Relaxation and Creativity

Campus Well-Being offers opportunities for students and staff to take a break and relieve some of their stress. We offer a range of activities designed to help you unwind and find your balance, including spending time with therapy dogs, engaging in quiet contemplation, or exploring your creativity through painting and music. Whether you’re a student or staff member, we have you covered.

Painting

“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 MacIssac

Join instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants are guided to create a unique painted canvas. There is no cost for these events and all supplies along with light snacks are provided. All students and staff are welcome to register. 

Paint on Rocks…

Pick three special rocks that speak to you, tap into your inner child and creativity to paint a beautiful work of art for your garden or desktop, or perhaps a gift to a friend.

… and Pots

Enjoy some relaxing, unhurried creative time by picking a small terracotta ready-to-paint flowerpot and transforming it into your own amazing work of art.

You might also discover a wooden butterfly or mushroom to paint on as well! All materials supplied.

Make and Take Crafting Circle

Take a break to create! Bring your lunch and drop by a Make and Take Crafting Circle. Activities and supplies provided include – bookmark, bracelet and button making, rock painting, colouring and drawing, knitting and crocheting. We’ll also have some board games available.

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

Therapy Dog Visits

Animal and human interactions can offer many positive health benefits. For example, animals can help decrease our cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help boost our mood. They are also fun to have around and offer us to chance to form unique and intimate bonds.  With these benefits in mind, Campus Well-Being regularly invites St. John Ambulance therapy dogs to campus.

Vision Boards

Also known as dream boards, a vision board is a visualization tool which refers to a board of any sort used to build a collage of words and pictures that represent your goals and dreams. These inspirational collages serve as your image of the future – a tangible example, idea or representation of where you are going. By putting a vision board somewhere you can see it every day, you will prompt yourself to visualize your ideal life on a regular basis.

All materials supplied: Scissors, glue, poster board and variety of magazines. Bring any personalized pictures or graphics with you to include if wanted.

The Zen Zone

Relax. Lie down or sit. Breathe. Listen to soothing nature sounds, bring your own guided meditation or watch the peaceful vistas projected all around you.  Campus Well-Being and EMP welcome you to take a break in the Immersion Room at the Notre Dame Campus. Yoga mats and cushions available during these drop-in sessions.

Fairy Gardens

Take the time to relax, destress and allow your imagination and creative juices to flow. In this workshop, participants create their own beautiful, personal fairy garden with the guidance of a facilitator who walks you through the steps needed. All materials supplied.

Nature Drawing – Immersion Room

Surrounded by nature scenes and sounds, live plants and other assorted items, drop by the transformed immersion room to tap into your creative side. Pay attention, look closely, be in the moment, then draw what you see and journal what you feel.