Thrive Week returns with virtual activities to build positive mental health

Oct. 16, 2020

Wilfrid Laurier University’s biannual Thrive Week is back this fall to foster positive mental health and create awareness about available supports for students.

Thrive Week takes place over two weeks from Oct. 19 to 23 and Oct. 26 to 30 and is open for all Laurier students. All events are free, and most events do not require pre-registration.

“We know this is a busy time for students and being isolated from our campus community adds another layer of stress to an already difficult situation,” says Sarah Syrett, wellness education coordinator at Laurier’s Brantford campus. “We truly believe that taking time to connect with others is an investment in yourself that will have a positive ripple effect throughout your academic and personal lives, and we hope to see you at one of our Thrive events.”

Thrive Week is held at Laurier each fall and winter term. Every day of this year’s two-week event has several virtual wellness activities, support get-togethers and fun ways to connect with fellow students.

“This year, Thrive Week is focused on expanding our programming to include offerings for students to engage on their own time, as well as to connect with other students and campus professionals virtually,” says Nathan Reeve, wellness education coordinator at Laurier’s Waterloo campus. “Throughout the two weeks, we want to ensure students learn how they can continue to maintain their mental health and stay well during a pandemic.”

Golden Rules

The Golden Rules program, which aims to help students build resiliency and move from surviving to thriving at university, launches its new online workshops during Thrive Week. This workshop series is now available to all Laurier students.

The Golden Rules program consists of five modules covering topics like strengths, self-compassion, gratitude, resiliency and more.

Registration is now open. Each session can be included on the Laurier Experience Record. By completing all five modules, students can receive a wellness education certificate. For more information, visit Laurier’s wellness education events page.

Thrive Week Virtual Events

Students also have the opportunity to win over $2,000 worth of prizes through the Thrive Passport, cook up something great in a cooking competition, take part in a step-count challenge and more.

Check out the full schedule online for details and how to join in on Thrive Week activities.

Week One Featured Events

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

As you’re taking care of others, who is taking care of you? Olympian Georgette Reed will share her life lessons and education to inspire us to become more mentally and physically healthy, productive, and happy at work and home. (Registration required)

Thrive Bingo

Join the @suitandtiebingoguy for a few rounds of bingo with $150 worth of prizes to give away. He will be doing a special round of Thrive bingo that students can help build. Follow @suitandtiebingoguy on Instagram to learn how to get involved and join in the live event.

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

Take part in this resiliency-building module about perseverance, persistence, grit and creating habits. Students can complete all five modules to receive the Wellness Education Certificate. (Registration required)

Dungeons and Dragons Halloween Campaign

Join Dungeon Master Michael and fellow spooky hawks for this special Hallowe’en 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. Participants do not need any Dungeons and Dragons experience to participate. (Registration required)

Useless Farm Tour

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 during the Useless Farm Tour. Join for the whole tour or drop in for a few minutes when you can.

Week Two Featured Events

Self-Care and Resilience

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. This module is part of the ongoing “Hawk’s Guide to Thriving” series.

Take Five with the ALC

Drop into the break room to play 20 Questions with the Academic Learning Centre and try to outsmart the machine! Think of an object (animal, vegetable, mineral, other) and the 20 Questions game will ask yes/no questions. If it cannot guess your object, your name will be entered into a draw to win a Hallowe’en box of goodies.

Golden Rules Module 2: Strengths, Balance and Confidence

Take part in this resiliency building module about strengths, balance and confidence. Students can complete all five modules to receive the Wellness Education Certificate.

Decolonize Your Space First

Join in this interactive workshop on daily acts of decolonization. Work together to brainstorm 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.

Closing Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ivan Joseph

In this closing keynote, Dr. Ivan Joseph, vice-president: student affairs and 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 lives. Taking strategies learned from the field, Joseph offers a definitive, step-by-step approach to deepening your own self-confidence and resilience.