less about exercise and more about reconnecting with nature, reducing stress, and finding calm in the middle of a busy semester. No prior experience needed — just bring comfortable shoes and an open mind. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. 

The Balance Myth for Graduate Students

Oct. 21, 3 - 4 p.m. | Virtual | Register in Advance

In this workshop, we will explore the concept of balance in all areas of our lives. We will talk about the roots of balance, whether perfect balance is a myth, and will develop skills and strategies to make balance work for you. This workshop is for graduate students only. It is eligible for the Aspire Certificate.

Lavender Tea and Tranquility

Oct. 22, 1 - 2 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Register in Advance

Join the Peer Wellness Educators and make your own take-home tea bags with herbs like lavender, rose, and chamomile. While creating your tea, we’ll also be sampling herbal teas, and sharing fun and practical facts about the soothing aroma and natural compounds in teas can be your new calming bedtime ritual to relax, calm nerves, and support better sleep. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. Snacks provided! 

Pumpkins and Paint Party

Oct. 22, 7 - 8 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Register in Advance

Pumpkins aren’t just for decoration—they’re delicious too! Join the Peer Wellness Educators for a cozy fall-inspired workshop where you’ll get your own mini pumpkin to take home and eat, with some tasty, easy recipes. After exploring the edible side of pumpkins, stick around for a creative paint party with mini canvases.  Leave with new skills, your own pumpkin, and a piece of art to brighten your space. Snacks provided!

Building Better Balance

Oct. 23, 10:00 a.m. - Noon | Brantford | Student Commons

Are you finding it difficult to find that work-life balance and stay on top of all your priorities? Drop by our booth, to learn about balance and strategies and resources to stop the pressure, stay well and find balance in our lives. 

Make Your Own Trail Mix

Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Waterloo | P111 | Drop-in

Drop in and create your own travel-ready snack to keep you fueled. Whether you're craving something savoury, sweet, or salty, we'll have options for you! Have a question about staying well? Ask the Peer Wellness Educators!

Write to Wellness

Oct. 27, 1 - 2 p.m. | Waterloo | P119 | Drop-in

Take a mindful pause with the Peer Wellness Educators. This workshop will introduce journaling as a simple but effective way to reduce stress, practice gratitude, boost self-awareness, and bring more focus and productivity to your day. We'll share different journaling techniques and prompts. Participants will receive their own mini journal to take home. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Snacks provided!

How to Have a Happier Period

Oct. 29, 11 a.m. - noon | Waterloo | P111 | Register in Advance

Let's face it: periods are a natural part of life, but they can be a real pain!  Join the Wellness Education team for a supportive, informative, and empowering workshop with practical tips to make your cycle easier - physically, mentally, environmentally, and financially. Walk away with strategies, resources, and ideas to help you feel more comfortable and confident each month. Whether you're a menstruator or not, everyone is welcome to join. This workshop is run by Sarina, Manager of Wellness Education, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. Snacks provided, and all attendees will have their name entered to win a prize of a reusable latex cup!

Party Safe

Oct. 29, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Brantford | OM 206-30 | Drop-in

Join us at the Party Safe booth to learn all about harm reduction and staying safe while partying. We will have fun trivia, activities, and snacks!

Physical Wellness 101

Oct. 30, 1 - 2 p.m. | Virtual | Register in Advance

Have you ever wondered, what is part of physical wellness? In this interactive workshop, we will explore important areas in physical wellness, like staying well during cold and flu season, importance of movement and nutrition, and sexual health. You will bust myths and develop practical tips and strategies to support our physical wellness. This workshop counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate.