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Campus Well-Being November Programs

October 29, 2024

Grey stones stacked in the foreground with soothing blues and greens in the background. White text reads Campus Well-Being Events

Sport

Participate in a variety of recreational sport activities on campus in a safe and supportive environment. 

No registration is required for intramural sports. All skill levels are welcome. Come as a team or as an individual.

Fitness and Movement

Wellness

Mental Well-Being

Recreation

November Mindwell Programs

October 29, 2024

This month, Mindwell’s programs are focused on financial health and designed to help individuals stay calm and manage financial pressures with clarity and ease.

Continue reading this blog to sign up for some great programs. If you have yet to create a free Mindwell account, click here!

October Exercise of the Month

October 24, 2024

Explore our October Exercise of the Month: Forearm Plank. This foundational exercise builds core strength and stability which is essential for many activities of daily living. It’s a great exercise for both beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts. Plus, you can perform it almost anywhere!

How To Do It

Incorporate the Forearm Plank into your routine by adding it to your warm-up or your current workout. All you need is enough space to lie down comfortably. Here’s how to perform it:

  1. Begin by lying face down on the floor. Place your forearms on the ground, with elbows directly under your shoulders and hands together or palms flat on the ground.
  2. Press your forearms into the ground and lift your body off the floor, creating a straight line from your head to your heels.
  3. Keep a neutral spine by looking down at the floor, gazing just past your fingertips. Engage your core, glutes, and legs to maintain stability. Avoid letting your hips sag or rise too high.
  4. Aim to hold this position for 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing the duration as your strength and endurance improves. Breathe steadily throughout the hold. To modify, drop your knees while maintaining a straight position from the knees to the head. To exit the position, gently lower your body back to the ground. Rest and repeat for 3-4 sets, adjusting the duration to match your fitness level.

Benefits of This Exercise

Some potential benefits of the Forearm Plank include:

  • Builds Core Strength: The Forearm Plank is excellent for developing the deep core muscles that support your spine and overall stability. Core strength is important to maintain as you age, as it is an essential for many functional activities.
  • Enhances Shoulder Stability: This exercise engages the shoulder muscles, improving stability and strength which can benefit various upper body movements.
  • Improves Posture: By strengthening the core and upper back, plank variations can help improve overall posture and counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
  • Increases Endurance: Holding a plank challenges your muscular endurance, helping to build resilience in your core and stabilizing muscles.
  • Easy to do Anywhere: Planks require only enough room to lie down comfortably, making them suitable for small spaces like a living room, office, or park. Unlike many exercises, planks also don’t require any equipment, making it any easy exercise to practice in a variety of environments.
  • Great Exercise to Track Progress: Forearm plank is a great exercise to track/monitor your progress. Simply start a timer and hold for as long as you can! As your muscular endurance improves, you will find it easier to hold for longer periods.
  • Adaptable for All Levels: You can modify the Forearm Plank by dropping your knees for an easier variation or extending the hold for a greater challenge.

Try it Today!

When performing any new exercise, it’s important to listen to your body. Make sure to take appropriate rest when needed. Looking for a video of this exercise? Check out our Instagram!

SOURCES:

How to Do a Plank: Techniques, Benefits, Variations (verywellfit.com)

Plank Exercises: What They Do For Your Body (clevelandclinic.org)

Plank Exercise Benefits: Why You Should Work Your Core (healthline.com)

Thrive Week – Nov 4 to 9, 2024

October 18, 2024

Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working.

We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active, creative, connected or relaxed – whatever it is you need for balance. All events are free and open to students and staff.

For All Campuses, Students and Staff

Participate in one of our events offered virtually or in-person: Maria Jose Eguigure Torres (Alumni) – Keynote presentation, Amazing Race activity, Massages, Cat Café, Mini Golf, Games and Popcorn Lunch, Library Puzzles/Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park walk. Check out the calendar and listings below for details and registration links.

Door prizes are available at some of our events – register and participate to win!

Hosted by Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association. For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian. 

Keynote Speaker

Ongoing All Week

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

See KEYNOTE section above “Building Resilience to Overcome Challenges” for information and to register for NDC, EDC and Virtual Options.

Friday

Saturday

Mental Illness Awareness Week – Invisible Mental Illness

October 9, 2024

October 6-12, 2024, is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). MIAW is a public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. During this week, various mental health organizations, advocates, and communities come together to highlight the importance of mental health, share information and provide resources to those in need. Some opportunities to take part in MIAW are listed at the end of this blog. 

MIAW is a great opportunity to spark up conversations about mental illness. Conversations around mental illness often focus on visible signs—changes in behavior, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities. But what about mental illnesses that don’t show obvious signs?  

A common myth is that is it obvious when someone has a mental illness. But on the contrary, there are conditions that may not manifest outwardly yet significantly impact those who live with them.  

For post-secondary students, understanding invisible signs is crucial, as the pressures of academic life, social expectations, and personal challenges can intersect with these conditions. Let’s explore what invisible mental illnesses are, how they affect students, and ways to support those living with them

MIAW Opportunities On and off Campus

  • RRC Polytech: Mental Illness Awareness Week Short Film Screening – Register here!
    • Date: October 9, 2024
    • Location: NDC – Orange Lecture Theatre
    • Time: 12:00 to 1:00pm
  • Canadian Mental Health Association – Online Course – Insights to Seasonal Affective Disorder
    • Date: October 9, 2024
    • Location: virtual – sign up here
    • Time: 7:00 to 8:30pm

October Mindwell Programs

October 1, 2024

World Mental Health Day is approaching, and while information on mental health abounds, Mindwell believes that actions speak louder than words. That’s why they are bringing back “Take 5 Daily LIVE Cohort” in October!

Promotional graphic for 'Take 5 Daily Live Cohort,' featuring live sessions with Dr. Geoff Soloway, Mindwell's founder, covering topics such as 'Thoughts Are Not Facts,' 'Hardwiring Happiness,' and 'Emotional Intelligence.' Includes details about the cohort starting on Monday, October 7th, with a chance to win a $50 gift card

The cohort features weekly live sessions and through the program, you will learn practical tools to:

  • Reduce stress: cultivate calm amidst life’s challenges.
  • Boost focus: enhance productivity and clarity.
  • Improve communication: foster more effective interactions.

All participants who complete the Take 5 Daily cohort in the first 35 days will be entered into a draw to win one of three $50 gift cards!

If you don’t have an account with Mindwell yet, sign up for free here.

Keep on reading to learn about the rest of Mindwell’s October programs.

Acceptance Vs. Complacency

It’s easy to blur the lines between acceptance and complacency. While embracing the present moment is crucial, settling into complacency can hinder growth and progress. 

A scenic mountain sunrise background.

Join Ross to understand the distinction between acceptance and complacency and apply mindful techniques to enhance awareness and foster genuine presence in everyday life.  

Fridays at 11:00AM CST – register here

Healing Through Mindfulness

Through mindful techniques and compassionate guidance, you’ll embark on a journey toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being.

A person practicing yoga, raising their arms in a prayer pose against a peaceful sky at sunrise or sunset.


Join Dr. Ellen in a transformative journey of mindfulness while learning how to make space for healing and practicing the art of letting go.

Wednesdays at 11:00AM – register here

The Mind Leads the Chi

Tai Chi emphasizes mental training, willpower, and persistence. Just as the body strengthens through physical exercise, the mind also undergoes a workout and grows stronger. 

A trail in a forest with trees on both sides of it.

In Tai Chi class, you’ll direct your intentions toward the flow of Chi (or breath) and observe how the breath naturally follows the mind’s focus. Join Peter to explore the profound connection between mind and Chi, and discover the transformative power of mindful practice in Tai Chi.

Tuesdays at 4:50PM CST – register here

Befriending Your Inner Critic

In a world that often glorifies perfectionism, it’s common to grapple with an inner voice of criticism. 

A dandelion puffball, with some of its seeds blowing in the wind with a green background.

Through mindfulness, you can cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of your unique qualities. Join Jackie for a guided practice aimed at befriending and effectively navigating your inner critic, fostering self-compassion and personal growth along the way.

In English: Mondays at 1:30PM – register here

In French: Mondays at 11:30AM – register here

Campus Well-Being October Programs

September 24, 2024

Grey stones stacked in the foreground with soothing blues and greens in the background. White text reads Campus Well-Being Events

Sport

Participate in a variety of recreational sport activities on campus in a safe and supportive environment. 

No registration is required for intramural sports. All skill levels are welcome. Come as a team or as an individual.

Fitness and Movement

Wellness

Mental Well-Being

Recreation

In-Service Day Camp: Friday October 25th

September 24, 2024

Four young campers kneeling behind pink and purple sidewalk chalk art that reads RRC

Do you have children with an in-service day on Friday October 25th? Have them join us for a full day of fun at our In-Service Day Camp!

Camp Details

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024

Time: Camp programming runs from 9am – 3:30pm. Flexible drop-off and pick-up times are available before and after camp.

  • Drop-Off: Anytime between 8 – 9am
  • Pick-Up: Anytime between 3:30 – 4:30pm

Location: RRC Polytech – South Gym, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

Age Range: 6 – 11 years old

Cost: $35 + GST

Registration: Click here to register

Camp Overview

Join us for a day filled with team-building challenges, creative arts, and recreational activities at RRC Polytech! Our camp is led by qualified and experienced staff who are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Throughout the day, campers will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, educational workshops, and interactive games.

From a guided experience in our Immersion Room to an afternoon of bowling at Uptown Alley, our In-Service camp offers a variety of engaging activities that are sure to provide lots of fun and an unforgettable day!

Additional Information

Lunch – Lunch will not be provided. Please prepare your children with a packed lunch & water bottle. Campers will have time for lunch & snack breaks throughout the day.

Clothing – Please bring indoor shoes that will be comfortable for light physical activity and walking throughout the day.

Field Trip – Campers will be taking a supervised field trip to Uptown Alley for 90 minutes of bowling. A chartered school bus will pick-up and drop-off the group. There is no additional cost for this field trip.

Cancellation & Refund Policy – Cancellations & refunds will be available until Friday October 18th.

Please send us an email with any questions. Additional camp information an online waiver form, and our code of conduct will be sent to you by email after registration.

Self Defense Class at EDC

September 23, 2024

Group of students in a circle in a squat position learning self defense.

Learn practical self defense techniques in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Gain confidence and fitness while adding tools and techniques to the martial arts toolkit.

Topics to be explored include effective movement and striking theory, range strategy, defense against weapons, neutralizing the grappling attack. Come for one class, come for them all or drop in when you can. No previous experience necessary to join. This class is open to all students and staff and is free of charge.

REGISTER – Exchange District Campus: Wednesdays Oct 9 to Nov 6, 2024, 4:15pm to 5:15pm, in P107.

Taught over five independent workshops, a person can attend any single class and gain benefit. However, cumulative attendance yields synergistic benefit with the goal of improving confidence in multiple self defense situations after five (5) hours of classwork.

Full physical participation is encouraged, but observer-participants are also welcome. Observers can add to the discussion and improve the mental component of self defense without engaging physically or while sitting out specific exercises.

Each class will cover a range of self defense theory and concepts. Previously-trained or untrained individuals can add mantis tools to the toolbox. A portion of each class will incorporate self defense questions from the group.

Class Outline:

  • Class 1 Introduction to: “Finding Safety” “Range” “The Fence” – Warm up, breath work, basic movement practice, escape training, wrist escape skills, knife skills 1, knife disarm 1.
Self defense instructor showing student how to move their hand for one of the moves.
  • Class 2 Introduction to: “Duck & Dodge” “Cross Block” – Warm up, breath work, basic movement practice, escape training, knife skills 2, knife disarm 2.
  • Class 3 Introduction to: “Circle-Line” “Universal Block” – Warm up, breath work, knife skills 3, knife disarm 3.
  • Class 4 Introduction to: “Roman Numeral V” – Warm up, breath work, stick dodge, stick skills 1, stick disarm 1.
  • Class 5 Introduction to: “Strike-Block” – Warm up, breath work, basic movement, strike-block, stick skills 2, stick disarm 2.

Become a Trained Peer Supporter and Help Other Students Through Challenges

September 17, 2024

Female student smiling at peer with a blurred background.

Have you ever experienced a challenging time in your life that caused you to take deliberate steps towards improving your well-being?

Would you like to provide other students with emotional support?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, consider applying to become a Peer Supporter!

While Peer Supporters are volunteers, after 10 hours of service each volunteer will receive a $150 honorarium. The Peer Supporter team will also be provided with social and recreational opportunities like sport or arts event tickets so that they can get to know each other and build community.

Email Fizza Rashid for an application and more information. The application deadline is September 27th, 2024.

Background

RRC Polytech identified mental health peer support as a priority in its Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy. With financial support from Bell Canada and the Students’ Association, RRC Polytech has worked with consultants to develop a student peer support program that will be launching in January of 2025!

RRC Polytech members holding a giant cheque from Bell Canada.

What is Peer Support?

Peer support is social and emotional support between people who share a common lived experience with challenging life experiences, mental illness and/or addiction. Peer support is a worthy complement to clinical mental healthcare, as it supports well-being.

What do Peer Supporters Do?

A Peer Supporter is someone who uses their lived experience in combination with set competencies and formal training to inspire hope and empower others who are in similar situations by providing social and emotional support.

Some examples of Peer Supporter responsibilities include:

  • Establish rapport with peers and build a relationship based on trust, respect, genuineness and empathy while maintaining clear boundaries;
  • Respect and maintain confidentiality of personal information;
  • Support peers as they strive to make positive changes and explore how to work towards their goals;
  • Explore with peers the availability of existing resources. Empower and support peers in contacting and accessing appropriate services as required;
  • Assist with promoting awareness of the Peer Support Program;
  • Avoid providing peer support to individuals where a conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest may exist;
  • Actively participate in Community of Practice and other professional development sessions as they arise to remain engaged and up to date with best practices and the evolution of the PSP

Why Apply to be a Peer Supporter?

Peer Supporters receive training to enhance a broad range of skills, including interpersonal skills. They learn about helpful resources and help others through difficult times. Throughout that process, Peer Supporters become even more connected to their campus community and support the well-being and growth of fellow students. We encourage you to apply today.

RRC Polytech > Campus Well-Being > News and Events

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more