We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Search the:

Apply Donate Crisis Centre

Mental Health Week: May 1 - 7, 2023

Mental Health Week has become a Canadian tradition, with communities, schools and workplaces shining a spotlight on the importance of mental health. Thank you for everyone who participated in the week's events and activities!

A message on Mental Health from the President

Every Day in May Health Challenge:

The Every Day in May Health Challenge combines various healthy habits, such as physical activity, nutrition, water consumption, and self-care practices, into a fun, friendly competition between colleagues. Sign-up today for your chance to win prizes, while reaping the benefits of healthy habits and connecting with your team!

How to Sign-Up:
1. Form a Team:
- Ontario Tech employees will form teams of 4 to 7 people
- Come up with a Team Name
- Assign a Team Captain
2. Register/Sign-up your Team
- Team Captains, please visit the Every Day in May Registration Link to sign-up your team by Friday, May 5th
How does the challenge work?:
1. Participate in the Health Challenge

Using the Every Day in May Point Tracker, each team member will collect points for their team between May 1-31, by completing the following activities:
- Being physically active
- Consuming fruits/vegetables
- Drinking water
- Practicing self-care activities
- Weekly Bonus activity
  - Week 1: Attend the Mental Health Week Fairs on either May 2 (North Campus) or May 4 (Charles Hall)
  - Week 2: Attend a Campus Clean-Up Event on either May 9 (Charles Hall) or May 11 (North Campus/Windfields Farm)
  - Week 3: Sign up for the Mindful Digital Toolkit where you can access Mindful Meeting Starters (Reference Guide & Practices) and Mindful Self-Care Practices (Reference Guide & Practices) [Access coming soon!]
  - Week 4: Attend the Bio-Diversity Blitz on May 24 at Windfields Farm
  - Week 5: Visit the LifeWorks Essentials Platform App and review the available resources. Don't have access? Email: WellnessatWork@ontariotechu.ca
2. Submit your points weekly

Each team member is responsible for providing their weekly point total to their Team Captain.

Team Captains will use the Captain’s Tally Sheet to record their team member’s weekly point totals and then submit their team’s weekly total using the Captain’s Weekly Submission Link.

Submission dates are as follows:
- Week 1 (May 1-7), Submit by May 10
- Week 2 (May 8-14), Submit by May 17
- Week 3 (May 15-21), Submit by May 24
- Week 4 (May 22-28), Submit by May 31
- Week 5 (May 29-31), Submit by June 7
Are there prizes?

Yes! Beyond the fun of friendly competition and health benefits of participating in healthy habits, the prizes are as follows:
- Top 3 Teams with the most points (points will be averaged by the number of team members)
  - Team 1: FitBit Versa 2, water bottles, and drawstring bags
  - Team 2: FitBit Inspire 3, tumber with straw and drawstring bags
  - Team 3: Yoga mat, blocks & strap, tumbler, and drawstring bags
- Weekly Participation Prizes

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I determine the intensity of my physical activity into low, moderate, or vigorous?

Low: You can carry on a conversation easily, minimum increase to breathing and heart rate, think of a leisurely stroll
Moderate: May be difficult to carry on a conversation without becoming out of breath, breathing and heart rate increase, think of a brisk walk
Vigorous: Difficult to carry on a conversation, large increase in breathing and heart rate, your walk has become a run

2. I can’t find my physical or self-care activity in the drop-down lists, what should I do?

Please select the ‘other’ option at the end of the drop-down lists.

3. I completed two physical activity sessions in one day, how can I log this?

You’re welcome to combine the two physical activity sessions, here’s an example.
Walk at low intensity for 30 min: 1 x 40 = 40 points
Aerobics at moderate intensity for 20 min: 2 x 20 = 40 points
Log as aerobics at moderate intensity for 40 min to total 80 points

Note: The intensity level will multiply your physical activity minutes:

1. - 1. 1. Low = 1 x # of min
      2. Moderate = 2 x # of min
      3. Vigorous = 3 x # of min

Note: The maximum exercise time is 60 minutes, which includes situations when you're combining two physcial activity sessions. Here's an example.

Walk at moderate intensity for 50 min: 2 x 50 = 100 points
Aerobics at low intensity for 30 min: 1 x 10* = 10 points
*Can only log 10 minutes since the maximum physical activity time is 60 minutes
Log as walk at moderate intensity for 55 min: 2 x 55 = 110 points

4. If I eat 5 fruits or 5 vegetables, do I still get the points?

Yes, any combination of 5 fruits and/or vegetables works.

5. Does tea count toward my water intake?

No. Please only count water.

6. How long must the self-care activity be to get points?

There is no set time. Simply complete the activity.

7. I still have questions, who can I contact?

Please email WellnessatWork@ontariotechu.ca

May Health Week Activities

Mental Health Resources

Mindful Meeting Starters & Self-Care Practices
All Ontario Tech University Faculty and Staff will have 1-year (May 2023-2024) of complimentary access to the Mindful Society Global Institute's Mindful Meeting Starters and Mindful Self-Care Practices.
- Mindful Meeting Starters
  - Reference Guide
  - 8 Guided practices you can use to start meetings.
- Mindful Self-Care Practices
  - 2 Reference Guides
  - 8 Guided practices validated to support mental and emotional well-being.
Enroll now to receive complimentary access to this digital resource bundle!

Bonus Offering:

Do you want to learn more about how to apply mindfulness at work?

Register today for complimentary access to Applying Mindfulness at Work, an On-Demand 4-Module course available to all Ontario Tech University Faculty and Staff.

Education/Training Opportunities:

The Working Mind:

Gain knowledge to identify shifts in mental well-being in yourself and others while learning coping skills to manage stress. Increasing our awareness about mental health will help reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)

Mindsight:

Mindsight is an online educational resource to reduce stigma by promoting awareness of mental illness, and facilitating a greater understanding of basic strategies and resources for supporting individuals experience a mental health challenge.

REACH Guidelines for Employees supporting Colleagues:

As an Ontario Tech University employee, you’re in a key position to notice warning signs that may indicate that a colleague needs assistance. You do not need to be a counsellor/therapist to recognize the warning signs or to connect someone to support resources. All employees can use these guidelines to support their colleagues.

Essentials Platform:

Effective March 7th, all full time and limited term employees will be invited to join LifeWorks Essentials, an add-on to our existing LifeWorks EFAP program. LifeWorks Essentials provides an easy-to-use online platform and/or an app with tools to promote and support health and happiness! Check your Outlook inbox for your invite, with the message "Join Wellness at Work on LifeWorks" in the email subject line.

Additional Resources:

Library Guide: Mental Health Resources

How to Get Help: Access the support you need

Have questions or need more information about Mental Health Week?

Please email wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca

Mental Health Week: May 1 - 7, 2023

A message on Mental Health from the President

Every Day in May Health Challenge:

Are there prizes?

May Health Week Activities

Mental Health Resources

Bonus Offering: