At ARU we care about your wellbeing. We run initiatives throughout the year to help make your time here a happy, productive and active one.
Being active doesn’t have to mean playing for a team or going to the gym. There are lots of ways to look after your wellbeing - find the one that works for you.
Alongside looking after your body it is also important to look after your mind. The Mental Health Foundation has a great guide on How to look after your mental health using exercise.
We all know that exercise improves your physical wellbeing. But did you know that it helps to improve your mental wellbeing as well? Sport and physical activity can help lift your mood and reduce stress. Being active can also improve sleep, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. At ARU we have a huge range of activities that you can enjoy and integrate into your daily life. This may mean joining our convenient on-campus gyms. Alternatively, introduce behaviours to increase your everyday activity - like taking the stairs and not the lift, or walking or cycling to university instead of driving.
It isn’t all about exercise. What you eat and drink plays a key role in your health and wellbeing. What we put into our bodies also impacts what we get out of them and how we feel. Start to develop healthy habits whilst you're at university by trying the healthier option at restaurants and coffee shops. The benefits of a healthy diet include:
Participating in sport and other aspects of university life allows students to meet a wide range of people. Widening your social circle allows you to meet people with similar interests and things in common. These social relationships are vital for healthy mental health while at university – you need to find people around you to share experiences and support each other. Getting involved in one of our university's sports clubs can give you the opportunity to represent Team ARU but also make friends that will last throughout university and into later life.
There are so many activities to get involved with across ARU. Particularly sporting activities, which you can volunteer at (Chelmsford Half Marathon or the weekly Park Run) – there really is something for everyone to give.
Learning is great for our mental health! Alongside your course, learning additional information in a different setting is invaluable – there are many opportunities to do so, it even increases your employability after university! Try a new sport you’ve never tried before and see your skills increase.
Being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your wellbeing. Work on your mindfulness at our weekly yoga class or one of our other engaging fitness classes. Book your space at Helmore Gym or The Old Factory.
So how do I get involved with all of this? All of these opportunities are widely advertised - just get involved to improve your wellbeing at university.
Visit the ARU Student Services 6 Ways to Wellbeing Hub for further information and tips.