Thrive
Thrive is a weeklong series of free events to build positive mental health on campus!
The Student Wellness Centre works with partners across the university to bring students a week of workshops, social events, giveaways and more, all dedicated to supporting your mental health! Thrive runs every October and March on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. Laurier Human Resources also coordinates Thrive activities for faculty and staff.
The goals of Thrive are to:
- Improve mental health literacy: the understanding of how to obtain and maintain positive mental health with healthy habits and self-care skills.
- Foster a caring, supportive community.
- Promote the resources to help you Thrive as student.
- Encourage a proactive, preventative approach to your wellness.
Why Participate in Thrive?
Your mental health matters! Mental health IS health. You cannot excel if you are not well. No matter where you are in your journey, whether you are thriving or surviving, we are here to support you and your wellness. We want to help you explore your path to mental wellbeing, so you can Thrive at Laurier!
Fall Thrive Events
Thrive Week will return Oct. 23 to 27, 2023! Check out our calendar of events below!
Thrive Kickoff Pancake Breakfast
9 a.m. until supplies last|
Waterloo: Concourse, and Brantford: OM207-46 | Drop In
Kick off Thrive week with a free breakfast! We will have pancakes and syrup, coffee and tea. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available.
Hosted by: Human Resources and Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
Cardio and Core Fitness
9 to 9:30 a.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Studio 1 | Drop In
A moderate - high intensity group fitness class working cardiovascular training with special attention on developing core strength.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Thrive on Fun for Wellness!
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Level 1 Lounge | Drop-in
Want to engage in a variety of fun-focused activities to promote wellness? Join us for activities including colouring, board games, puzzles, crafts, sensory-based activities, and many others! Kick-off Thrive Week with friends and have some fun!
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillar: Create, Connect
Unplug and Unwind Yoga
Noon to 12:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Multipurpose Room | Drop-in
Join us for a quick and gentle yoga practice that incorporates gentle movement and stretching leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day. Please bring your own yoga mat if possible. Students with all experience levels are welcome.
Hosted by: Faculty of Liberal Arts
Pillar: Move, Relax
Tracking Habits & Scoring Goals
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: OM 207-47 | Registration suggested
Join Mitch & the Student Success Team to understand the science behind your habits and how habits are connected to goal setting. This workshop will review how to create positive learning habits and set effective goals! This workshop is from the Academic Skills certificate program.
Hosted by: Transition and Learning Services
Pillar: Learn, Nourish
Perseverance, Grit and Creating Habits
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: OM 207-1 | Register in advance
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. Attend this workshop to learn more about creating positive habits that will help you persist in achieving your long-term goals.
Hosted by: Dean of Students Office and Student Success
Pillar: Connect, Learn
Journaling 101
3 to 4 p.m. | Brantford Campus: CB100 | Register in advance
Join Shevaungh, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, for a 1-hour journaling experience. We will explore what journaling is and can be, barriers to journaling, reasons to journal, and how to keep safe while journaling. You will receive a journal and a pen to continue your journaling journey.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillar: Move, Connect
Tracking Habits & Scoring Goals
4 to 5 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: P224 | Drop In
Understand the science behind your habits and how habits are connected to goal setting. This workshop will review how to create positive learning habits and set effective goals! This workshop is from the Academic Skills certificate program.
Hosted by: Student Success
Pillar: Learn, Connect
Self-Love Restorative Yoga
4 to 5 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, MPR | Drop In
Focus on your self as you relax, stretch and meditate in a positive environment perfect for first-timers.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move, Relax
Barbie Fit Dance Class
4 to 5 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Multipurpose Room, Student Centre | Drop In
Still not over the Barbie fever from this summer? Come bust a move and break a sweat to the Barbie soundtrack with LOCUS. Barbie themed outfits are encouraged!
Hosted by: LOCUS
Pillar: Move, Connect
Career Centre Chat
9 a.m. to noon | Brantford Campus: OM 206-40 | Drop In
Drop by the Career Centre between 9 a.m .- 12 p.m. to learn about our services, chat with a Career Consultant, and explore the resources available to you. Bring a printed or digital copy of your resumé to receive on-the-spot feedback!
Hosted by: Career Centre
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Brantford Breakfast Bar
9:30 a.m. until supplies last | Brantford Campus: OM206-30 | Drop In
Grab some breakfast on your way to class, connect with your peers, or find out more about university services. There will be vegan and gluten-free options available.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
Get Stuff Done Sessions
10 a.m. to noon | Brantford Campus: One Market Study Circle | Drop In
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 (GSD) Sessions!
- Join Peer Academic Coaches and your peers at the same-time-same-place every week to stay accountable and get to work.
- Only have 30 minutes to join? No problem - stay for as little or as long as you like. 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 or three every week to dedicate time to getting stuff done.
Hosted by: Student Success
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Conflict, Communication, and Me
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Waterloo: P119 | Drop In
Join us to discuss our experiences with conflict. Over an hour and a half, we will explore how conflict shows up in our lives, how we recognize it, and how to ground ourselves through discussion and activities.
Hosted by: Dean of Students Office
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Fill Your Cup
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Waterloo: Concourse | Drop In
The Students' Union invites you to embark on a delicious journey. As you stroll from booth to booth, our friend volunteers will treat you to a variety of free snacks to fill your cup and nourish your spirit. It's not just about filling your cup with goodies; it's a chance to connect, chat, and build community with your fellow students and hear about what our committees do!
Hosted by: Students' Union
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
DBT in a Nutshell: Fact Checking and Problem Solving for Emotion Regulation
11 a.m. to noon | Zoom | Register in advance
We will learn about two practical skills to support emotion regulation: fact checking and problem solving. This workshop is part of DBT in a Nutshell. You do not have to attend all workshops in this series, but it is encouraged.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Paints, Plants and Peers
12 to 1:30 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: P119 | Update: This session is FULL
Come get creative with LOCUS and the Peer Wellness Educators! Take an hour to de-stress by painting a clay pot and getting to know your peers. At the end of the event, you'll get an indoor plant to take home in your newly decorated pot! Note that there are two sessions in Waterloo for this popular event, Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Note on the registration form which session you'd like to attend. Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up in advance!
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre and LOCUS
Pillars: Create, Relax
Jazz It Up! Dance Class
2 to 3:15 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, MPR | Drop In
Try out an exciting and ever evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion and life! Choreography will be designed to bring joy to dancers of any skill level!
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Grocery Giveaway
2 to 3 p.m. (or until supplies last) | Brantford campus: Student Commons Kitchenette (OM 207-46) | Drop In
Do you feel stress with your planning your next meal? Come by and get some staple grocery items and de-stress!
Hosted by: Money Management and the Sustainability Office
Pillar: Nourish, Learn
Caffeine Cart
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Waterloo Campus | Drop In
Keep an eye out for the Dean of Students Office walking around campus with free coffee and fresh fruit!
Hosted by: Dean of Students
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
Hip Hop Happiness
4 to 5:15 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, MPR | Drop In
Can't stop moving when you hear the latest Rap, R&B or Dance sounds. Explore some classic hip hop moves with a high energy instructor.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Multiple Choice, Multiple Strategies
4 to 5 p.m. | Zoom | Drop in
Develop an understanding of the different types of multiple choice questions and identify effective strategies for both studying and performing on multiple choice exams. Effective study and preparation for multiple choice style exams Common multiple choice question styles, and strategies to understand/solve them The don’ts of multiple choice questions. This workshop is part of the Academic Skills Certificate.
Hosted by: Student Success
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Mindful Music Exploration
4 to 5 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Wellness Hub (OM 206-30) | Register in advance
Join us for a mindful escape from the academic grind. Led by Krystina Bowen of Chickadee Music Services, this workshop invites participants to engage in a mindful journey through the power of music. Through carefully curated musical activities, this session aims to provide relaxation, stress relief, and mental rejuvenation during this academically demanding period. Embrace the healing potential of music and discover the power of sound to promote relaxation and resilience.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Relax, Create
Glow Cycle
5 to 5:45 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Cycle Studio | Drop In
We turn down the lights and turn on the disco ball while you glow and sweat! Try an ever-popular cycle fit workout in party style.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Zumba
5:15 to 6 p.m.| Brantford Campus: Studio A, LBYMCA | Drop In
Zumba® is your ultimate workout dance party featuring easy-to-follow moves coupled with amazing, motivating rhythms. It gives you an interval style workout; fast rhythms to get your heart pumping, combined with slower songs to maintain your heart rate. Great for all levels.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Barbie Fit Dance Class
7 to 8 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Senate and Board Chamber| Drop In
Still not over the Barbie fever from this summer? Come bust a move and break a sweat to the Barbie soundtrack with LOCUS. Barbie themed outfits are encouraged! Note: location has been updated to Senate and Board Chamber!
Hosted by: LOCUS
Pillar: Move, Connect
Brantford Breakfast Bar
9:30 a.m. until supplies last | Brantford Campus: OM206-30 | Drop In
Grab some breakfast on your way to class, connect with your peers, or find out more about university services. There will be vegan and gluten-free options available.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
Keynote Lecture: Building Bridges, Not Walls
9 to 10 a.m. | Zoom: Register in advance
Laurier welcomes Hayley Mulenda, an award-winning international speaker, author and change agent, to Thrive Week 2023 as keynote speaker. Overwhelmed by trying to balance her studies, business and personal life, Mulenda nearly took her life when she was 18. Since then, Mulenda has become passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues among millennials. Mulenda is celebrated for her ability to engage, communicate and encourage audiences from all walks of life and lived experiences.
Hosted by: Human Resources
Pillar: Learn
The Mindful Writer
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: CB100 | This session is now full
Come learn how to use writing as a tool for mindfulness during the highs and lows of student life. Lunch will be provided. This workshop is presented by Christa Hesselink of Soulplay, and is a collaboration with Writing Services and the Student Wellness Centre. Funding has generously been provided by the Student Life Levy.
Hosted by: Writing Services and the Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Relax, Learn
Bob Ross Painting
2 to 4 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Student Commons Kitchenette (OM 207-46) | Drop In
Looking for something new and catchy to decorate your study space with? Join LOCUS for a Bob Ross Painting event. During this event, students will be able to follow along to a Bob Ross painting video and/or freestyle their own creative design! The video display will begin at 12 pm, but students are welcome to drop-in to paint at anytime between noon and 2pm.
Hosted by: LOCUS
Pillars: Create, Connect
Chilling with Dogs
NEW TIME! 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Martin Luther Chapel | Drop In
Need a break from all that campus life throws at you? Spend some quality time with our four-legged friends. This program runs every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Martin Luther's Chapel. Play with friendly dogs, have fun and de-stress.
Hosted by: Martin Luther Univeristy College
Pillars: Relax, Connect
Bootcamp
1 to 1:45 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Studio 1 | Drop In
Looking to improve all aspects of your strength and fitness? Bootcamp gets it done!
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
What Keeps You Golden At Laurier
1 to 4 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Concourse | Drop In
Stop by our concourse booth where you can win prizes for answering questions about how you manage your time, de-stress, and thrive as a Laurier student!
Hosted by: Accessible Learning's Peer Support Team
Pillars: Connect, Learn
Optimize Your Brain Power
2 to 3 p.m. | Brantford Campus: 207-47 | Registration Suggested
Learn multiple ways to improve your thinking and cognitive processing. Learn how sleep, eating, attention, and exercise will make your smarter and maybe even generate new brain cell growth! Optimize your brain, optimize your life! This workshop is from the Academic Skills certificate program.
Hosted by: Student Success
Pillar: Learn, Connect
Fill Your Cup
2 to 5 p.m. | Brantford Campus: One Market Student Commons | Drop In
The Students' Union invites you to embark on a delicious journey. As you stroll from booth to booth, our friend volunteers will treat you to a variety of free snacks to fill your cup and nourish your spirit. It's not just about filling your cup with goodies; it's a chance to connect, chat, and build community with your fellow students and hear about what our committees do!
Hosted by: Students' Union
Pillars: Connect, Nourish
Racial Trauma and Mindfulness
3 to 4 p.m. | Zoom | Register in advance
Have you heard of the expression “The Body Keeps the Score?” It refers to how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain. There is, however, hope for healing. At this presentation, you will be introduced to the impacts of racism on the body and learn how to care for your mental body, emotional body, physical body, and spiritual body using mindfulness techniques. This workshop is run by Shevaungh, a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre, and counts as an elective in the Wellness Education Certificate. This workshop is open to all Laurier students.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Learn, Connect
De-Stress with Dogs
3 to 4 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Multipurpose Room | Drop In
Feeling overwhelmed with coursework and exams? Take a break and join us for our 'De-stress with Dogs' event tailored just for you. Spend quality time with our adorable therapy dogs, pet away your worries, and find some relaxation amidst the semester's hustle and bustle. Don't miss this pawsome opportunity to de-stress and recharge!
Hosted by: Dean of Students Office and Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Relax, Connect
Optimize Your Brain Power
4 to 5 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: P224 | Drop In
Learn multiple ways to improve your thinking and cognitive processing. Learn how sleep, eating, attention, and exercise will make your smarter and maybe even generate new brain cell growth! Optimize your brain, optimize your life! This workshop is from the Academic Skills certificate program.
Hosted by: Student Success
Pillar: Learn, Connect
Rock Bottom: "Mamma Mia" Themed
4 to 4:45 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Studio 1 | Drop In
Mamma Mia music, oh yeah! This themed class will keep you smiling as you tone and strengthen your lower body.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Rockin' It with the Rock Wall
6 to 8 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Climbing Wall | Drop In
Throwback songs and tasty treats are provided while you explore bouldering in our climbing wall corner with one of our talented instructors.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Yoga
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Studio A, LBYMCA | Drop-in
Rediscover and improve your strength, balance, and flexibility through traditional yoga postures. Yoga can help you relax your mind while gently challenging, stretching, and relaxing your muscles. Don't worry if you're not flexible: yoga is safe and healthy for a wide range of body types.
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillars: Move
Paints, Plants and Peers
6:30 to 8 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: P111 | Update: This session is FULL
Come get creative with LOCUS and the Peer Wellness Educators! Take an hour to de-stress by painting a clay pot and getting to know your peers. At the end of the event, you'll get an indoor plant to take home in your newly decorated pot! Note that there are two sessions in Waterloo for this popular event, Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Note on the registration form which session you'd like to attend. Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up in advance!
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre and LOCUS
Pillars: Create, Relax
Get Stuff Done Sessions
10 a.m. to noon | Brantford Campus: One Market Study Circle | Drop In
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 (GSD) Sessions!
- Join Peer Academic Coaches and your peers at the same-time-same-place every week to stay accountable and get to work.
- Only have 30 minutes to join? No problem - stay for as little or as long as you like. 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 or three every week to dedicate time to getting stuff done.
Hosted by: Student Success
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Journaling for Your Mental Wellness
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Waterloo Campus: P111 | Update: this event is full
This workshop will highlight the benefits of journaling, as well as offer different types of journaling styles. You will learn how journaling can create a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, and act as a relaxation and mindfulness tool. You will get to practice and take home different types of journaling exercises, so they can find the style that best suits them. All attendees will receive a notebook and pen to support your creative writing and wellness journey.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Learn, Create
Snack Pop-Up
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Brantford Campus: OM 207A | Drop in
Join Wellness Education, the Dean of Students Office, and campus partners for a snack (while supplies last), do a fun activity, and learn about campus resources available to you. Open to Laurier and Conestoga students!
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre, Dean of Students Office
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
Nature Walk with Dogs
Noon to 12:50 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Martin Luther Orchard | Drop In
Take a stress break and join some friendly pups and peers on a walk through the natural spaces around campus. This walk is great for our social, mental and physical wellness! Meet us at noon in the orchard between Martin Luther and the library.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Move, Connect
LSPIRG Distro
Noon to 4:00 p.m. | Brantford Campus: ODB101 | Drop In
Join the Laurier Student Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) to learn about food justice and pick up some free groceries.
Hosted by: Laurier Student Public Interest Research Group
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
DIY Relaxation Spray
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Laurier International (OM 310) | Drop In
During Exam week it is important to get your rest without stress! So come on out to a relaxing spa-themed event to make your own relaxation mist. This mist can be used on your pillow to help sleep better without any worries.
Hosted by: ISS/WLIC
Pillars: Create, Relax
Art Hives: Creating for Our Mental Health
1 to 3 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Martin Luther Chapel | Drop In
Drop in for creative art-making, facilitated by graduate counselling students, to de-stress, explore, refresh and have fun! No art experience required and all supplies are provided.
Hosted by: Martin Luther University College and the Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Create, Relax
Nature Walk with Dogs
2 to 2:50 p.m. | Brantford Campus: One Market | Drop In
Take a stress break and join some friendly pups and peers on a walk through the natural spaces around campus. This walk is great for our social, mental and physical wellness! Meet us at the front entrance to One Market on the Brantford campus.
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Move, Connect
Beginner Contemporary Dance
3 to 4:15 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, MPR | Drop In
Explore modern dance movement through warm-ups, various exercises and combinations, as well as improvisations that awaken your body!
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Flirty Fitness: "2000's It Girl" Themed
5 to 5:45 p.m.| Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Studio 2 | Drop In
A full body workout with easy, flirty, dance moves set to 2000's "It Girls" songs. So much fun you will forget you are getting a workout done!
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
So I Failed, Now What?
7 to 8 p.m. | Zoom | Drop-in
When all else fails, think about your thinking! This workshop will walk you through a personal self-assessment of your outcome and provide self-regulated learning strategies to help recover from a fail, or a poor grade! Claire, Wellness Education Coordinator, will also join to talk about the wellness impacts of a fail or poor grade. This workshop is from the Academic Skills certificate program.
Hosted by: Student Success and Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Learn, Connect
Fresh Fruit Friday
10 a.m. to noon | Waterloo: Concourse and Brantford Student Wellness Centre | Drop In
Come visit us for delicious fresh fruit to fuel your mind and body. We will also have free condoms and other wellness resources! Have a question about the Student Wellness Centre? Ask our team!
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Nourish, Connect
Bootylicious Fitness
1 to 1:45 p.m. | Waterloo Campus: Athletic Complex, Studio 1 | Drop In
Lower body focused muscular endurance and strength training, choreographed to the rhythms of popular music! For participants looking for a lower body burn!
Hosted by: Athletics and Recreation
Pillar: Move
Paints, Plants and Peers
1 to 3 p.m. | Brantford Campus: Multipurpose Room | Update: This session is FULL
Come get creative with the Peer Wellness Educators! Take an hour to de-stress by painting a clay pot and getting to know your peers. At the end of the event, you'll get an indoor plant to take home in your newly decorated pot! Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up in advance!
Hosted by: Student Wellness Centre
Pillars: Create, Relax
Grocery Giveaway
1 to 3 p.m. (or until supplies last)| Waterloo Campus: P111 | Drop In
Do you feel stress with your planning your next meal? Come by and get some staple grocery items and de-stress!
Hosted by: Money Management and the Sustainability Office
Pillar: Nourish, Learn
The Six Pillars of Mental Health
Our wellness is impacted by many different factors, and is personal to ourselves; everyone has different ways of boosting their mental health. Wellness and mental health are also holistic, which means that many different parts of who we are and the different dimensions of wellness impact our wellbeing. We encourage taking a proactive and holistic approach to promote and protect your mental health. There are multiple approaches you can use to build and sustain good mental health, and we recommend exploring them all!
We have organized our Thrive events into six pillars. Each pillar contributes to our mental health in different ways. You can participate in Thrive events that touch on all six pillars of mental health.
Learn: We can learn new skills, habits, and strategies to impact our mental health - from academic success to information about mental health.
Connect: Social connections encourage us to be part of a caring, supportive community.
Relax: Sleep, rest and relaxation are crucial for reducing stress and functioning at our best.
Nourish: Nutrition fuels our mind as well as our bodies.
Create: Being playful and creative can increase positive emotions and confidence, while reducing our stress.
Move: Movement has proven benefits for our mental health, from reducing feelings of anxiety to increasing resilience.
Hone Your Habit Challenge – Prizes to be won!
Creating healthy wellness habits can help you improve and sustain good mental health! Laurier's Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities is hosting an exciting challenge, to help you set, and stick to, a healthy habit that is tailored just for you! We will be using an app called MoveSpring, connected to your wearable device or smartphone, to track your activity. Sign up any time during Thrive Week, participate for at least 20 days, and you’ll be entered to win some awesome prizes!
How to participate:
- Download the MoveSpring app
- Sign up for Hone Your Habit Contest using Organization Code 2GP557K6QP (or use this join link) between October 23 and 27. The Challenge will run until November 19, 2023.
- In the app, click “confirm” that your organization is Sun Life Centre for Healthy Centres, and set up your profile.
- Pick a healthy habit and aim to work on it for at least 20 days during the Challenge. Some examples of a healthy habit could be: Walking 10,000 steps each day, committing to a 10 minute daily meditation practice, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, using a gratitude journal, or giving up an unhealthy vice.
- Record your progress each day in the MoveSpring app to be credited in the challenge. We’ll be sharing tips on how to keep up with your throughout the four weeks.
- Prizes will be awarded weekly, as well as at the end of the contest. Prizes include: wearable fitness trackers, headphones, gift cards, app subscriptions, workout gear, and more!
FAQ’s:
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- What devices can I use to participate? MoveSpring connects to a variety of fitness tracking devices including Fitbit, Garmin, Withings, and Apple Watch. To view a full list of connectable devices click here.
- What habit should I choose? It’s up to you! Choose a habit that works for your wellness goals. Note that if you download the app before October 23, the option to customize your goal in the app will only appear once the challenge opens on October 23.
- How can I get credited for workouts? The MoveSpring app will include an in-app activity convertor. You’ll be able to translate workouts like yoga, weight lifting, and more into steps. Click here for more guidance on how to use this feature.
- I have previously used MoveSpring for another challenge, can I keep that account? All participants must create a brand new MoveSpring user account. If you joined a previous step challenge, you will need to create a new account.
- If I don’t sign up by October 27, can I still participate? Yes. The challenge will run until November 19, 2023. As your goal is to work on your habit for 20 days before then, the sooner you sign up, the better, but you can participate in the challenge anytime between October 23 and November 19.
- Do I have to complete the full challenge in order to be eligible to win prizes? No. Prizes will be awarded weekly for participation, as well as at the end of the challenge, so every day you record your habit progress on the app counts, and you will be eligible to win prizes!
- How will prize winners be notified? You will be notified on the MoveSpring app as well as be contacted by email from the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities team.
- Who do I contact with questions about the challenge? You can reach out to Nicole Vandermade, Manager of the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities at nvandermade@wlu.ca.
- What do I do if I have issues on the app? Check out the MoveSpring Help Center, how-to videos, or contact their support team. To contact MoveSpring Support in the mobile app, tap the menu bars at the top left corner of the dashboard and then tap the green Message support button at the bottom of the utility panel. On web, click the blue chat icon at the bottom right of the screen. You can also reach the MoveSpring Support team at: help@movespring.com. MoveSpring Support is online Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Central US time. If reaching out outside those hours, support will respond during the next business day.
Instagram Contest
Be sure to follow us @LaurierWellness on Instagram and watch for our contest posted October 23! You could win a $150 gift card to well.ca! Check out our Instagram page for the details.
Feedback
Share your feedback about Thrive:
Once you've attended a Thrive event, use our Thrive Feedback Form - with prizes to be won for sharing your thoughts! We appreciate your feedback so we can continue to improve Thrive!
Winners can select their prize from the following:
- a weighted blanket
- an airfryer
- a slow cooker
Share your feedback about Mental Health at Laurier:
Have feedback regarding other mental health programming throughout the year? Whether it is a new event or workshop you would like to see, or certain topics you would like to be covered, please let us know. Submit your ideas using our mental health suggestion box.
The History of Thrive
Thrive began at the University of British Columbia in 2009. Laurier adopted the program in 2017 and now runs Thrive every Fall and Winter term. Thrive is overseen by Laurier's Mental Health Advisory Committee, and incorporates student input and feedback when planning the week.
Thrive Partners
Thrive events are brought to you by the following partners:
- Student Wellness Centre
- Athletics and Recreation
- Student Success
- Writing Services
- The Sustainability Office
- Residence
- Career Development Centre
- LSPIRG
- Centre for Student Equity Diversity and Inclusion
- Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management
- Your Students' Union
- Accessible Learning Centre
- The Dean of Students Office
- Martin Luther University College
- Mindful Campuses
- Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities
- Money Management
If you are a campus partner interested in collaborating with Thrive Week, contact Sarina Wheeler on the Waterloo campus, and contact Claire Howarth on the Brantford campus.
Follow Us
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, for mental health and wellness information, prizes, trivia and more!
Contact Us
For questions about Thrive, please reach out to the Wellness Education team at wellnessed@wlu.ca.