SparkX Micro Session Series
One-hour, virtual micro sessions offered every third Thursday of the month.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
PROFESSIONALISM IN THE WORKPLACE
People form judgments about others in the workplace based on behaviour, attitude, speech, and appearance. The impressions that individuals communicate to others (positive or negative) can help move them ahead professionally, or can slow down their career progress and even create conflict in the workplace. This session will give participants an understanding of the importance of professional behaviour in the workplace and what it involves.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, February 20, 2025 | Virtual |
STRESS BUSTERS
When stressors overwhelm us, effective techniques can help to bring us back to equilibrium. This session will explore all aspects of the stress response, focusing on practical tips and tools to bring us to optimal stress levels, thereby helping to maximize our energy and performance.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, March 20, 2025 | Virtual |
BUILDING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Emotional intelligence involves understanding yourself (goals, intentions, emotions, and responses) as well as recognizing and managing the emotions of others. This involves a level of self-mastery (self-awareness and self-regulation) and social intelligence (empathy and social skill). Managing emotions so they are expressed appropriately and effectively, and enabling people to work together smoothly toward their common goals, are key to building success in the workplace. This session will review some important strategies to help develop emotional intelligence.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| April 17, 2025 | Virtual |
Understanding Anxiety and Depression
Mental health problems are an increasing concern in workplaces. Participants will gain an understanding of two of the most common mental health concerns, anxiety and depression. This session will provide strategies for regulating one’s emotions and tips for supporting others who may be experiencing difficulties.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2025 | Virtual |
Beyond Stigma: Increasing Our Understanding of Mental Health in the Workplace
In today’s society, there remains a lack of awareness, and sometimes bias, regarding mental health problems. This wellness session will assist participants in enhancing their understanding of the personal and environmental factors that can have an impact on mental health, the common signs and symptoms of mental health troubles, and the most appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2025 | Virtual |
Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma and Burnout
This 1-hour workshop provides the skills and information necessary on best practices to support employees in managing the impact of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma on their life and increasing their psychological wellbeing. This session will focus on understanding the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout and vicarious trauma and identify coping and self-care strategies that promote resilience and psychological Safety.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| July 17, 2025 | Virtual |
Addictions at Work: Substance Use and Behavioural Addictions
Addictions affect the workplace in many different ways, although many effects are difficult to spot and recognize. This one-hour session will increase participants’ understanding of addiction, substance use and behavioural addictions, including: signs, symptoms, and effects on the individual and the workplace. Participants will also get an opportunity to reflect on their own role in the workplace with respect to addictions.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2025 | Virtual |
Understanding Grief and Loss
Mental health problems are an increasing concern in workplaces. Participants will gain an understanding of two of the most common mental health concerns, anxiety and depression. This session will provide strategies for regulating one’s emotions and tips for supporting others who may be experiencing difficulties.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Virtual |
Healthy Sleep Habits
Everyone feels much better after a good night’s sleep; our thoughts are clearer, our reactions faster, and our emotions are less fragile. This session will introduce participants to the effects of sleep deprivation and review some key strategies to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2025 | Virtual |
The Fundamentals of Change and Transition
Change is a fact of life, but letting go of the familiar can be challenging. When individuals understand the need for change, and are resourced to manage it, they can transition with greater ease. Participants in this session will explore strategies, frameworks, self-care tools, and resources to navigate the change process successfully.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2025 | Virtual |
Understanding Grief and Loss
Mental health problems are an increasing concern in workplaces. Participants will gain an understanding of two of the most common mental health concerns, anxiety and depression. This session will provide strategies for regulating one’s emotions and tips for supporting others who may be experiencing difficulties.
Click on the course date to register. Registration for upcoming training will be available two months prior to the course date.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2025 | Virtual |
PAST SESSIONS
CALMING YOUR MIND IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Today’s life is fast-paced and we all experience unique challenges, which may come in the form of societal pressures, pressure to do more, exposure to troubling global, local and personal situations, worry over family and friends or concern for our own well-being. In the face of life’s challenges, it is even more important for us to learn the art of relaxation and practice self-care. This session will explore personal stress triggers and review some practical, easy techniques to equip participants with brief relaxation moments that are such an important tool for coping during challenging times.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, January 16, 2025 | Virtual |
Healthy Sleep Habits
In today's fast-paced world, quality sleep is more crucial than ever. This micro session course is designed to empower you with practical knowledge and strategies.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the importance of sleep health.
- Identify the stages of sleep and the ideal length of sleep continuum.
- Develop awareness about the effects of sleep deprivation in our lives.
- Determine activities that promote fatigue and strategies to implement a healthy sleep care routine.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, August 22, 2024 | Virtual |
Healthy Sleep Habits
In today's fast-paced world, quality sleep is more crucial than ever. This micro session course is designed to empower you with practical knowledge and strategies.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the importance of sleep health.
- Identify the stages of sleep and the ideal length of sleep continuum.
- Develop awareness about the effects of sleep deprivation in our lives.
- Determine activities that promote fatigue and strategies to implement a healthy sleep care routine.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, August 22, 2024 | Virtual |
Managing Your Time + Energy
The ability to effectively manage your time and harness your energy is more crucial than ever. Whether you are a busy professional, an ambitious entrepreneur, or a dedicated student, mastering these skills can significantly enhance your success and well-being.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the premise of time management.
- Determine priorities in your life.
- Streamline your schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity.
- Discover practical tips and techniques to maintain high energy and focus throughout the day.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, December 19, 2024 | Virtual |
Social Media: The Impact on Mental Health
In a world where social media has become integral to daily life, it is crucial to explore its effects on our mental well-being. This micro session introduces the complexities of social media - positive and negative - and its profound influence on mental health.
Learning Outcomes
- Increase awareness of the impact of social media on the mind and mental health.
- Recognize how we use social media and distinguish the impact our use pattern has on our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Discover practical tips and techniques to engage with social media on our own terms.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, September 19, 2024 | Virtual |
The Science of Happiness
Scientific studies have shown that 50% of our individual differences in happiness are determined by our genetic make-up, 10% by our life circumstances, and 40% by our intentional activities. This micro session introduces “happy habits” to increase levels of happiness and well-being.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand what happiness is in relation to our whole lives.
- Evaluate the avenues of activities and can generate feelings of happiness.
- Discover research-based practical techniques and strategies for long-lasting happiness.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 17, 2024 | Virtual |