As we launch into a new term, it’s important to set patterns around how you plan to maintain your well-being and find balance amidst the deadlines and demands. That’s why RRC offers a series of THRIVE wellness activities throughout the year. One way to find some balance and manage stress is to engaging in art-based creativity.

This Thursday, Kisa MacIsaac, RRC grad and owner of Power of Painting, will (virtually) lead you through an evening of self-care as you create your very own painting.

THRIVE events encourage balance and self-care that in turn support good mental health. All THRIVE events are offered in partnership with the RRCSA at no charge to participants and are open to staff, students, and faculty.

The Details

Date: Thursday, September 9

Time: 6-8 pm

Platform: WebEx

Register here.

There’s ample evidence that taking time to express yourself through creativity in a social group improves mental health and overall well-being. Don’t miss this chance to make yourself a priority.

Watch your student or staff news and this blog for invitations to more THIRVE activities, including music workshops, cooking lessons, wellness workshops, yoga classes and more.

More on the Instructor

Kisa MacIsaac (she/her) is Métis, a mother, artist, educator, and a RRC graduate (ECE diploma 2005). She works in a non profit early learning and child care program in Winnipeg’s inner city, and leads wellness painting events as well as creating custom artworks. Making art is medicine – it has the power reduce stress and anxiety, it is relaxing. Everyone can make art, it’s all about letting go of fear and just creating and going with the flow!
Check out: Power of Painting – Workshops and Art by Kisa
Facebook.com/powerofpainting
IG: @powerofpainting204

This June our friends at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are hosting a “choose-your-own-adventure” version of their classic Ride Don’t Hide event.

RRC staff, students and faculty members are invited to join the RRC team for a chance to move more, give back and feel better. There is no cost to register and whether and how much you fundraise is completely up to you. We may not be gathering to ride as a group, but we will be together in spirit.

About the Ride

You decide how—and how much—to get involved. Ride Outside, Ride Inside or Ride in Spirit.

You can Ride Outside for 100 km throughout June or simply go out for a “leisurely” Sunday ride.

You can Ride Inside with a rigorous 30-day spin challenge or casually pedal your stationary bike while bingeing on Netflix.

Or you can Ride in Spirit, because it doesn’t have to be a literal ride. Crossfit in your basement, do yoga in your living room, take a brisk morning walk before you start work or take 10 minutes in your day for mindfulness. However you take care of yourself this spring – that’s your Ride.

And sharing it with others – that’s your ‘Don’t Hide.’

What’s more, CMHA will be streaming live virtual “Spirit Week” programming from June 21-27.

RRC’s 2019 Ride Don’t Hide Team

ARE YOU IN? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

1. Register and choose your own adventure – pick the route, the activity and the goal that excites you. Connect with others by joining the RRC team.
2. Set up your personal Ride Don’t Hide page to track your activity and achievements.
3. Decide if you want to fundraise and if so, use your fundraising dashboard to send emails, post to social media, and get others on board.
4. Download the Ride Don’t Hide mobile app to automatically track your activity.
5. Ride! Or run, walk, jump rope, do yoga, dance, climb stairs, lift weights, play tag with your kids…Move more, give back, feel better.
6. Snap a photo of your Ride and send it to Breanna to be featured in a Wellness Blog post.

The 70th annual Mental Health Week, championed by Canadian Mental Health Association, takes place May 3-9. This year’s theme is “name it don’t numb it,” highlighting how naming, expressing and dealing with our emotions (event he difficult ones) is important for our mental health.

Here are a few suggested ways to participate in Mental Health Week:

1. Attend Workplace Strategies for Mental Health’s live webinar on strategies that can help you flourish. The session takes place Tuesday May 4 at noon.  Learn more here.
2. Explore Library Services’ Healthy Minds Healthy College Guide, featuring books, videos, websites and other resources on the topic of mental health.
3. Connect on social media, using the hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealthWeek.
4. Attend a live, guided, drop-in mindfulness session with MindWell U. There are several date and time options each week that can be accessed through your MindwWell U hub. If you don’t already have a MindWell U account, you can create one here.

All suggested activities are free of charge. Any questions can be directed to Breanna Sawatzky, Mental Health Coordinator.

When it comes to emotions, feeling sad, angry and anxious at times is part of being human. When we have good mental health, it doesn’t mean that we’re happy all the time. Instead, we’re able to experience a full range of human emotions—even the uncomfortable ones like sadness, fear and anger.

When we push feelings down or ignore them, they don’t go away. Rather, one of the best methods to quiet an emotion is to give it a voice—name it.

Can you think of ways that you name and mange difficult emotions? Many people find it helpful to talk, write, or express themselves through art or music. Once you can label and sit with an emotion, it becomes easier to shape how you experience that emotion and make wise choices about your behaviour.

Everyone deserves to feel well and understanding our emotions is a part of feeling well.

Did you know that eating balanced meals regularly can reduce anxiety symptoms, increase energy levels, and even improve concentration and memory? Eating habits are critical to overall wellness, yet when we get busy or stressed we often don’t make the best food choices.

So, show yourself some love by cooking a delicious and balanced meal. Learn how to make Salad Rolls with Hoisin Sauce while cooking alongside your instructor, Abby Legaspi! This workshop is part of our Thrive event series, hosted by the RRCSA and Healthy Minds Healthy College.

Date: Wednesday, May 12

Time: 6-8pm

Menu: Salad Rolls with Hoisin Sauce

Register here. After registering you will receive a Zoom link to join. Seating is limited to 20 participants.

Ingredient Kits

If you require a kit with ingredients, be sure to register by May 7 so you can pick up the kit on Monday, May 10. For this event, kits can only be picked up at the Notre Dame Campus. You may also simply purchase the ingredients at your local grocery store.

All students and staff are welcome. For accessibility needs, please contact Breanna Sawatzky.

Cooking for Wellness workshop instructor Abby Legaspi

About the Instructor

Abby Legaspi is a Nutrition graduate from U of M with 10 years’ experience running cooking programs for different non-profit and grass roots organizations. She now works at NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre and is passionate about almost everything related to food, from gardening to cooking. Abby sees food as a means to connect people while recognizing that food insecurity can be experienced by many. As an advocate for good food, it is Abby’s hope that one day, everyone will be food secure.

Men’s mental health often flies under the radar. This means we need to be aware of what mental health looks like, validate that men (and everyone!) experience concerns with their mental health, and consider how to allow ourselves to experience it without shame or embarrassment.

Join Sheldon Hill (RP.), MindBeacon Psychotherapist, who will discuss some of the things that prevent men from seeking help, signs that you may be experiencing a mental health concern, and how to seek help once you’ve identified you need it.

New Date!: Thursday, April 29 (rescheduled from Monday, April 12)

Time: noon-1pm

Platform: WebEx – register here

More On The Presenter

Sheldon Hill (RP.) is a humanistic-existential, person-centred therapist who is passionate about helping clients alleviate their concerns so they can lead a meaningful, values-driven lives. Sheldon completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Western University. At MindBeacon, Sheldon guides clients, including RRC students, as they complete programs based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

More on MindBeacon

Red River College is committed to providing access to a variety of mental health supports that address a wide range of needs.  If you are an RRC student and would like a referral to access MindBeacon’s Therapist Guided Program free of charge, please contact Breanna Sawatzky, Mental Health Coordinator. RRC staff may be able to use their extended health benefits toward MindBeacon services.

More On Men’s Mental Health

HeadsUpGuys is a Movember Foundation funded group based out of the University of British Columbia that is dedicated to supporting men living with depression, as well as their friends and families. They provide practical advice, information about professional services and inspirational stories of recovery.

Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto highlights some of the key topics to consider when exploring men’s mental health.

After months of analyzing, consulting and prioritizing we’re please to share that Red River College’s Senior Leadership has approved and endorsed our new five year strategy. Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy: A Roadmap for Action 2021-2025 is the blueprint to carry the strategy forward for the years to come. Both our Steering Committee and Advisory Group shaped the strategy’s direction, taking a community-wide and systemic approach to promoting well-being.

In the Roadmap, we’ve built in strategies to promote mental health and well-being amongst all community members. In addition, we’ve identified additional strategies to support those with concerns about coping. Finally, we’ve outlined priorities to support individuals experiencing mental illness or crisis.

To learn more about the Roadmap and our immediate priorities, please join Breanna Sawatzky for: State of Mind: A Community Exchange on April 9, 2021 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

This interactive forum will include a short presentation, highlighting key aspects of the Roadmap, followed by discussion.

How are you doing? Many of us are welcoming the milder temperatures and longer daylight hours of spring. At the same time, March and April are particularly stressful times in the academic calendar. As you manage the demands of work and school, you’re invited to find some balance by engaging in art-based creativity.

Kisa MacIsaac, RRC grad and owner of Power of Painting, will (virtually) lead you through an evening of self-care as you create your very own painting.

THRIVE events encourage balance and self-care that in turn supports good mental health. All THRIVE events are offered at no charge to participants and are open to staff, students, and faculty.

The Details

Date: Thursday, April 8

Time: 7-9pm

Platform: WebEx

Register here.

Need Supplies?

For this virtual paint night, you’re welcome to use your own supplies or sign up to borrow a supply pack. Supply packs will include the canvas, paint, and brushes and can be requested when you register. Brushes and unused paint must be returned to your campus so they can be reused.

We have a limited number of supply packs, so be sure to register early.

There’s ample evidence that taking time to express yourself through creativity in a social group improves mental health and overall well-being. Don’t miss this chance to make yourself a priority.

More on the Instructor

Kisa MacIsaac (she/her) is Métis, a mother, artist, educator, and a RRC graduate (ECE diploma 2005). She works in a non profit early learning and child care program in Winnipeg’s inner city, and leads wellness painting events as well as creating custom artworks. Making art is medicine – it has the power reduce stress and anxiety, it is relaxing. Everyone can make art, it’s all about letting go of fear and just creating and going with the flow!
Check out: Power of Painting – Workshops and Art by Kisa
Facebook.com/powerofpainting
IG: @powerofpainting204

To start 2021 on a mindful note, dozens of staff and students engaged in a 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge. The Challenge involves participating in short online lessons and practice for, you guessed it, 30 days.

While mindfulness practice can’t take away all of our stressors, it can certainly build up our ability to cope with these in healthy ways. By improving our ability to be in the present moment with openness and non-judgement, we can strengthen our mental resilience.

Everyone who completed was entered in a prize draw and we’re happy to announce the winners.

Grand Prizes

Grand prize winners each receive a $50 gift card to Good Local. Good Local is an online marketplace that makes it easy for Manitobans to buy local. Congratulations to winners Mavis McRae and Tim Reyes.

Second Prizes

Second prize winners each receive a $25 gift card to Good Local. Congratulations to winners Rita Zuba Prokopetz and Jaewook Park.

The Challenge

We asked our winners what they thought of the Challenge and here’s what they had to say.

Prize winner and challenge completer, Mavis McRae.

“The 30 day challenge is perfect for a task oriented person. The quick tips and bite sized info was just enough to remind me to take a second before reacting or switching tasks. Since habits build over time, 30 days is unlikely enough to build new good habits, but at least it is a start.  It was a good wake up call to all the things I do on autopilot.” – Mavis McRae, Director, Prairie Research Kitchen

Remember, the Challenge is available all year round and you can even do it with a buddy to keep you on track. Create your account to get started.

“The Mindwell training took me longer than 30 days because I wanted to ensure I was in the moment during every 5-minute session. We discussed some of the concepts in class, and some students ended up taking the training as well – some have completed it already. We used the learning to discuss self-discoveries, metacognition, etc. in one of our classes.” – Rita Zuba Prokopetz, Instructor

For any questions about the Mindwell resources, please contact Mental Health Coordinator, Breanna Sawatzky.

Did you know that eating balanced meals regularly can reduce anxiety symptoms, increase energy levels, and even improve concentration and memory? Eating habits are critical to overall wellness, yet when we get busy or stressed we often don’t make the best food choices.

So, show yourself some love by cooking a delicious and balanced meal. Learn how to make baked chicken and Asian coleslaw while cooking alongside your instructor, Abby Legaspi! This workshop is part of our Thrive event series, hosted by the RRCSA and Healthy Minds Healthy College.

Date: Wednesday, March 3

Time: 7-9pm

Menu: Baked chicken with Asian coleslaw

Register here. After registering you will receive a Zoom link to join. Seating is limited to 20 participants.

Ingredient kits. If you require a kit with ingredients, be sure to register by February 28 so you can pick up the kit on Monday, March 1. For this event, kits can only be picked up at the Notre Dame Campus. You may also simply purchase the ingredients at your local grocery store.

All students and staff are welcome. For accessibility needs, please contact Breanna Sawatzky.

Cooking for Wellness workshop instructor Abby Legaspi

About the instructor: Abby Legaspi is a Nutrition graduate from U of M with 10 years’ experience running cooking programs for different non-profit and grass roots organizations. She now works at NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre and is passionate about almost everything related to food, from gardening to cooking. Abby sees food as a means to connect people while recognizing that food insecurity can be experienced by many. As an advocate for good food, it is Abby’s hope that one day, everyone will be food secure.

As the stresses of the term pile up, it’s even more important to be smart with your time and carve out a couple of hours to refresh your mind and spirit. A virtual paint night is the perfect opportunity to take this much needed break.

Kisa MacIsaac, RRC grad and owner of Power of Painting, will (virtually) lead you through an evening of self-care as you create your very own painting.

THRIVE events encourage balance and self-care that in turn supports good mental health. All THRIVE events are offered at no charge to participants and are open to staff, students, and faculty.

The Details

Date: Thursday, February 25

Time: 7-9pm

Platform: WebEx

Register here.

Need Supplies?

For this virtual paint night, you’re welcome to use your own supplies or sign up to borrow a supply pack. Supply packs will include the canvas, paint, and brushes and can be requested when you register. Brushes and unused paint must be returned to your campus so they can be reused.

We have a limited number of supply packs, so be sure to register early.

There’s ample evidence that taking time to express yourself through creativity in a social group improves mental health and overall well-being. Don’t miss this chance to make yourself a priority.

More on the Instructor

Kisa MacIsaac (she/her) is Métis, a mother, artist, educator, and a RRC graduate (ECE diploma 2005). She works in a non profit early learning and child care program in Winnipeg’s inner city, and leads wellness painting events as well as creating custom artworks. Making art is medicine – it has the power reduce stress and anxiety, it is relaxing. Everyone can make art, it’s all about letting go of fear and just creating and going with the flow!
Check out: Power of Painting – Workshops and Art by Kisa
Facebook.com/powerofpainting
IG: @powerofpainting204