Thrive Week

We love to give away prizes. So, if you fill out this passport and answer a few questions, you will be entered to win a brand new iPad or 1 of 4 gift cards to Best Buy to help pay for some tech upgrades this semester. To enter, you have to attend at least two Thrive events, and answer some questions, the answers to which you can find on our Wellness website.

Once you have attended at least two events, you can fill out your passport here. Submissions will be accepted until November 4.

Head to our Instagram to find out how you can cook something up and win prizes! During the week we will be announcing our secret challenge and you will have until October 30 to enter. You could even win a culinary prize pack worth $100! 

Please note that this contest has now closed.

Let's move together! Over the two weeks of Thrive we are challenging all Golden Hawks to get moving! Physical activity is a great way to stay well so we are challenging you to track your steps from October 19-30th. If you can prove your steps each day, you could win a brand new FitBit! 

Please note that this contest has now closed.

Who doesn't love pets? Since we can't see each other at Chilling with Dogs or bring therapy dogs to campus, we are bringing the pets to you! But we need your help. Email your favourite pet picture to wellnessed@wlu.ca with the subject "Show and Tail" and you will be entered to win a prize worth $100!

Please note that this contest has now closed. Check out our "Show and Tail" spotlight on Instagram to view all submissions. 

There is nothing like a new playlist to help you feel ready to thrive. We asked staff and students to submit their go-to songs that never fails to put a smile on their face or puts them in a good mood.

You can check out the playlist here.

Have any other song suggestions? Feel free to email wellnessed@wlu.ca. 

Sometimes our own self-care and wellness take a backseat to the hustle and bustle of life and we don’t make it a priority in our day. We all need to do better at putting in a more consistent and conscious effort to do something for US each day. That is why we are hosting a Thrive Hunt. We have listed 10 things that we want you to take Time for Yourself to complete and bring more attention to your own self-care. Complete all 10 of these Thrive Hunt items before the end of Thrive Week (due: October 30) and share each of them on your Instagram (stories or grid). If you complete all 10, you will automatically earn yourself an Athletics & Recreation Prize Pack! You can complete them in any order that you want, as long as they are all completed by the end of Thrive Week.

• Take a picture of you doing physical activity (ex. gym selfie, scenery on your walk, the Youtube video you followed)
• A song that boosts your mood
• Make a green smoothie
• Show off your pet! If you don't have a pet, what’s your favourite “comfy clothes”?
• Find one free mental health resource within your city
• What are the hours of the Laurier Wellness Center?
• A quote that motivates you
• A role model that you look up to (celebrity or not!)
• We all know water is very important! Show us your favourite water bottle or how you spruce up your water to make it fun
• Your favourite movie that you watch when you want to de-stress

In order to participate, you must post a photo/video of you completing each one of them on your Instagram page (either your grid or stories). You must tag @laurierbrantfordgoldenhawks in order for your submission to count. If you complete all 10, we will connect with you after Thrive Week ends to make arrangements to get you your prize!   

Starts: Monday, October 19  Ends: Friday, October 30

Please note that this contest has now closed.

The "How I Dress is Never a Yes" pop-up gallery is taking place from October 19 to October 30. You can participate by taking a photo of a piece of clothing or outfit worn when you were subjected to sexual harassment, violence, threat, or imitation. You and your clothing are your witnesses, voice, and memory. 

There is still time to submit! Share what you are comfortable with, you don't have to answer all the questions. It is up to you and it is anonymous. Questions or feedback can be emailed to svinfo@wlu.ca. Click here for more information and to submit.

How I Dress is Never A Yes Gallery is inspired by the groundbreaking work by Blank Noise! in India. 

Get Active! Full Body Workout

Noon – 12:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: A full body workout using mainly body weight to increase muscular strength and endurance. 

Keynote Speaker – Georgette Reed, former Olympian and health and wellness consultant

1:15 p.m. | Register in advance | Password not required
Description: As you’re taking care of others, who is taking care of you? Ms. Reed will share her life lessons and education to inspire us to become more mentally and physically healthy, productive, and happy at work and at home.

Managing Exam & Performance Anxiety

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Quizzes, midterms, finals, oh my! In this workshop, you will discover strategies to overcome exam and performance anxiety and find tips on moving forward from mistakes. Part of the weekly “Hawk’s Guide to Thriving” series.

Graduate Peer Support

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Access Virtual Support Space | Password not required
Description: The Peer Support program aims to create a safe, inviting space where students can discuss student-life concerns with a trained peer supporter who can listen, validate, and refer. This is a weekly drop-in space that is available to all Laurier Masters and PhD students.

Thrive Bingo

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Live on Instagram | Password not required
Description: Join the @suitandtiebingoguy for a few rounds of BINGO! We will be doing a special round of thrive bingo that you can help build. We have $150 worth of prizes to give away at this event! Follow @suitandtiebingoguy on Instagram to learn how to get involved. Follow @suitandtiebingoguy on Instagram, and join the live story Monday at 7!

Golden Rules Module 1: Perseverance, Persistence, Grit & Creating Habits

Coping with Difficulty

Undergraduate Peer Support

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Access Virtual Support Space | Password not required
Description: The Peer Support program aims to create a safe, inviting space where students can discuss student-life concerns with a trained peer supporter who can listen, validate, and refer. This is a weekly drop-in space that is available to all Laurier undergraduate students.

Get Active! Barre Workout

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: A combination of ballet, pilates, and yoga to create a mindfully-intense, athletic workout that develops strength, stamina, and physical grace.

Dungeons & Dragons Halloween Campaign

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Email jcalberry@wlu.ca to register | Password not required
Description: Join Dungeon Master Michael and fellow spooky hawks for this special Halloween campaign of Dungeons and Dragons. Take some self-care time to connect with others, escape from reality, and enter an imaginary world where you get to battle ghosts, ghouls, witches, and goblins with your adventuring party. You do not need any Dungeons & Dragons experience to participate. You are interested in watching the campaign, join via zoom. Meeting ID 612 038 6524.

Helping a Friend with their Mental Health

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: These are challenging times for many of us, including our family and friends. Join Nathan as he guides you through some strategies for how you can support friends with their mental health, while maintaining your own as well.

Anxiety: What is it and how does it affect you?

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Do you ever think you have more anxiety than other people? Find out why and learn skills to fight anxiety over the long-term. Part of the weekly Skills Groups for Anxiety series.

Get Active! Slow Flow Yoga

4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: Looking for something lights? Join Laurier Athletics for this lower intensity flow yoga for those looking to improve strength and flexibility.

Get Active! Personal Training Workshop

Golden Rules Module 1: Perseverance, Persistence, Grit & Creating Habits (repeat)

Gut Health & Your Mental Health

10:30 a.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Learn about how your gut health impacts your mental health from our Registered Dietitian during this FREE virtual Thrive event hosted by Laurier Food Services. Win a cook book, blender, and more for participating!

Get Active! Bootylicious Class

11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: Back by popular demand! Join us for this lower body focused muscle toning targeting the core, legs, and booty.

Helping a Friend with their Mental Health

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: These are challenging times for many of us, including our family and friends. Join Nathan as he guides you through some strategies for how you can support friends with their mental health, while maintaining your own as well.

Paint Prov

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Access Paint Night | Password not required
Description: Join the HAWK Team, Laurier Brantford Improv Team, and Shinerama for a Bob Ross-style paint night with a twist where YOU choose what we paint! There will be a predetermined background and the host will open the floor to students to provide suggestions for what to paint in an improv show manner (thing, place, action). The host will then take you through painting these suggestions.

Get Active! Cardio & Core

11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: It is Friday morning so what a great time to get moving! Join Laurier Athletics for a mix of your favourite cardio moves combined with core exercises to improve your overall fitness.

Useless Farm Tour

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Tour | Password not required
Description: Kick off your afternoon with a tour of an Ontario farm full of useless animals! Meet sweet Stanley and saucy Karen the emus, curious Keith the alpaca, lovable Doug the mini donkey, bratty Brad the silky chicken, and more animals that are sure to make you smile! Join for the whole tour or drop in for a few minutes when you can.

Golden Chats for Undergrads and Grads

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | This event has been cancelled.

Get Active! Full Body Workout

Noon – 12:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: A full body workout using mainly body weight to increase muscular strength and endurance. 

Take 5 with the ALC

Self-Care & Resilience

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Do you find that you “crash” or “shut down” when you feel overwhelmed? This workshop will provide you with strategies to manage stress and improve your self-care habits. You will also learn relaxation techniques and strategies to improve your sleep. Part of the ongoing “Hawk’s Guide to Thriving” series.

Graduate Peer Support

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Access Virtual Support Space | Password not required
Description: The Peer Support program aims to create a safe, inviting space where students can discuss student-life concerns with a trained peer supporter who can listen, validate, and refer. This is a weekly drop-in space that is available to all Laurier Masters and PhD students.

Procrastinate…Later

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Register here | Password not required
Description: Understand the reasons why and identify how you procrastinate while learning methods that will help you avoid procrastination. Gain insights into why you procrastinate, identify why and how you procrastinate, and learn tips to reduce your procrastination habits.

Golden Chats: Grad Students

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Access Virtual Space | Password: 252769
Description: We will be holding a conversation about “Finding Your Balance” as a Grad student within all of the different roles that we take on, both academic roles (student, TA, Research Assistant) and personal roles (family, friends, social life). This informal chat will be facilitated by two graduate students who will guide the conversation. Come to connect with each other and be entered to win a prize for attending!

Golden Rules Module 2: Strengths, Balance and Confidence

Consent & Healthy Relationships

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Healthy relationships are essential for well-being. In this workshop, we will talk about respectful relationships, how to maintain one’s wellness within them, and coping if they end. It will address the development of positive conversations about consent and the importance of personal boundaries. This is part of the weekly Ride the Wave workshop series.

Spill the Tea: On Health & Wellness

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Access Drop-in Space | Password not required
Description: Come learn  how other students are staying healthy this year, and share any of your strategies too! This informal space will start with Peer Wellness Educators sharing strategies on supporting a friend with their mental health, and then you can share what works for you! Come to share, to learn and to connect with other students!

Undergraduate Peer Support

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Access Virtual Support Space | Password not required
Description: The Peer Support program aims to create a safe, inviting space where students can discuss student-life concerns with a trained peer supporter who can listen, validate, and refer. This is a weekly drop-in space that is available to all Laurier undergraduate students.

Get Active! Barre Workout

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: A combination of ballet, pilates, and yoga to create a mindfully-intense, athletic workout that develops strength, stamina, and physical grace.

Movies and Mocktails

8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Access Movie Night | Password not required
Description: Join Peer Connect as we teach you how to mix up delicious mocktails and settle in for a virtual movie night!

Calming & Coping Skills

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: As if it’s that easy to just relax! Learn what to do and when to try relaxation strategies to help make you feel less stress and tension in your daily life. Part of the weekly Skills Groups for Anxiety series.

Golden Chats: Undergrad Students

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Access Virtual Space | Password: 252769
Description: During this drop-in event, we be hosting two conversations, one with the title “Now What I Expected…” and the second will be about “Readjusting Expectations.” This informal chat will be facilitated by two undergraduate students who will guide the conversation, help students get to know one another, and have more discussion surrounding pertinent topics related to social connection. Come to connect with each other and be entered to win a prize for attending!

Now What? Planning For a Meaningful Career

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Career Consultant Jennifer and Wellness Education Coordinator Sarah will explore the important and often overlooked link between your career and overall well-being and walk you through the next steps for planning a meaningful career that reflects your skills, preferences, and values.

Get Active! Slow Flow Yoga

4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: Looking for something lights? Join Laurier Athletics for this lower intensity flow yoga for those looking to improve strength and flexibility.

From Surviving to Thriving

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Register in advance | Password not required
Description: Join Nathan and Sarina from Wellness Education as they talk about staying resilient. Together we will identify stress responses, choose healthier responses to stress, and discuss strategies to accept, avoid, alter, and adapt to situations! Leave with ways to stay resilient. Registration required so we can email you resources in advance.

Move to Thrive

Trivia Night with Bridging the Gap

7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Access Trivia Night | Password not required
Description: Come join Bridging the Gap Laurier for a fun night of trivia to connect with your peers! We know that school might be getting very stressful right now, so, we want to give you a fun way to de-stress and a chance to win some awesome prizes! We hope to see you there

Get Active! Personal Training Workshop

Golden Rules Module 2: Strengths, Balance and Confidence (repeat)

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Register here
Description:  Resiliency-building module about strengths, balance, and confidence. Complete all 5 modules to get the Wellness Education Certificate! Register to receive the Zoom link.

Get Active! Bootylicious Class

11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: Back by popular demand! Join us for this lower body focused muscle toning targeting the core, legs, and booty.

Distress Tolerance & Emotion Regulation

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Access Zoom Workshop | Password not required
Description: Are the impacts of stressful situations impeding on your ability to effectively manage your emotions? The distress tolerance workshop is designed to equip you with a set of skills for responding to crises situations without making it worse. These skills are designed to alleviate short- and long-term pain, providing us with the necessary relief we require as we navigate our way through uncomfortable or painful situations.

Ask Me Anything: How to Thrive in Your First Year

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Waterloo) | Access Drop-In | Password: 714598
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Brantford) | Access Drop-In | Password not required
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Waterloo) | Access Drop-In | Password not required 
Description: Ask your Peer Wellness Educators, LOCUS Dons, and First Year Academic Coaches about how you can thrive in your first year of university! Drop-in anytime during the session to ask your questions or stay to listen to some senior students share their experiences and strategies for a successful fall term. This event is specifically catered to current first years students.

Procrastinate…Later

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Register here | Password not required
Description: Understand the reasons why and identify how you procrastinate while learning methods that will help you avoid procrastination. Gain insights into why you procrastinate, identify why and how you procrastinate, and learn tips to reduce your procrastination habits.

Decolonize Your Space First

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Register here | Password not required
Description: Join us at this interactive workshop on daily acts of decolonization. We will work together to debrief meaningful actions we can take to decolonize our spaces and support the larger structural changes that are taking place to address colonial, racial, gender and other forms of injustice. 

LOCUS Streams: Stardew Valley

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Join on Twitch | Password not required
Description: The Laurier Off-Campus University Student (LOCUS) program invites all students to join our livestream and play Stardew Valley. Learn more about Stardew Valley here.

Closing keynote speaker: Dr. Ivan Joseph

11 a.m. | Register here | Password not required
Description: In this closing keynote, Dr. Ivan Joseph, our new Vice President Student Affairs, award-winning coach and mentor will share a supportive, original guide to developing your grit and confidence to help you thrive in your personal and professional life. Taking strategies learned from the field, Dr. Joseph offers a definitive, step-by-step approach to deepening your own self-confidence and resilience.

Get Active! Cardio & Core

11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Access Zoom Workout | Password not required
Description: It is Friday morning so what a great time to get moving! Join Laurier Athletics for a mix of your favourite cardio moves combined with core exercises to improve your overall fitness.

Nailed It! Spooky Edition

Noon – 1 p.m. | Access Live Stream on Instagram
Description: A picture of a semi-professional cake will be released, and students/staff are invited to submit pictures of their attempts to recreate the cake in the picture. Three “celebrity” staff members will be judging the submissions. At noon we will live stream the judges reviewing each submission and announcing a winner!

Self-Compassion for Grad Students

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Access Workshop | Password not required
Description: Do you find it difficult to turn off the critical voice inside your head? In this workshop, Carrie will teach you how to practice self-compassion to improve your mood, increase your resiliency and motivation, and overall feel more comfortable with yourself. Open to all Laurier Masters and PhD students.