Wellbeing Wonderlands are back this May
LivPsych and the School’s Wellbeing Team are keen to support you in taking control of your wellbeing as we gear up to assessment season. Check out their top tips for prioritising your mental health, which of course includes coming along to their Wellbeing Wonderland events this May.
LivPsych Wellbeing Reps Sophia Parslew and Mina Thurlow can’t wait to welcome you for a series of fun craft activities including seed planting, colouring books, board games and puzzles.
Sophia says, “The dream team - LivPsych and Wellbeing have collaborated for the second year running on the Wednesday Wellbeing Wonderland events. We are back with more activities, more snacks, and more karaoke than ever before. Karaoke hosted by the amazing Artefacts! The ultimate wellbeing experience.”
The events will run across two Wednesday afternoons, 10th May for students in Years 1 and 3, and 24th May for students in Years 2 and 4. We are delighted to be welcoming back Therapy Dogs Nationwide which proved to be a particularly popular activity last time around.
- Year 1 and 3 - Book your slot with the therapy dogs for 10th May on eventbrite (link)
- Year 2 and 4 - Book your slot with the therapy dogs for 24th May on eventbrite (link)
The Wellbeing Team are looking forward to seeing you at the events, which are just one in a line of activities the team has put on this year in support of student wellbeing.
Back in September, the team put on a series of ‘get to know you’ activities as part of Welcome Week, including refreshments from an ice cream van which will happily be making an appearance on campus again this May.
Throughout the University’s Feel Good February (link), the team welcomed students for board games, a ‘crafternoon’, guided mediation session with Mindfulnes Coach Phillipa Bellis and a trip out to the Walker Art Gallery and World Museum.
Of course, the Wellbeing Wonderlands are all about connecting with others and taking a bit of time out for yourself at a time when stress levels can begin to rise.
Laura Vernon, LivPsych’s Engagement Lead, shares her thoughts on how best to prioritise this as a student doctor.
“Looking after yourself is vital, especially when studying Medicine, with long days at placement and long days of studying, and it can seem like there is no end in sight.
It’s important to find what helps you relax, this could be a walk in the sunshine (or maybe a jog/run), meeting with friends or doing a hobby you haven’t made time for in a while.
The other day, I treated myself to a trip to the cinema. I haven’t been in a while and was looking forward to taking a few hours of uninterrupted fun. It can be easy to switch on Netflix or Prime after a long day and try to multitask between half-listening/watching and doing other tasks (I’m guilty of this), so it was good to have the excuse to be away from the emails and lectures.
Once the film had finished, I felt a sense of calm and achievement, and felt slightly more prepared to head back to work (though I was tempted to stay in the cinema and watch more films!)
If you have time this upcoming Wednesday 10th or 24th May, I recommend going to the Wellbeing Wonderland, either with friends or by yourself. Destress by spending some time with the therapy dogs or immersing yourself in one of the many activities. Take care of yourselves!”
Wellbeing Academic Jayne Garner loves doing a bit of yoga which she follows from a yoga app to loosen up when she is feeling a bit tense.
“There may be things that you haven’t tried before and this is a great opportunity to do that so do have a look through the resources available. I think some student doctors can sometimes be a little sceptical around breathing exercises, or mindfulness or meditation, but they can be really helpful so give them a go – what have you got to lose?”
The Wellbeing area of the student intranet is packed with materials to support you in this, from a Soothe Your Mind guided meditation playlist (link) to a variety of resources to help you Stay Well (link) with picks from LivPsych, the Be Free Campaign and more.
You will also find an entire section dedicated to Study Skills and Revision Tips (link) which can give you some great ideas on how to shape your own study approach. Last but not least, the Wellbeing Team are always available for a one-to-one appointment which can work flexibly around your schedule. Book yours via the School Booking System (link).
Wishing all of you a successful assessment season. See you at an upcoming Wellbeing Wonderland!