Thrive Week

Pawsitive Puppy Hour 

9 – 10 a.m. | In-person, Brantford students only | Email sdinsmore@wlu.ca to sign up 
Description: Join Brantford counsellor Stephanie, her dog Leonard the French Bulldog, and his furry friends 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/exams. Registration is required for this workshop.

Morning Meditation 

10 – 10:45 a.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: Learn how to use breathwork and grounding practices to enter a state of peace and calm with this 45-minute morning meditation class. This session is open to all faculty, staff, and students. 

Trivia and Q&A with the Accessible Learning Centre 

11 – Noon | Remote | Join this session 
Description: Test your knowledge about the Accessible Learning Centre, Laurier, and other random stuff. Participants can be entered in a draw to win a candy prize pack from the One Stop Candy Shop. 

Get Stuff Done Session 

2 – 3:20 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: We all have stuff to get done but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to get started - that's why we have Get Stuff Done Sessions! Join First-Year Peer Academic Coaches and your peers to stay accountable and get to work. These sessions are great for students who know what they have to get done but need some motivation to set a goal and focus on a task. GSDs are open to all students so bring a friend or two and dedicate time to getting stuff done. 

Mindful Meditation Yoga 

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: Take some time to reset during our slow-paced yoga class with a focus on mindfulness and meditation. Register online at laurierathletics.com. 

Get Moving with Group Exercise Classes! 

All day | In-person | Waterloo | Reserve your spot in advance 
Description: Join us for any of our Group Exercise classes, free of charge with no Group Ex pass required! Reserve your spot for a class at laurierathletics.com. 

Glow in the Dark Cyclefit 

7 a.m. | In-person | Waterloo| Register in advance 
Description: Get pumped up at our glow-in-the-dark cyclefit. Wear white to make yourself glow! Register online at laurierathletics.com. 

Social Media and Mental Health 

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: This workshop will address how social media affects mental health. It will give particular attention to the impact of social media and the news during the stress and isolation of the pandemic, and it 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. 

Fosters on Deck, Meet & Greet with the Brantford SPCA Foster Program 

1 – 2 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: In this session, participants can learn about the Laurier/ Brantford SPCA partnership with the animal foster program and meet some of the animals currently in the program! 

Study with Me! Drop-in peer study sessions

2 - 3 p.m. | Remote | Join this session
Description: Assignments and exams are part of the student experience, but it can be hard to find the time or the motivation to get things done. It can be easier to get your work done using the productivity hack called body doubling. Join two Peer Wellness Educators on Zoom for these sessions and have a space to get things done! Don’t feel obligated to stay the entire time if you only need the accountability for a fraction of that. These sessions are open to all Laurier students and registration is not required. Questions about what to expect? Email jlinton@wlu.ca.

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) in a Nutshell 

2 – 3 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: This online group will review one skill of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy each week.  You will learn concrete skills to solve problems, maintain positive relationships, and navigate difficult events and emotions.  

Golden Rules Resiliency Program 

3 – 4 p.m. | Remote | Join this session
Description: We are resilient in the activities that we love most, as we are able to find ways to overcome obstacles so that we can complete these activities. How can we tap into these strategies and attitudes when faced with challenges that we do not want to do, or feel that we cannot accomplish? Attend this workshop to learn more about creating positive habits that will help you persist in achieving your long-term goals. You can receive BF290 workshop hour credit as well as LER credit for attending this session.

Glow in the Dark Cyclefit 

4:30 p.m. | In-person | Waterloo| Register in advance 
Description: Get pumped up at our glow-in-the-dark cyclefit. Wear white to make yourself glow! Register online at laurierathletics.com.

Peer Support for First Year Students 

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: This session is specifically for First Year students to discuss the transition to university life and share strategies to make the most of your first year. Two undergraduate students who are trained as peer supporters will be facilitating the session.

Fueling Your Mental Health with Food Services 

Noon – 1 p.m. | In-person | Waterloo | Terrace Food Court 
Description: Open to all faculty, staff, and students 

Peer Walking Group 

Noon – 12:45 p.m. | In-person | Brantford | Meet at YMCA Water St. Entrance  
Description: Join us for a relaxing walk along the Grand River in Brantford. Students, staff, and faculty can meet outside the Water St. entrance of the YMCA and join the walk as a group. This is a weekly event. 

Puppy in the Park! Peer Walking Group 

Noon – 12:45 p.m. | In-person | Waterloo | Outside the Library 
Description: In this special edition of our weekly Peer Walking Group, join us for a relaxing walk around Waterloo Park in Waterloo where you can meet Gertie the adorable French Bulldog puppy, owned by our counsellor Sherrie. Students can meet outside the library and join the walk as a group. 

Golden Rules Resiliency Program 

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: We are resilient in the activities that we love most, as we are able to find ways to overcome obstacles so that we can complete these activities. How can we tap into these strategies and attitudes when faced with challenges that we do not want to do, or feel that we cannot accomplish? Attend this workshop to learn more about creating positive habits that will help you persist in achieving your long-term goals. You can receive BF290 workshop hour credit as well as LER credit for attending this session.

 Self-Care and Resilience

2 - 3 p.m. | Remote |  Register in advance
Description: 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 our Wellness Education Certificate.

Trivia and Q&A with the Accessible Learning Centre 

2 – 3 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: Test your knowledge about the Accessible Learning Centre, Laurier, and other random stuff. Participants can be entered in a draw to win a candy prize pack from the One Stop Candy Shop. 

Procrastinate… Later 

3 – 4 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: This Academic Skills (ASk) Certificate Workshop helps you to understand the reasons why and identify how you procrastinate while learning methods that will help you avoid procrastination. 

Peer Support for Undergraduate Student Stress 

6 - 7 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: This session is specifically for undergraduate students to have a friendly space to discuss the various stressors you face as a student. Two undergraduate students who are trained as peer supporters will be facilitating the session. 

Establishing a Strong Support Network: Graduate Student Session 

7 – 8 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: There’s no “I” in “grad school”, so why go it alone? Graduate school can be a team effort with the right supports in place! In this session, we will explore the practice of collective care for well-being and discuss strategies for building support networks at the university and online. Attendees will hear from a current grad student and have opportunities to start cultivating community with other participants. 

Fuel Up Your Body and Mind  

Noon – 2 p.m. | In-person | Waterloo | Athletic Complex 
Description: Stop by the front of the Athletic Complex for a nutritious treat! 

Fitness Centre Tours 

Noon – 2 p.m. | In-person | Waterloo | Athletic Complex 
Description: Stop by the front of the Athletic Complex in Waterloo for a tour of our facility and information about our programming.  

Get Stuff Done Session 

1- 2:20 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: We all have stuff to get done but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to get started - that's why we have Get Stuff Done Sessions! Join First-Year Peer Academic Coaches and your peers to stay accountable and get to work. These sessions are great for students who know what they have to get done but need some motivation to set a goal and focus on a task. GSDs are open to all students so bring a friend or two and dedicate time to getting stuff done. 

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe 

1 - 2:30 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe will deliver a keynote presentation about everyday resiliency in times of uncertainty and ever-changing landscapes. Times of unparallel stress, unrest, and uncertainty are becoming more common. Our physical, emotional, and mental health are being tested everyday. There is an extraordinary need to build, foster and practice resilience so we navigate our lives. In this learning event, the five pillars of resiliency will be presented from a global perspective that are researched-informed. The information presented in this workshop is researched informed, readily available, and is grounded in wise practices. My aim is to facilitate knowledge mobilization that is relatable, accessible, sustainable, and realistic. The learning outcomes are multifaceted. Participants will learn how to incorporate resiliency practices for personal applications and wellness, as well as learn the skill sets required to share these practices with their teams.

Attendees will have the chance to have their name entered into a draw to win a copy of Dr. Robyne’s book, “Calm Within the Storm.” This is open to all faculty, staff, and students.

Mindful Meditation Yoga 

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: Take some time to reset during our slow-paced yoga class with focus on mindfulness and meditation. Register online at laurierathletics.com.

Sunny Side Up 

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Remote | Drop in on Zoom
Description: What we think turns into what we believe. Kick starts your day by learning how your thoughts can be reframed by gratitude and affirmations and step away from self-limiting values, to feel inspired, and believe in yourself.

Peer Support for Graduate Student Stress 

Noon – 1 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: 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. 

Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise Workshop 

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Remote | Join this session 
Description: In this workshop you will learn tips about shopping for and creating a quick, healthy, and economical nutrition plan. 

Yoga for Mind and Body 

2 - 3 p.m. | Remote | Register in advance 
Description: Join Melinda for a fun and upbeat full-body yoga flow class, accessible to all abilities. All participants will be entered to win a free yoga mat mailed directly to you! This session is open to all faculty, staff and students. 

Indoor Lawn Games 

4 - 6 p.m. | In-person | Brantford | YMCA Double Gym 
Description: Summer might be over but that doesn't mean we can't let off some steam and have fun while playing some lawn games INDOORS! The Laurier Brantford YMCA is hosting a variety of drop-in lawn games/activities in the Double Gymnasium that anyone can come and participate in!