We’re only a few days into October, but with assignments stacking up and exams just weeks away, you’re probably already feeling the stress of the new school year.

Thankfully, the Red River College Students’ Association has partnered with RRC’s Healthy College, Healthy Minds initiative to bring students and staff opportunities to de-stress, learn about their own well-being, and join the broader conversation about mental health.

Send Your Stress Away
(postcards and adult colouring books)

Mon., Oct. 3, 16
11am–1pm
P110, Roblin Centre
Various locations, Notre Dame Campus

Write about what’s been stressing you out — or draw or colour a picture — then send it away! Completed postcards will be displayed in hallways so others can identify with the stress factors faced by peers.

Painting Party
(evening event)

Mon., Oct. 3
3–6:30pm
Cave Lounge, Notre Dame Campus

Tue., Oct. 4
3–6:30pm
Cafeteria, Roblin Centre

Transform your feeling and creativity into art, under the direction of Amber Van Ma’iingan, from Painting on the Prairies. All-ages event; snacks and refreshments provided.

Tea & Talk with Nova
(personal development coach)

Tue., Oct. 4
11:30am–1pm
Cave Lounge, Notre Dame Campus

Wed., Oct. 5
11:30am–1pm
P107 Roblin Centre

Enjoy a cup of tea and conversation with Nova Browning Rutherford, a motivational speaker who’ll teach you to transform pain into progress by breaking the “victim mentality” cycle and tapping into the qualities that propel you out of hard times.

Meditation and Yoga Sessions

Tue., Oct. 4
11am–noon (meditation)
Noon–1pm (yoga)
P107, Roblin Centre

Wed., Oct. 5
11am–noon (meditation)
Noon–1pm (yoga)
Cave Lounge, Notre Dame Campus

Take a study break, ease your mind and challenge your body with free meditation and yoga sessions. (Bring your own mat — extras also available.)

Therapy Dogs

Thu., Oct. 6
11am–1pm
Cave Lounge, Notre Dame Campus

Fri., Oct. 6
11am–1pm
Atrium, Roblin Centre

Spend some quality time with the always adorable therapy dogs of Winnipeg.

Movie Day

Fri., Oct. 7
10am–5pm
Cave Lounge, Notre Dame Campus

Enjoy free screenings of films with a mental health theme — Reign Over Me, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Snacks and refreshments provided.

AMA with Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud
(Fund developer, 1 Just City)

Fri., Oct. 7
Noon–1pm
Cave Lounge, Notre Dame Campus

Pose your questions to a pro — mental health expert Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, who’s amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience working with the Canadian Mental Health Association. We’ll be collecting questions all week — in writing at all events, or via Twitter (#questionsfortessathrive2016).

For more information on events, see the official Thrive Week Guides for both campuses.