Boost health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing is one of the most important aspects of our lives, as individuals and as societies. We want to ensure that our staff and students have a safe, healthy and enjoyable place to study and work so that they are in the best place possible to contribute to a sustainable future.

Make sure you refer to the University Campus wellbeing map showing areas on campus to access support, keeping well through exercise and eating right and check out our top tips on how to boost your health and wellbeing.

Eat Healthily

Changes in blood sugar levels are linked to changes in mood and energy, so try to maintain good eating habits such as eating breakfast, avoiding junk foods, eating plenty of fruit and veg and drinking lots of water.

Keep active

Physical activity releases endorphins which can improve your mood and is a great way to de-stress and look after both your physical and mental wellbeing. Check out Sport Liverpool for a wide range of fantastic sporting facilities available whilst on campus. If you’re studying or working from home, take regular breaks and make time to go for a run or walk and get a much-needed change of scenery. Or you could choose from lots of free online workouts and fitness challenges from the Gym team and join in the #StayInWorkOut campaign and be part of a community that encourages and supports each other.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation help you to be in the present, be calmer and improve your ability to enjoy life and overcome challenges.

Get plenty of sleep

Plenty of good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically, so it's important to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night if you can.

Manage your media intake

Too much screen time can affect your sleep and constant social media and rolling 24-hour news coverage can create anxiety. Try to limit the amount of time you spend on devices to a couple of times a day.

Drink sensibly

Alcohol can also affect sleep, heighten anxiety and make you feel low so it’s a good idea to follow the NHS guidance to try to stay in control of your drinking and if you need support, visit NHS alcohol support.

Do something for yourself

From enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new, or simply taking time to relax, it's important to do things that make you happy.

Try a new hobby or learn a new skill

Setting goals and learning new skills can be a great way to meet people, build your self-esteem and feel a sense of achievement. Check out the Get Involved pages to find out about volunteering opportunities, clubs and societies.

Connect with nature

There is an ever-growing body of evidence suggesting that nature is fantastic for our wellbeing, with the ability to lower blood pressure, improve our mood and help us to relax. Visit Ness Botanic Gardens for a unique and fascinating garden experience or stay engaged with Ness from home by following their YouTube channel for virtual tours of the gardens.

Relax

Try to have some downtime from the stresses of everyday life, ensure that whatever helps you feel calm or more content is part of your daily routine. Relaxation techniques can also help to deal with feelings of anxiety, and for useful resources see Every Mind Matters and the NHS mindfulness page.

Connect with others

If you’re spending less time socialising and more time at home, maintaining relationships and staying in touch using video calls, social media, and telephone can help you feel less alone and supported.

Ask for help

If you feel depressed or anxious try to approach people that you trust to talk to. Talking can help you cope with a problem and just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. Take a look at the supporting yourself and others on the Wellbeing Hub for information on help available to you at the University.

Get support if you need it

Staff can visit the Wellbeing Hub for full details of services and support available at the University. 

Student Services (including Counselling and Mental Health Advisory Service, and Student Welfare Advice & Guidance) provide enhanced support through phone and email between 9 am and 5 pm each day.  tudents can also access the Big White Wall 24 hours a day if you need additional support.

Get involved

Get involved in the many events and engagement activities happening all year round on campus and virtually, including Wellbeing Week, a weeklong series of over 100 different health and wellbeing activities and events for staff and students to take some time to find ways to relax, socialise and improve your overall physical and mental health. Wellbeing Week is structured around a range of online activities and resources with each day highlighting one of the five steps to wellbeing: Connect, Be Physically Active, Learn New Skills, Give to Others and Mindfulness.