During Thrive Week, Student Health and Wellness is inviting students, staff, and faculty to take part in a 5-Day Mindfulness Challenge.

This challenge introduces evidence-based mindfulness tools designed to support stress management, focus, and overall well-being. Each day, participants will receive one mindfulness activity by email that can be completed on their own time. Activities are brief, accessible, and intended to fit into daily routines.

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, including thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, with openness and without judgment. By building awareness in this way, individuals can better recognize habitual patterns, respond more intentionally, and support their overall well-being.

The goal of this five-day challenge is to help participants explore mindfulness in a practical, manageable way, whether they are new to mindfulness or looking to refresh an existing practice.

The challenge is open to all members of the Lakehead community. Participants who complete the challenge will be entered into a draw to win this year’s Thrive Basket.

As part of National Non-Smoking Week, Lakehead University is partnering with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to host a Quit / Don’t Start Challenge for the Lakehead community.

This five-day challenge runs Monday to Friday and encourages participants to avoid smoking, vaping, and other tobacco or nicotine products. Whether you are working toward quitting, cutting back, or choosing not to start, the challenge offers a short, supportive opportunity to reflect on habits and try something different for the week.

The challenge is open to all members of the Lakehead community. Participants who sign up will receive a brief daily check-in email with encouragement, reminders, and resources throughout the week.

Participants who avoid tobacco and nicotine products for the full week will be entered into a draw to win a $200 gift card. All other participants will be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card.

Swing by and grab everything you need to get through exam season! The Student Success Centre is handing out Exam Kits packed with helpful study and wellness supplies, and Student Health & Wellness has put together Take-and-Make Soup Kits to help you stay fuelled during busy days.

The meal kits are made possible through generous donations from Alumni & Friends via Lakehead’s Food Security Committee.

Drop in, stock up, and set yourself up for a smoother exam period. Available first-come, first-served. 

Find Your Balance with Wolfie!

Exams are tough, even for Wolfie. Student Health and Wellness is teaming up with him to tackle the exam season together.

From December 3 to 14, follow along on Instagram as Wolfie takes on different healthy habits to stay balanced, from fueling up with good food to catching enough sleep and managing stress.

Each day brings a new post and a new chance to help Wolfie out. Engage with the daily quiz, poll, or question for a chance to win a $50 gift card, with one student winner per campus.

To participate, follow @lakeheadlife or @lakeheadlifeor on Instagram.

Take a breather before exam season and drop by Festivus- a fun, low-pressure way to relax, recharge, and connect with other Thunderwolves before the final stretch.

Expect a mix of light-hearted activities inspired by classic Festivus traditions (like the Airing of Grievances and Serenity Now snow globe-making), plus plenty of other creative stations, cozy vibes, and snacks. 

This event is facilitated by the Lakehead Student Appreciation Committee.

Join Student Health and Wellness for live, counsellor-led mindful meditation sessions every Wednesday in SAS sensory room (off the SAS Multi Use Access Lounge- SC 0004).

No experience necessary – whether you are new to mindfulness or practice regularly, having the support of a group can help strengthen your practice.

Open to all Lakehead students, staff and faculty.

Kick off the winter semester with the Thaw Out Challenge, a flexible movement challenge designed to help you shake off the cold, boost your energy, and get back into a routine. Your goal: move your body on 21 out of 28 days between January 12 and February 8.

Walk, skate, stretch, lift, dance in your kitchen, ski across campus, it all counts. The goal is to build momentum, find your stride, and support your well-being through the coldest part of the semester.

After registering, you’ll receive a link to join our Strava Club, where you can track your activities, share your progress, and cheer on your fellow Thunderwolves. We’ll also post updates and encouragement throughout the challenge to help you stay motivated.

The Thaw Out Challenge is open to current students, incoming students, staff, faculty, and alumni from both campuses.Students who complete the challenge will get some Lakehead swag.

Warm up your winter, one movement at a time.

Give Yourself a Wellbeing Boost This Winter

The winter break is the perfect time to focus on you. Sign up for the Winter WellU Wishlist and get evidence-based wellness tips delivered straight to your inbox to help you recharge, reset, and feel your best for the new year.

From December 15 to January 4, you will receive 12 emails with practical ideas to support your wellbeing, one at a time over the break.

Open to all members of the Lakehead community.

Visit the Lakehead Fresh Market and stock up on fresh produce right on campus! The market is cashless and open to everyone in the Lakehead community, so remember to bring your own bag. Students experiencing food insecurity can also pick up discount coupons from the LUSU Food Resource Centre (UC2014b) to use at the market on Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

This event is a collaboration between Conference Services, Aramark, Student Health and Wellness, and the Food Resource Centre, working together to make healthy food more accessible for our campus community.