UPEI takes the #MoodCheckChallenge!
UPEI is participating in a mental health initiative with universities across Atlantic Canada called the MoodCheck Challenge. From March 14-25, students are encouraged to use the MoodCheck phone application to track their moods. Twice a day, at random times, their phone will prompt them to check in and enter their mood, the activity they are taking part in, where they are, and who they are with. The goal is to motivate students to be mindful about how the things they do affect the way they feel. This increased awareness is known to be a strong predictor of improved mental health and well-being.
Students gain points each time they check-in, and gain bonus points the more often they check-in. At the end of the challenge, the university with the highest points will receive a cash donation to be used toward a campus mental wellness initiative. Prizes will also include MoodCheck “swag.”
“I encourage students to try this app for the two week period,” said Treena Smith, manager of Student Affairs at UPEI. “The wonderful thing about this challenge that students get to try this app to see if it works for them. It's about offering choices and different modes to decrease stress and increase happiness—if this app does not work for one student, it may work for another and how great is that.”
The MoodCheck app is part of a larger program called WellTrack, which was developed by Darren Piercey, a psychology professor at the University of New Brunswick. The program provides students with a number of online tools and resources aimed at helping them manage stress, anxiety, depression and specific phobias, such as fear of public speaking.
The challenge results will be announced on Tuesday, March 29.
UPEI will host a “Checkup” event to launch the MoodCheck Challenge on Tuesday, March 15 at noon. Similar to a “tweetup,” whereby people gather in one place to tweet about a particular topic, students will meet at the Wave to collectively check-in on their MoodCheck app and tweet about the experience with the hashtag #moodcheckchallenge.
UPEI students, what are you waiting for? Download the app at the App Store (for Apple users) or Google Play (for Android). Sign in as a new user with your UPEI email address and the access code MCC. Check in daily! It only takes five seconds.
Take the MoodCheck Challenge, and see how keeping track of your moods and activities can improve your mental health!
