Embracing All Dimensions of Well-being
Embedded within York’s Well-being Strategy, the events, activities and promotions taking place during Well-being Week mobilizes services and resources around York with the goal of helping students, staff, faculty and instructors flourish at school and at work. All members of the community are encouraged to participate in the various activities, hands-on workshops and learning experiences planned for Well-being Week.
From October 21 – 25, 2024, partners across York have coordinated interactive and engaging sessions surrounding the theme of Embracing All Dimensions of Well-being. This theme emphasizes York’s holistic approach to well-being, bringing attention to various aspects and forms of well-being.
The events offered during Fall Well-being Week are all free and include a mix of virtual and in-person offerings. Whether you’re a student, staff member or part of York’s faculty and instructor team, we hope to see you at Fall Well-being Week!
Well-being Week is sponsored by the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation.
Guide to the Six Dimensions of Well-being
Mental Well-being
Mental well-being recognizes the need to manage our thoughts, feelings and stressors. This includes nurturing curiosity, critical thinking and continuous learning to support personal growth and development.
Physical Well-being
Physical Well-being includes maintaining a healthy quality of life that allows you to get the most out of your daily activities without excessive fatigue or physical stress or impacting your physical safety.
Occupational Well-being
Occupational well-being means achieving a work/life balance that promotes health, personal satisfaction, growth and professional development
Financial Well-being
Financial well-being includes managing to comfortably meet your current financial commitments and basic needs now and in the future..
Spiritual & Cultural Well-being
Spiritual & cultural well-being means experiencing meaning and purpose in life through connectedness with self, others, arts, media, nature, faith or a power greater than yourself.
Social Well-being
Social well-being recognizes the need to share, develop and sustain meaningful relationships through involvement with each other and our communities.
Fall Well-being Week Schedule of Events and Activities
| Event Title | Event Description | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbourhood Exploration | Join our Neighbourhood Exploration to get off campus and explore the vibrant areas of Toronto as part of a walking tour. Discover new neighbourhoods, businesses, culture and architecture while becoming comfortable navigating the city’s public transit system. Don’t miss out on this adventure! This is a unique way to see new places and spend time outdoors while meeting new people. | Hosted by: York International Format: In-person Event Time: 1 – 5 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Mindful Monday | This session is designed to enhance mental and emotional well-being through mindfulness exercises. Students with benefit from reduced stress, improved focus and a greater sense of calm. | Hosted by: SCHW Markham, Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Event, Drop-in Location: Wellness Studio (Markham Campus) Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Drop-in |
| Financial Well-being | When you think of well-being, do you often overlook your financial well-being? Join us for a Well-being Week special podcast episode where Karen Warner, Manager of Scholarships and Bursaries at York University, talks with our host Susu B. about why financial health matters, too. Karen shares practical advice and resources to help students better manage their finances. By the end of the podcast, you’ll see how you can connect to various financial supports on campus to enhance your journey to well-being. | Hosted by: Well-being & YU Podcast Team Format: Podcast Location: N/A Time: N/A Intended Audience: Students Listen Now! |
| Virtual Speed Friending: Fostering Social Well-being | Participate in quick, meaningful conversations during our Speed Friending Rounds, where you’ll connect with other students in breakout rooms using conversation starters on personal interests, goals and stress management strategies. Afterward, participants will reflect on their experiences and share insights as a group. | Hosted by: Student Counselling, Health & Well-being Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Event Title | Event Description | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Well-being Tabling Glendon Campus | Join us for a Well-being Tabling event to explore a wide range of supports and services dedicated to enhancing the wellness of the York Community! This event brings together various campus and community partners, providing you with the opportunity to learn about the resources available to support your various well-being needs. | Hosted by: Community Partners Format: In-person Location: Centre of Excellence (Glendon Campus) Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Drop-in |
| Smoothies On-the-Go | Always on the go? Drop by for a fun and interactive how-to session on creating quick and nutritious smoothies for a busy lifestyle. We’ll be making some to taste and sharing recipes for you to keep making smoothies at home! These recipes are made to be packed with vitamins and nutrients that boost energy and support overall health. | Hosted by: Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Location: Markham Student Life Rm. 1015 (Markham Campus) Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Mindfulness & Stress Relief Workshop | Join the Student Counselling, Health and Well-being team for a Mindfulness and Stress Relief workshop! This session aims to focus on integrating mindfulness into your daily practice to aid in stress management through meditation practices, mindfulness resources, and a stress release stretch routing. | Hosted by: ACMAPS in collaboration with SCHW Format: In-person Location: Bennett Centre for Student Services – SCHW Rm. N110 (Keele Campus) Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Intended Audience: Mature Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Exploring Black Men’s Mental Health Challenges | This workshop will focus on the different challenges affecting Black men in our society, ranging from navigating societal expectations, to addressing men’s mental health topics. This workshop will be led by the Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) program, under the leadership of their Student Success Mentor Leads, and will be facilitated by Byron Gray, Manager of York University TD Community Engagement Centre. There will also be an honorary presence of Greg N. Leslie, a registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Consultant. | Hosted by: Black Excellence at York University (BE-YU) Format: In-person Location: Info provided at Registration (Keele Campus) Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Intended Audience: All students are welcome; Black males are encouraged to attend RSVP: Register Now |
| Key Behaviours of a Healthy Team | Understanding the key behaviours that contribute to a healthy team is essential for nurturing a cohesive, effective and healthy team environment, which in turn fosters a positive organizational culture. Research shows the importance of healthy teams and their positive impact on communication, trust and achieving shared goals. In this course, participants will learn and apply behaviours to advance healthy teams, using a variety of strategies and tools. | Hosted by: Organizational Learning and People Excellence (OLPE), Human Resources Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Intended Audience: Staff RSVP: Register Now |
| Well-Being Week Viral Cucumber Salad | Sometimes you just need to eat an entire cucumber. Come join us at the Dining Hall for a refreshing and healthy social activity during Well-Being Week! We’re excited to host a table with delicious ingredients to make your own cucumber salad. We supply the ingredients, you assemble and shake it up! | Hosted by: Food Services / YU Eats Format: In-person Event Location: Glendon Dining Hall (Glendon Campus) Time: noon – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Event Title | Event Description | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Empowering Health and Wellness: The Well-being Strategy Launch featuring Georgette Reed | Join us online for the highly anticipated launch of our Campus Well-being Strategy, a comprehensive initiative designed to promote health and wellness throughout our University community. This virtual event is a key milestone in our commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving campus environment. We are thrilled to welcome Georgette Reed, a certified track & conditioning coach, former Olympian, health & wellness, mental health and productivity expert with 43 years of experience. Georgette will share the positive lessons, values and virtues of sport through relevant and humorous anecdotes in an inspirational and genuinely enthusiastic and optimistic manner. Sponsored by the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation | Hosted by: Well-being Strategy Team Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Creating Balance in Your Life | In today’s environment of competing demands, relentless commitments and consistent feelings of shortage of time, balance often does not come easily or naturally. A conscious effort, deep commitment and clear priorities are required to create and protect one’s sense of balance. This seminar will help participants explore how their current choices impact their work-life satisfaction and help them to develop strategies to achieve a greater balance in life. | Hosted by: Community Partners Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Coffee Break | Take a break from your studies at our weekly hangout. Drop in for as little or as long as you’d like — relax, recharge and reconnect with your peers in a casual, fun setting. Enjoy coffee while sharing stories, learning from each other and engaging in friendly conversations and activities. Come for the good vibes and stay for the meaningful connections! | Hosted by: York International Format: In-person, Drop-in Location: York Lanes Rm. 280N (Keele Campus) Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Drop-in |
| Teaching Kitchen: No bake energy bites | Looking to boost your brain health through food? You’ve come to the right place! Join us for an exciting and interactive Teaching Kitchen event at Glendon Campus! Learn how to make delicious no-bake energy bites with Fair Trade ingredients. Our executive chef and dietitian will guide you through the entire process, sharing their tips and tricks along the way. During this in-person event, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and enhance your culinary skills. Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors as you prepare easy and packed-with-energy bites. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their culinary prowess. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, have fun, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts. | Hosted by: Food Services, YU Eats Format: In-person Location: Glendon Dining Hall (Glendon Campus) Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Well-Being Week Viral Cucumber Salad | Sometimes you just need to eat an entire cucumber. Come join us at the Dining Hall for a refreshing and healthy social activity during Well-Being Week! We’re excited to host a table with delicious ingredients to make your own cucumber salad. We supply the ingredients, you assemble and shake it up! | Hosted by: Food Services, YU Eats Format: In-person Location: Stong Dining Hall (Keele Campus) Time: noon – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| How to Eat on a Budget | This workshop is designed to empower participants with tips and strategies for maintaining a nutritious diet without breaking the bank. Learn about budget-friendly meal planning, shopping smart, and preparing delicious, healthy meals at home. | Hosted by: Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Location: Student Life Rm. 1015 (Markham Campus) Time: 1 – 2 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Building Resiliency and Mental Health in the Workplace | Join us for a workshop on building resiliency and mental health in the workplace and beyond. This interactive session will provide practical strategies to strengthen emotional resilience, manage stress, and foster a better professional environment. Learn how to navigate challenges and promote well-being and create a culture of resilience that empowers you to thrive. | Hosted by: Harriett Brempong Format: In-person, Drop-in Location: Room MK2050 (Markham Campus) Time: 11 a.m. – noon Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Drop-in |
| Boundaries Workshop | Join us for a workshop on how to manage setting boundaries in your relationships with others. Boundary issues arise in all relationships, and if handled poorly, can lead to conflict, or even the end of relationships. This workshop will define and discuss boundaries, and then review strategies for navigating tricky issues in all of your relationships (family, friends, romantic, etc.). | Hosted by: SCHW Markham Format: In-person, Drop-in Location: Room MK2050 (Markham Campus) Time: noon – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Drop-in |
| Women’s Self-defense workshop | In this 2-hour introductory Wen-Do Women’s Self Defence workshop, participants will learn simple, effective physical and verbal self-defence skills, develop their ability to recognize and deal with threatening situations, share inspiring real-life stories of resistance, and have a lot of fun in the process. Women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, with and without disabilities, cis and trans women, are welcome to attend. | Hosted by: Glendon Athletic Club Format: In-person Location: Glendon Athletic Club (Glendon Campus) Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Intended Audience: York community members identifying as women RSVP: Register Now |
| Virtual Desk Stretch with SCHW | Take a break from your studies and join us for a rejuvenating Virtual Desk Stretch Event! In collaboration with Student Counselling, Health and Well-being, this online session is designed specifically for students to help alleviate the physical strain of long hours spent studying and attending online classes. Our experienced instructor will lead you through a series of easy-to-follow stretches and exercises that can be done right at your desk. No special equipment or attire is needed—just a comfortable chair and a willingness to move! This event is perfect for students looking to incorporate more movement into their day, reduce stress, and promote a healthier study-life balance. | Hosted by: ACMAPS in partnership with SCHW Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: noon – 12:30 p.m. Intended Audience: Mature Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Pop Up Advising Fair | Find the answers to your questions about OSAP, degree requirements, study permit, career pathways, getting into Law School or Graduate Studies and more by connecting with our advising experts, all in one place. Get your questions answered and the support you need to help you map out your path for success. | Hosted by: Student Advising Format: In-person Event, Drop-in Location: Vari Hall (Keele) and Centre of Excellence (Glendon) Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Drop-in |
| Event Title | Event Description | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Well-being Tabling Markham Campus | Join us for a Well-being Tabling event to explore a wide range of supports and services dedicated to enhancing the wellness of the York Community! This event brings together various campus and community partners, providing you with the opportunity to learn about the resources available to support your various well-being needs. | Hosted by: Community Partners Format: In-person Event, Drop In Location: 1st Floor Lobby (Markham Campus) Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Drop-in |
| Trail Mix and Microbreaks | Learn easy stretches to help reduce stiffness and improve comfort after a long day of sitting in a chair. In part two of this interactive session, you’ll create your own custom trail mix from a variety of healthy ingredients. | Hosted by: Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Event Location: Markham Student Life Rm. 1015 (Markham Campus) Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Well-being Week Art Exhibition | This art exhibit emphasizes and advocates for the importance and diversity of well-being practices, as well as the connection between well-being, art and expression. The exhibition will give attendees a space to reflect, be mindful, be empathetic towards themselves and others, and give artists a space to express themselves and be supported and celebrated. Community members will be given an opportunity submit their art for adjudication, prizes of $300, $200 & $100 will be given to top 3 winners. Sponsored by the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation. | Hosted by: Faculty of Health: Camulet & Stong Colleges Format: In-person Event, Drop-in Location: Samuel J. Zacks Gallery, Stong College Rm. 109 (Keele Campus) Time: 4 – 7 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community Calls for Proposals Reception Information |
| Connection Café -Therapy Dogs and Sensory friendly crafting | Join us for a time of sensory-friendly crafting and therapy dogs! Hosted by Community Placement Students with Student Accessibility Services. Sponsored by the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation | Hosted by: Student Accessibility Services Format: In-person Event, Drop-in Location: Winters Senior Common Room (Keele Campus) Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Drop-In |
| 3×3 Basketball | Get ready for a slam-dunk experience at the Glendon Athletic Club’s Student 3×3 Basketball Event! Challenge yourself and your friends to a thrilling game of 3×3 basketball, where skill and teamwork take center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a rookie, this event is your chance to showcase your talents, make new friends and immerse yourself in the exciting world of basketball. The atmosphere will be buzzing with music to keep the energy high, with delicious food to fuel your competitive spirit and exciting prizes up for grabs! It’s not just a game — it’s an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, laughter and the joy of the game. | Hosted by: Glendon Athletic Club Format: In-person Event Location: Glendon Athletic Club (Glendon Campus) Time: 5 – 7 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Black Men’s Grooming in Focus: Past, Present & Future | Join us as we explore Black men’s grooming and its evolution. Has Black men’s grooming evolved? If so, is this a good thing? And what might Black men’s grooming look like in the future? These are some of the questions we will explore as we seek to connect the past, present and future with Black men’s grooming in focus. This workshop will be led by the male Student Success Mentor Leads in the Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) program. | Hosted by: Black Excellence at York University (BE-YU) Format: In-person Event Location: Info provided at Registration (Keele Campus) Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: All students are welcome; Black males are encouraged to attend RSVP: Register Now |
| Art Therapy | Join us for a relaxing Art Therapy session where creativity meets healing. No experience is needed—just bring an open mind! All materials provided. This session’s activity will be creating cool designs with clay! | Hosted by: Community Support & Services Format: In-person Event Location: Info provided at Registration (Keele Campus) Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Well-Being Week Viral Cucumber Salad | Sometimes you just need to eat an entire cucumber. Come join us at the Dining Hall for a refreshing and healthy social activity during Well-Being Week! We’re excited to host a table with delicious ingredients to make your own cucumber salad. We supply the ingredients, you assemble and shake it up! | Hosted by: Food Services / YU Eats Format: In-person Event Location: Winters Dining Hall (Keele Campus) Time: noon – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: Students RSVP: Register Now |
| Event Title | Event Description | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Meditation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation | Join us for a calming session that combines a guided mediation with progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Learn how to release tension and promote relaxation through mindful breathing and gentle muscle engagement. | Hosted by: Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Event Location: JD Wellness Studio (Markham Campus) Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| Well-being Tabling Keele Campus | Join us for a Well-being Tabling event to explore a wide range of supports and services dedicated to enhancing the wellness of the York Community! This event brings together various campus and community partners, providing you with the opportunity to learn about the resources available to support your various well-being needs. | Hosted by: Community Partners Format: In-person Event, Drop-in Location: Vari Hall (Keele Campus) Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Drop-in |
| Speed Painting: Fall Foliage! | Take a break, decompress and take part in this self-care-oriented workshop! Speed Painting is a calm and easy way to learn the methods for making a painting and also about the significance of these methods. Together, we’ll make beautiful paintings to welcome fall. | Hosted by: Faculty of Health: Camulet & Stong Colleges Format: In-person Event, Drop-in Location: Stong College Rm. 101 (Keele Campus) Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now |
| York Lions Men’s Hockey | Feeling a sense of belonging at a school or workplace boasts many benefits for our overall well-being, and attending a sporting event with friends and colleagues is a fantastic opportunity to connect in a fun and energetic environment to help achieve this. Join us in cheering on your York Lions men’s hockey team on Friday, October 25 in this daytime event. York vs. Toronto at Canlan Arena. Puck-drop at noon! York students are free to attend all Lions home events — Simply show your YU-card at the door! | Hosted by: Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Event Location: Canlan Arena (Keele Campus) Time: noon – 2 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now Students are FREE, contact Kelly Chen chkelly@yorku.ca if you’re staff/faculty |
| York Lions Basketball Home Opener | Feeling a sense of belonging at a school or workplace boasts many benefits for our overall well-being, and attending a sporting event with friends and colleagues is a fantastic opportunity to connect in a fun and energetic environment to help achieve this. Join us in cheering on your York Lions varsity basketball teams on Friday, October 25 at these evening events! York vs. Laurier at Tait McKenzie. Tip-off times: Women @ 6 p.m., Men @ 8 p.m.! These are our basketball home openers and will feature extra promotions including free giveaways and in-game contests. York students are free to attend all Lions home events — Simply show your YU-card at the door! | Hosted by: Athletics & Recreation Format: In-person Event Location: Tait McKenzie Centre (Keele Campus) Time: 6 – 10 p.m. Intended Audience: York Community RSVP: Register Now Students are FREE, contact Kelly Chen chkelly@yorku.ca if you’re staff/faculty |
| Managing the People Side of Change | The discipline of change management is well practiced in organizations today. Successful organizational change is rooted in the ability to facilitate individual change one person at a time. In the current context of constant change, people managers need change management knowledge and skills to ensure they lead their teams towards adaptive and constructive change when change is expected and when it’s not. This session features certified change management practitioners and leaders who share the highest standards in change management methods and the skills and tools needed to apply to the people side of change. | Hosted by: Organizational Learning and People Excellence (OLPE), Human Resources Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: 10 a.m. – noon Intended Audience: Managers Only RSVP: Register Now |
| Navigating the Ontario Healthcare System Webinar | Join us for this bilingual event to find out how to optimize your visits to the doctor or hospital with your UHIP or OHIP card and see a demo of online resources to support your healthcare navigation. | Hosted by: York International Format: Virtual Event Location: Online Time: 10 a.m. – noon Intended Audience: International students, trainees and visiting scholars RSVP: Register Now |
| Event Title | Event Description | Event Details |
|---|---|---|
| Well-being Week Exclusive: Beetlejuice Smoothie | Try our delicious Beetlejuice Smoothie for just $6.99, all week long! Ingredients: Strawberries, apple, spinach, basil, beets | Available in-person at Stong, Winters and Glendon Dining Halls. Brought to you by Food Services / YU Eats. |
| Wellness Week activities at kiosk with peer mentor team | Students are invited to pass by the kiosk at the Centre of Excellence all week long to participate in wellness activities led by the GL Zone peer mentor team | In-person. Drop by the Centre of Excellence (Glendon Campus). 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily Brought to you by the Glendon Office of Student Affairs / GL Zone Peer Mentor Team. |
| Drop-in Recreational Programming, Group Classes & Seminars | Check out the various drop-in recreation programs, seminars, and classes for your wellness that are offered by York University Athletics and Recreation. — Dance, including Mindful Dance, a unique blend of mindfulness and dance with Bollywood, Jazz Funk, or Hip Hop, Afro-Dance, a blend of various West African dances and high-intensity interval training; Contemporary Dance, beginner-friendly dance class where your expression unfolds; Bollywood with the joy of Bollywood dance combined with a full-body workout, and; Zumba. — Skin Care Seminar on connection between diet and skin health, and learn holistic approaches to clearing and preventing acne. — Yoga & Meditation including Intro to Pranayama, Balanced Yoga, Power Yoga and a Yoga Retreat. — Marital Arts including Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. — Fitness sessions such as Boot Camp and Spin. | Brought to you by Athletics & Recreation. Dates and times vary. For full schedules and details visit the York Lions – Recreation website. |