The Ojibway Medicine Wheel shows us how we are interrelated and interconnected with the natural world around us. 

In June, explore a different doorway of the Medicine Wheel every week while using breathwork as a tool to increase your well-being in a holistic way.

Thursdays at 12:00pm CST. The 30 minute sessions begins Thursday, June 6th. Register here!

We often don’t realize how our own energy affects the people and environment around us. Learn to gain more awareness of your own energy and increase harmony in the environment around you.

Fridays at 11:00am CST. Register here!

Does sitting in the grass for 10 minutes feel unproductive? What if it was actually the most productive thing you could do? Sometimes the rest is the work.

Learn how incorporating nature into your day might be the best thing for you with Dr. Ellen Choi.

Wednesdays at 11:00am CST. Register here!

The Tai Chi classics are filled with references and analogies to Nature. Move your body and learn (or remember) to appreciate nature and to act more in line with natural ways and cycles.

Tuesdays at 4:30pm CST. Register here!

Learn to bring mindfulness to your environment at work, at home and in the city in which you live so you can bring in more of what nourishes you (instead of what depletes you).

Mondays at 12:00pm CST. Register here!

Borrow one of Campus Well-Being’s bikes to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike – daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory. Bring your own or borrow one from us; bike locks are available too. Each user receiving a bike will be responsible for:

• Keeping it secure
• Riding safely and lawfully
• Returning it in a timely manner

Join Coach Justin Ross to build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity. All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm, until June 19, 2024.

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm, until June 20, 2024. NOTE: Summer session with MG – July 9 to August 15, 2024.

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person sessions.

In-Person:

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

Virtual

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm *Includes access to recording for one week post-class.

• Fridays – REGISTER – 12:15 to 12:45pm

Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately. Classes going until June 21, 2024.

Summer brings with it time-honored traditions of picnics, barbeques, and trips to the beach. Learn how nutrition can keep you healthy, safe and strong going into the summer season. Additionally, a discussion around weight, your health, and how to navigate fad diets and fancy pills will also be reviewed. Join Registered Dietician Hao-Yi Sim to learn all about the different ways nutrition can keep you strong this summer.

REGISTER – In-Person and Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – 12:00 to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP – G139, near North Gym.

Unable to attend at that time? Register for the virtual option to receive recording after the session.

Take a break to create! Bring your lunch and drop by Campus Well-Being’s Crafting Circle. Activities and supplies provided include – knitting, crocheting, bookmark and button making, colouring and drawing.

Or bring your own project to work on while connecting and socializing with others.

Open from 11:30am to 1:30pm. You can register for a calendar reminder or drop in!

• EDC in P107: Thursday, June 13, 2024 – register here

Come spend some time with our furry friends from St. John Ambulance from 11:30am to 1:00pm.

NDC

Date: June 3, 2024

Location: Campus Store Hallway

NDC

Date: June 10, 2024

Location: STTC Dining Area

Pop by with your lunch and join some co-workers to play cribbage, or pick another game to enjoy. Kristi Dorian, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator will be on hand with a variety of games between 11:45am to 1:15pm.

NDC – Selkirk Lounge:

• Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Compassion lies at the heart of creating inclusive and empathic communities where individuals feel valued, understood, and supported. In a post-secondary environment, where academic stressors and personal challenges intersect, cultivating compassion becomes essential for promoting mental well-being. By embracing compassion, we acknowledge the humanity of each person and create spaces where kindness and understanding thrive.

Empathy is the cornerstone of compassion. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and understand their experiences and struggles. Practicing empathy means actively listening to others’ concerns, validating their experiences, and offering support without judgement. Empathy can also promote dialogue and combat sigma in conversations about mental health. By demonstrating empathy, we can create a culture of understanding and acceptance that fosters trust and belonging. By encouraging honest and compassionate communication, we can break down barriers and foster a culture of acceptance and support.

Compassionate communities are built on a foundation of mutual support and solidarity. As students, staff, and administrators, we have a responsibility to look out for one another and offer support in times of need. Whether it’s checking in on a struggling classmate, reaching out to a colleague who seems overwhelmed, or simply lending a listening ear, small acts of compassion can make a world of difference in someone’s life.

Another resource that can be reached is Early Asist. If you are a student who is struggling or you notice a student is struggling, you are welcome to send in a referral to our Early Asist Case Manager. Learn more about Early Asist here.

In our efforts to support others, we should not forget to extend compassion to ourselves. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times. Self-care plays a vital role in self-compassion as well because it’s a way for us to nurture ourselves. By practicing a little self-care every day, we can even prevent burnout. Whether we take breaks while studying, practicing yoga or meditation, or engage in hobbies and interests outside of academics, self-care should be a priority for everyone. Think about it this way, self-care is like sharpening a pencil. Just as a dull pencil struggles to create clear lines, neglecting ourselves dulls our ability to function and manage our emotions effectively.

Practicing compassion requires intentional effort where we decide to expend energy showing kindness to ourselves and others. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to have that energy to give. Thankfully, RRC Polytech provides supports and resources to students and employees so that we don’t have to go it alone.

Take some time to review these supports and ask yourself if one or more could help you build your mental and emotional stamina so that you have enough energy to practice compassion daily.

• Supports and Resources
• May Mindwell Programs
• Crisis Resources
• Employee-Specific Programs

In recognition of MHW, Campus Well-Being will be collaborating with Artbeat Studio for some rock painting. Artbeat Studio Inc. provides social supports, working art studio and gallery space, and mentorship for individuals living with mental illness for the purpose of recovery and empowerment.

Date: Tuesday, May 7

Location: EDC Atrium

Time: noon-2pm

Campus Well-Being is excited to host our first every “State of Mind” event. This event will highlight the achievements made toward the Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy, what is in progress, and what is coming up in the future.

Guest speakers from different departments will speak about their respective roles in the strategy. A special highlight will be to hear from instructors who have incorporated mental health and well-being practices within their classes.

Please join us on May 28th from 12pm to 1pm. This event is open to students, staff, and faculty. Light refreshments will be provided.

In Person Location: NDC – Connected Classroom (GM139) – Register here.

Virtual Location: MS Teams – Register here.

Borrow one of Campus Well-Being’s bikes to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike – daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory. Bring your own or borrow one from us; bike locks are available too. Each user receiving a bike will be responsible for:

• Keeping it secure
• Riding safely and lawfully
• Returning it in a timely manner

Join Coach Justin Ross to build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity. All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm, till June 19, 2024.

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays 12:10 to 12:55pm, in the South Gym (till the end of May 2024, No class May 20). All experience levels welcome.

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For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes, create or sign in to your free MindWell account.

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm, till June 20, 2024.

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person sessions.

In-Person:

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

Virtual

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm *Includes access to recording for one week post-class.

• Fridays – REGISTER – 12:15 to 12:45pm

Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately. Classes going until June 21, 2024.

The food you eat now affects your short-term health, but can also affect your long-term health. From risk of chronic disease, your brain health and focus, and even the strength and structure of your body, nutrition can make a difference. Join Registered Dietician Hao-Yi Sim to learn all about the different ways nutrition can keep you young.

REGISTER – In-Person and Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – 12:00 to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP – G139, near North Gym.

Unable to attend at that time? Register for the virtual option to receive recording after the session.

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIsaac

Join Campus Well-Being, the Students’ Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for a virtual evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas.

There is no cost for this event. All students and staff are welcome to register.

REGISTER – Virtual: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event.

NOTE: The first 20 RRC Polytech students may request a paint kit to pick up from NDC or EDC. You will receive email confirmation. Student kits are limited, so register early.

Take a break to create! Bring your lunch, some friends and drop by Campus Well-Being’s Crafting Circle. Activities and supplies provided include – knitting, crocheting, bookmark and button making, colouring and drawing.

Or bring your own project to work on while connecting and socializing with others.

Open from 11:30am to 1:30pm. You can register for a calendar reminder or drop in!

• NDC in Prairie Lights: Thursday, May 23, 2024 – register here
• EDC in P107: Thursday, June 13, 2024 – register here

Join Artbeat Studio for rock painting to recognize Mental Health Week 2024!

Date: Tuesday, May 7

Time: Noon-2pm

Location: EDC – Atrium by Tim Hortons

No registration is required.

Come spend some time with our furry friends from St. John Ambulance from 11:30am to 1:00pm.

NDC

Date: May 13, 2024

Location: Campus Store Hallway

EDC

Date: May 14, 2024

Location: Atrium by Tim Hortons

Join Campus Well-Being to visit some furry friends from Miss. J. La’s Fur Babies Adoption Centre! Register here!

Date: May 15, 2024

Location: EDC – P107

Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Cat food donations are encouraged!

Pop by with your lunch and some co-workers to play cribbage, or pick another game to enjoy. Kristi Dorian, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator will be on hand with a variety of games between 11:45am to 1:15pm.

NDC – Selkirk Lounge:

• Thursday, May 16, 2024
• Tuesday, June 18, 2024

EDC – Cityview Room, E473

• Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Want to add something cool to your garden this spring? Learn how to make a bug hotel that will support native pollinators! These small nesting boxes for cute leaf-cutter bees will be an awesome addition in your back yard. Through this workshop, you can help do your part to support native pollinators. Created with Syd Shukla-Bergen, BSc and Master of Science in Entomology student.

REGISTER – Thursday, May 16, 2024 in The CAVE from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. All materials supplied. Registration limited.

Prepare your vehicle for a seamless summer road trip with our seminar focused on essential maintenance checks. Discover how to inspect tire pressure, fluids, brakes and more to ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the journey ahead. Don’t let preventable issues derail your plans – learn how to keep your vehicle running smoothly for a worry-free adventure.

REGISTER – Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 4:30 to 6:30pm, in Automotive Building M

Please wear covered footwear, safety glasses will be provided.

Are you ready to test your throwing skills? Think you have what it takes to be the Ladder Ball Champion? Come show off your swinging and tossing skills to compete for glory!

Register in advance for our Ladder Ball Challenge and see how many points you can score out of nine. Drop-ins are also welcome.

• REGISTER: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in the NDC North Gym from 12pm to 1pm.
• REGISTER: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 outside in the Elgin Plaza from 12 to 1pm. (Weather permitting, cancelled if raining)

Three fantastic prizes available for top three high scores at NDC and at EDC (six prizes total). In the case of a tie, random draw.

IMPORTANT for NDC: To save time during your entry, kindly sign the gym waiver form here. Remember your Student or Staff ID and indoor shoes for a swift entry swipe! 

Join the Campus Well-Being and Sustainability departments for a guided, leisurely round-trip group ride to Sargent Sundae on Portage Ave. Bring your bike to the NDC Price Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics (formerly the STTC) Building T front entrance on Tuesday, May 28 at 12pm.

Please register so we know whom to expect. Remember to bring your helmet, some water, and money to buy an ice cream. Can’t bike to work Tuesday? No problem! Check out our Bike Share Program and borrow a bike for the ride!

“There was a lot of valuable insight to be gained from the Introduction to Mental Health session. I learnt the importance of recognizing behavioral patterns because of how some harmless behaviors, when combined, could potentially be symptoms of mental health issues. For example, things like mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns, might be overlooked individually but could collectively signal depression or anxiety. Recognizing those patterns makes it easier to identify any struggles one might be having and to seek help if necessary. The best part of the session for me, was getting to engage in a discussion about mental health in a judgement free zone without any feelings of discomfort or awkwardness.”

“The first and the most important thing is to be aware of your own mental health. Education about this as we learned in the workshop is a way to increase awareness. As we have learned there are many supports available to help cope up with mental health challenges. Last one would be to address and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. As it is essential for creating a more supportive and understanding environment for those affected.”

“Sometimes I feel disappointed or discouraged, but whenever I do, I try to find a solution positively. I think what I learned in this session will help me a lot in the future.”

“I have learned to take 5 minutes in the morning before starting a new day. It calms me down and helps me to focus better on my work and studies. Taking some time for myself makes me a better person, and I can contribute in a kinder way.”

“I learned a lot about mindfulness from Take 5 Daily. Not only did it introduce the Take 5 concepts and have us put them into practice, it also touched on other health topics such as nutrition, movement, and sleep. As someone with chronic health issues that are often set off by stress, I have benefited greatly from remembering to ‘Take 5’ on a daily basis. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about Take 5 and am looking forward to continuing to use what I’ve learned.”

“My experience with the take 5 challenge is something I will carry forward in my everyday work life. Our working days can be intense and this challenge helps create the habit of taking a 5 and focusing on yourself to ensure a better day.”

Borrow one of Campus Well-Being’s bikes to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike – daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Learn more about the Bike Share program here.

Join Coach Justin Ross to build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity. All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays, 12:10 to 12:55pm, in the A103. All experience levels welcome.

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For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes, create or sign in to your free MindWell account.

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Learn about the foundational movements of Breaking, and their connection to Hip Hop culture with instructor, Mooki. Classes will be focused around learning steps, and terminology which will provide students a knowledge base to take the dance into their own hands.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesdays, 12:10 to 12:50pm, in the A103. All experience levels welcome.

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person sessions.

In-Person

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

Virtual

• Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm *Includes access to recording for one week post-class.

• Fridays – REGISTER – 12:15 to 12:45pm

Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately.

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. Taught over five independent workshops, a person can attend all or any single class, and gain benefit.

Thursdays, March 28 and April 4, 2024, 4:15pm to 5:15pm, in North Gym side court.

Find out more class details and registration link.

Join Campus Well-Being and the Louis Riel Institute to learn how to bead a small flower! As you learn how to bead, the instructor will go over the history of the Red River Métis and why they were called the “Flower Beadwork People”.

There are limited spots available, so register here before they fill up!

Date: April 16, 2024

Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Location: Exchange District Campus Room E155

Good heart health is vital at all ages, and proper nutrition can make a difference in promoting a healthy heart, as well as reducing your risk for heart related diseases. Join Registered Dietician Hao-Yi Sim to learn all about the different way’s nutrition can benefit your heart.

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 – 12:00 to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP – G139, near North Gym.

Unable to attend? Register for virtual option to receive recording.

Learn how to troubleshoot basic maintenance and repair for common garden and lawn equipment like lawnmowers. Led by a trained RRC Polytech instructor. 

REGISTER – Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 4:30 to 6:30pm, in Z122

Please wear covered footwear, safety glasses will be provided.

From the comfort of your own kitchen, Abby Legaspi leads at-home chefs through the step-by-step recipe for a Chicken BBQ Wrap. Cozy up with good food and lots of fun!

REGISTER – Virtual, Thursday, April 25, 2024: 6 to 8pm.

NOTE: The first 20 NDC or EDC, RRC Polytech students may request an ingredient kit to pick up from NDC or EDC. You will receive email confirmation. Student supply kits are limited, so register early.

Take a break to create! Bring your lunch, some friends and drop by Campus Well-Being’s Crafting Circle. Activities and supplies provided include – knitting, crocheting, bookmark and button making, colouring and drawing.

Or bring your own project to work on while connecting and socializing with others.

Open from 11:30am to 1:30pm. You can register for a calendar reminder or drop in!

• EDC in P107: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – register here
• NDC in Prairie Lights: Thursday, May 23, 2024 – register here
• EDC in P107: Thursday, June 13, 2024 – register here

Students and staff are invited to plant and tend to a community garden plot, located behind the Notre Dame Campus.

Connect with the earth as you dig in the soil, watch nature grow after planting vegetables and flowers, nurture your spirit while pulling weeds over the summer.

Share your questions and discoveries in the NDC Gardeners TEAMS group.

Then discover the exhilaration of harvesting and preparing food you helped grow.

For more information and availability:

• If you are a student, please contact Chloe with the Students’ Association (Food Bank students first priority).
• If you are a staff member, contact Kristi, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator.

Join the RRCSA and Campus Well-Being for a night of pottery or wood painting! Enjoy some relaxing, unhurried creative time by picking a small terracotta ready-to-paint flowerpot or a wooden butterfly and transforming it into your own amazing work of art.

All materials supplied!

REGISTER – EXCHANGE DISTRICT CAMPUS: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NOTRE DAME CAMPUS:  Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave.

Are you ready to test your basketball skills? Think you have what it takes to be the Shoot Out Champion? Come show off your free throw shooting skills and compete for glory!

Register in advance for our Shoot Out Basketball Challenge and see how many baskets you can make out of ten shots. Drop-ins are also welcome.

• Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in the North Gym from 12pm to 1pm.

IMPORTANT: To save time during your entry, kindly sign the gym waiver form here. Remember your Student or Staff ID and indoor shoes for a swift entry swipe! 

Three fantastic prizes available for top three high scores.

Bring yourself, your friends or family for an “all welcome” board game night. NOTE: Last one this academic year.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 4 to 7pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

DROP-IN – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, April 18, 2024, 4 to 7pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Contact Kristi if you’d like to reserve a specific game for your group of friends, classmates or staff team.

Pop by with your lunch and some co-workers to play cribbage, or pick another game to enjoy. Kristi Dorian, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator will be on hand with a variety of games between 11:30am to 1:30pm.

NDC – Selkirk Lounge:

• Thursday, April 18, 2024
• Thursday, May 16, 2024
• Tuesday, June 18, 2024

EDC – Cityview Room, E473

• Thursday, April 25, 2024
• Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Do you love treasure hunting, exploring new places, and having fun outdoors? If so, you might want to try geocaching, the world’s largest treasure hunting game!

If you want to learn more about geocaching, join us for an Introduction to Geocaching Workshop, hosted by Jo-Ann Johnson, Vice President of the Manitoba Geocaching Association.

REGISTER – Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at NDC in Prairie Lights.

Geocaching is a game where you use a GPS device (mostly your smartphone) to find hidden containers called geocaches. There are millions of geocaches all over the world, waiting for you to discover them. Geocaching is a great way to enjoy nature, learn new skills, and connect with other geocachers.

Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:30pm North Gym

Fridays 3:00 – 4:00pm North Gym

Fridays 4:00 – 5:30pm North Gym

Mondays 4:00 – 5:30 pm North Gym

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 5:30 pm North Gym