As we move out of the festive season and back into our routines, staying connected is key to feeling your best. That’s why MindWell’s February theme is Social Health.

This isn’t about “networking” or awkward ice-breakers. MindWell is focusing on what truly matters: how to feel heard, how to support those around you, and how to build relationships that energize rather than drain you.

Staff and students can set up their free MindWell account here.

What’s on offer this month?

Warm Up from Within: A Mindful Winter Reset Cooking Workshop

Often we’re told that success depends on independence and self-discipline. In reality, real growth is fundamentally fueled by connection, a vital need for every person.

In this session, new MindWell speaker Samir Mourani will share how strengthening social well-being can not only improve relationships, but also influence how you show up at work, manage stress, and see yourself.

Samir will offer practical insights he has learned to help you create deeper, more meaningful connections without forcing small talk or pretending to be someone you’re not.

You’ll walk away with simple ways to build genuine relationships, strengthen your sense of belonging, and boost your overall happiness. Because feeling connected isn’t just good for the heart; it’s fuel for the whole human experience.

Tuesday, February 10th at 12 pm CST. Register here.

Cultivating Compassionate Connections

Explore mindfulness principles and practices that enhance trust, empathy, improve communication, and build more meaningful relationships with those around you.

Wednesdays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Pilates: Posture & Body Language

Whether it’s about making a first impression, or showing signs of our mood or mental state, our posture and body language can have an impact on our social interactions.

Through the Pilates principles and technique, you will learn how to find your ideal posture to convey a sense of confidence and a positive attitude to help you manage your social interactions.

Thursdays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Speak & Listen with Ease

Discover how mindful breathing cultivates a grounded presence in every interaction, enhancing your ability to speak and listen with clarity. Learn to navigate conversations, recognize triggers, and respond with greater patience and empathy.

Fridays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Bell Let’s Talk Day (January 21, 2026) is a day dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada by promoting awareness, acceptance, and action in mental health. The theme for 2026 is taking a moment for mental health. The Campus Well Being team encourages staff and students to prioritize mental health and give mental health the moment it deserves by:

• taking moments to take care of and be in tune with your own mental health
• taking moments to reach out to those around you, caring for their mental health
• taking moments to recognize the importance of talking about mental health to reduce stigma

One way we can start to prioritize mental health is by recognizing stigma still exists and often talking about mental health can be difficult. To create a safe space for those you care about to discuss mental health issues without being stigmatizing it can be helpful to consider the language we use.

Person First Language

Person first language focuses on the individual while putting less emphasis on the illness, disability or condition. Using it can help to show respect for the individual as a person. A great example of this is “a person who lives with depression” rather than “a depressed person”.

Here are some other examples of language choices for discussing mental health issues (Bell Let’s Talk Conversation Guide, 2024)

Do you want to learn more about Bell Let’s Talk Day and how you can take a moment for mental health? On January 21, 2026, you can find the Campus Well Being team at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses with great information and resources, Bell Let’s Talk Day Swag, and some special guests…the SJA Therapy Dogs!

NDC – T Building Common Space, 11 am to 1 pm

EDC – Atrium, 11 am to 1 pm

Sources:

letstalk.bell.ca

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Looking for engaging, hands-on fun for your 6–12-year-old on upcoming in-service days? We’ve got you covered! Our energetic camp leaders are running three themed day camps packed with activities, special guests, recreation, and plenty of creativity. Only 15 spots per day— secure your child’s spot here. 

Upcoming In-Service Day Camp Dates: 

• February 2nd: 
  Campers will dive into hands-on activities, an interactive workshop with Teacher Education students, a media experience, and a Bricks 4 Kidz visit—plus lots of time for games and active fun. 

• March 20th: 
  Campers will enjoy games, recreational activities, and hands-on building challenges, with a special interactive engineering workshop led by Engineering for Kids. 

• April 10th: 
  Campers will explore animal health through hands-on activities, a tour of Veterinary Technology spaces, making dog treats, and meeting animal ambassadors from Wildlife Haven. 
   

In-Service Day Camps cost $40/day 

Important Information: 

What to bring 

• Bag lunch & snacks (nut-free) 

• Re-fillable water bottle 

• Indoor shoes 

Drop-off and Pick-up 

Camp programming runs from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM 

Drop-off: between 8:00-9:00 AM 

Pick-up: between 3:30-4:30 PM 

Register Here 

Start the new year by putting your well-being first with the MindWell Take 5 Challenge launching January 7, 2026 and ending February 11, 2026.

This simple and supportive challenge invites you to spend just five minutes per day focusing on your mental wellness through small, meaningful practices that fit into real life. With over 30 short lessons, you’ll build consistency, explore new ways to care for your mental health, and reconnect with what helps you feel grounded – all alongside a community taking the journey with you.

Five minutes a day can make a powerful difference.

How to participate:

1. Set up your free MindWell account with your RRC email.
2. Complete the Take 5 daily lessons before February 11, 2026
3. Download your Take 5 certificate and email Kelly Giddings (kgiddings@rrc.ca) to be entered to win 1 of 5 wellness themed prizes!

Email Kelly with any questions!

This winter, borrow a pair of Campus Well-Being’s snowshoes to explore some of Winnipeg’s trails and Manitoba parks.

Similar to our summer bike loan program, pop by the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours to request a pair and fill out the waiver.

For the snowshoes, you may borrow for short-term bookings i.e. overnight or over a weekend (4 days maximum).

Like our bikes, the snowshoes also have some fun animal-themed names, this time in Ojibway and provided by Elder Paul.

• Wabshki-Mukwa (Polar Bear) (Large, People 5’8” to 6’0” and up )
• Miiegun (Wolf)  (Large, People 5’8” to 6’0” and up )
• Pisew (Lynx) (Small, People 5’0” to 5’7”)
• Waboose (Rabbit) (Small, People 5’0” to 5’7”)

Each user receiving a pair of snowshoes will be responsible for:

• Keeping them secure in the provided carrying case
• Trekking safely and lawfully
• Returning them in a timely manner
• Enjoying Manitoba’s beautiful outdoor spaces in winter

Yoga is a powerful and accessible way for college students and staff to care for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially during busy days.

At RRC Polytech, yoga is offered as a welcoming pause in the middle of the day: a chance to step away from screens, deadlines, and stress, and reconnect with your body and breath. Our lunch-hour yoga classes are open to all levels of experience, whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to a familiar practice. Mats and blocks are provided, so all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to try something new.

Research shows that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and mood, support physical strength and mobility, while encouraging emotional balance. These benefits are especially meaningful in a college environment, where mental load and long hours can take a toll.

Our current offerings reflect this holistic approach to well-being. Both instructors create inclusive, supportive classes that emphasize mindful movement, breath awareness, and accessibility.

• Monday Hatha Yoga with Philip Rosario, in-person only at the Exchange District Campus downtown.
• Wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga with Jaimie Bristow, in-person, live streamed and recorded at the Notre Dame Campus.

Whether you’re looking to manage stress, move your body gently, improve focus, or simply take a mindful break at lunch, our college yoga classes offer a supportive space to prioritize your well-being, on and off the mat.

Monday Hatha Yoga with Philip Rosario

Meet Philip Rosario, your Monday Hatha Yoga instructor at EDC downtown. Teaching since 2015, Philip brings a calm, welcoming style that makes yoga accessible for beginners and experienced students alike. His classes focus on steady movement, breath, and mindful pauses that help students and staff slow down, manage stress, and reset during busy college weeks.

With experience teaching across Winnipeg in studios, community spaces, schools, and workplaces, Philip’s approach is inclusive and trauma-informed. Drawing from Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative practices, his classes support mental health, focus, and overall well-being, offering students a supportive space to recharge, breathe, and feel more balanced.

Wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga with Jaimie Bristow

Take a midweek pause with Wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga, designed to support your mental and physical well-being. Led by Jaimie Bristow, this class blends slow, mindful movement with conscious breath to help ease tension, improve focus, and restore balance. Gentle Flow is accessible for all levels and perfect for students and staff looking for a calming, supportive practice.

Attend in person, join the live stream, or access the recorded class, whatever fits your schedule. This flexible, inclusive yoga experience offers a steady reset for your body and mind during the week.

Further Reading

• Harvard Health – Yoga for better mental health
• Healthline – Yoga for stress relief and anxiety management
• National Holistic Health Partners (NHPC) – Research on yoga benefits
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – 9 Benefits of Yoga
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Yoga for Health: What the Science Says

Campus Well Being is launching the MindWell Take 5 challenge on January 7, 2026.

Set up your MindWell account today and get ready to Take 5 in 2026!

A new year is just around the corner, and January at MindWell is all about helping you step into 2026 feeling energized, grounded, and ready for what’s ahead. MindWell is kicking off the year with classes designed to warm up your body, reset your focus, and help you reconnect with healthy routines after the holidays. Register or log on to your free MindWell account here.

What’s on offer?

Warm Up from Within: A Mindful Winter Reset Cooking Workshop

As New Year’s resolutions take hold, discover a more subtle and sustainable path to well-being that goes beyond crowded gyms and strict diets. This workshop is dedicated to nourishing your body from within through whole foods.

You will learn to curb sugar cravings and gently reset from holiday indulgences with dishes like:

• A versatile Vegetarian Green Curry (complete with a Curry Chart for endless combinations!)
• Homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip “Mookies” – your new favourite grab-and-go snack or meal replacement.

Plus, access a comprehensive recipe booklet featuring charts and simple nourishment suggestions to help you rebalance your energy, restore your digestion, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm all winter long.

*All recipes are gluten and dairy-free and easily adaptable with your protein of choice.

Tuesday January 20th at 12 pm CST. Register here.

New Year, Aligned You

This isn’t just a class; it’s an intentional reset for your entire being. Integrate mindful breathing, gentle strength-building, and reflective pauses to tune your body and mind into the same rhythm. Step away with renewed energy and a clear sense of direction for the year ahead.

Fridays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Pilates for Spontaneous Zest

Joseph Pilates believed that physical fitness was the first requisite of happiness. In this class, you will explore invigorating Pilates Mat exercises that engage the muscles and invigorate the mind to help you feel moments of ‘spontaneous zest and pleasure’ as Joseph Pilates describes in his book.

Thursdays at 11 am. Register here.

Mindful Movement & Vitality

Discover how mindful practices can deepen your connection to your body, and tap into greater awareness, knowledge and wisdom. We’ll also learn techniques to integrate awareness into your daily physical activities, enhancing well-being from the inside out.

Wednesday at 11 am CST. Register here.

Life moves fast. Many of us juggle school, work, relationships, and self-care while running on empty. In her energizing podcast episode Tiny Fixes for a Tired Life, Mel Robbins shares seven simple, science-backed habits that can quickly recharge our mind, body and spirit. The tools Mel describes are small, consistent shifts in our daily routines. Here’s how we can create momentum, one powerful habit at a time.

Replay the Good Stuff

Scrolling through our smartphone’s pictures of loved ones, memories and happy activities ignites a spark of happiness when we feel stressed. This activity also makes us realize we have a community around us. This tiny action inspires nostalgia, pumps up our endorphins and lowers our stress hormones.

Create a Club Night Kitchen

Every time you enter the kitchen to prepare a meal, feed a pet, set the table, pack lunch or wash the dishes, turn on a feel-good playlist. Adding energetic music that encourages dancing and singing, swaying and vibing, snaps us into the present moment and fills us with joy.

Learn People’s First Names

Try to learn people’s first names and use their names whenever interacting with them. This small task sends the message that the person matters and we notice them. By noticing others, we switch out of our own possible weariness to focus on someone else.

Show Up

Reach out to console, listen to or support a friend or family member, even when you yourself may not be at your best. This simple act is about love for another person. Showing up to offer connection and support through our own troubled times, shifts our energy as well.

Cheer People’s Wins

Celebrate other people’s good news. Instead of seeing their wins as our losses or getting caught in comparison, we can feel pride, shared success and happiness when other people do well.

Be An Eight-Minute Friend

In our hectic, task-filled lives, we often feel more time will clear up in the future so that we can catch up with our friends. Sadly that may not happen. Instead, this tiny habit comes encourages us to use the time between appointments or errands to quickly check in on a friend. We seize the in-between moments, letting our friends and family know we care about them now.

Go on an Awe Walk

Take three minutes outside to find something that makes you feel an “awwww” moment. The dancing of popular tree leaves, a building with beautiful architecture, a tree that stands the test of time, a mural or bird. Open your mind to the world around and feel that sense of awe.

May we practice some of these tiny habits to reconnect with ourselves, our environment and the people we love. Small actions like cheering someone’s win, dancing in the kitchen or noticing a tree’s quiet beauty anchor us in the present and remind us of what matters. By choosing even one tiny fix, we reclaim energy, spread kindness, and grow resilience. Let these moments build and watch your tired-feeling life transform into one filled with meaning, joy and connection.

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a time when pausing, reconnecting, and grounding ourselves can make a meaningful difference in how we feel and move through daily life. Staff can access their free MindWell account here.

This month at MindWell, the theme is Environmental Health, focusing on how our surroundings and routines support well-being. We invite you to join December’s live sessions designed to help create supportive environments at home, at work, and in community:

What’s on offer?

Medicine Wheel: Connecting with Friends and Family

This workshop explores the Medicine Wheel for reflection and connection. Through mindful breathwork, learn to foster deeper connections with yourself, your friends, and your family, enriching your relationships this season.

One-time 45-minute session

Tuesday, December 9th at 12 pm CST. Register here.

Winter Wellness: The Power of Light

During the colder, darker months, our connection to nature often fades, yet light and soil exposure remain essential for mental and emotional well-being.

This class explores how reconnecting with natural elements, even in winter, can boost mood, improve sleep, and increase vitality. Discover small, practical ways to bring nature back into your daily routine.

Wednesdays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Pilates: Your Body, Your Home: A Mindful Cleanse

Joseph Pilates wisely noted that our body is the one true home we inhabit throughout life, deserving of our utmost care.

This class integrates focused breathwork and core-strengthening exercises to align and balance your physique. Learn mindful daily habits to cleanse and maintain your body’s well-being, fostering a deeper connection to your internal environment.

Thursdays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Your Space, Your Energy. Discover how your physical surroundings, whether at home or work, impact focus, stress, and well-being. Learn simple adjustments to make your environment more calming and nourishing.

Fridays at 11 am CST. Register here.

Exam season can be busy and challenging as final projects, studying, and expectations all come together. It can be a lot to manage. But managing during exams isn’t just about memorizing content or long study hours. It’s about taking care of your mental wellness so you can think clearly, stay focused and feel grounded. Here are some ideas on how to navigate exams with both academic success and your well-being in mind.

Protect your sleep – it’s part of studying

Sleep is not a luxury during exam season – it is essential. Memory, concentration, decision making, and stress tolerance all depend on it. Aim for consistent sleep hours, 7-9 hours of rest, and try to avoid all-nighters. Remember, your brain does not store information well when it’s exhausted!

Nourish your body to support your mind

Your brain needs fuel to stay sharp and function properly. Support your studying with balanced meals, quick energizing snacks and plenty of water. Hydration is important for reducing headaches, fatigue and balancing your mood.

Stay Connected

Exam periods can feel isolating, but keeping connected is a powerful stress reducer. Some ideas to try are joining a study group, reaching out to classmates, or talking to a friend. Some students may find the Peer Support team to be helpful as they are trained to listen without judgement and help students find their own solutions to managing exam stress.

Access Campus Supports Early

You don’t have to wait until you are overwhelmed or at risk of poor grades to ask for help. Reaching out can make a big difference in how you experience the exam period. There are many campus supports available to all RRC Polytech students.

• Academic Success Centre
• Accessibility Services
• Peer Support
• Counselling

Remember! Success in exams is more than grades—it’s about taking care of your mind and body so you can show up as your best self. With thoughtful planning, balanced habits, and the support of your campus community, you can move through exam season with confidence and resilience.