Graduation, or heading off into a summer co-op placement, can feel like stepping into an entirely new world. Your college routines and social circles suddenly shift. Here on campus, you may have participated in some of our wellness activities like petting a therapy dog on a study break, playing games at a Pop-Up Game Room or Board Game Night, or staying active through intramurals and fitness classes. The transition into a practicum or workplace doesn’t mean leaving those moments behind; it means finding new ways to carry them forward.

Find Community

One of the biggest challenges after college is recreating that sense of community. After finding new friends in shared classes over several months, being alone in a new workplace may seem daunting. With some intention, finding and creating connections can make a big difference in your new situation. The goal is to maintain that sense of belonging that was so central to your college experience.

• Find out if your workplace has a wellness or social committee and join it
• Introduce yourself to coworkers beyond your immediate team
• Organize or join a monthly game night (board games or trivia)
• Set up a regular coffee or lunch meetup with colleagues
• Stay in touch with college friends through group chats or meetups
• Attend at least one workplace or community event each month

Take Breaks

Remember to take breaks to protect your well-being. In college, breaks might have included borrowing a bike, stepping outside to the Medicine Garden, or attending a Cat Café or other fun student event. In a professional setting, these types of practices are just as important. Without planned pauses, burnout can happen quickly. Stepping away from your desk, getting fresh air, or having a quick social interaction can reset your energy and improve productivity.

• Personalize your workspace with uplifting items
• Practice mindfulness, or relaxation techniques
• Ask for help or support when needed
• Share ideas you enjoyed in college with coworkers
• Advocate for a healthy balance in your workplace
• Set boundaries for work hours to avoid burnout

Find Your Passion

Whatever hobby or habit gives you peace of mind or helps you recharge, continue to keep it in your home life and add it to your workplace after college too. These activities support your energy, focus, and overall well-being. Whether it’s being creative, staying active, or spending time with others, keeping these routines helps you stay grounded during life transitions.  Being intentional matters. Make space for your passions, invite others to join you, and bring that energy into your new environment. Over time, this creates a ripple effect that supports your own wellness while helping build a more positive, connected culture around you.

• Identify 1 or 2 hobbies or activities that help you recharge, add these to your weekly calendar
• Bring a small part of your hobby into your workspace (photos, supplies, reminders)
• Join a local club, class, or group related to your interest
• Invite a coworker or friend to try your hobby with you 
• Reflect monthly on how your passions support your energy and well-being
• Protect time for hobbies by setting boundaries around work and screen time

May we all carry peace forward for ourselves and for others. As you move into your career, seek out the activities and connections that make you feel energized, take them with you into new spaces and places, and share them openly. By doing so, you create a life that reflects what you learned at college, and how you want to live and work.

Resources to Explore

• City of Winnipeg Recreation Programs
• The Wellness Institute (Winnipeg)
• Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS Manitoba)
• Government of Canada – Workplace Mental Health Resources
• Workplace Mental Health
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Portions of this content were researched and summarized with the help of AI to enhance clarity and accuracy.