Thursday 7 March is University Mental Health Day. To mark the day, we are running a series of activities to promote mental wellbeing.
This year’s theme is ‘Use your voice’, so please take the opportunity to get to know new colleagues, network, and perhaps share stories of your mental health experiences.
The activities below are free and aimed at NDS staff and students.
John Radcliffe Hospital
Wellbeing Walk
12.15pm-1.00pm
Got a Fitbit? Need more steps in your day? Then join us for a lunchtime stroll around Bury Knowle Park and walk your way toward better physical health and mental wellbeing! Meet Lisa Bjork and Gemma Horbatowski at the main entrance of the JR Hospital (outside M&S) at 12.15pm. Non-Fitbit users welcome too!
Running Club
1.00pm-1.30pm
Put on your running shoes and join the Club! This session will involve meeting at the entrance to the JR Academic Centre entrance for a quick warm up followed by a jog around Bury Knowle Park and Old Headington returning to the JR at about 1.30pm. Exact route and length will depend on the fitness levels and preferences of those taking part. Please email John Gilbert to book your place.
Meditation Taster
1.00pm-1.30pm
Less stress, more focus and better sleep are just a few benefits of meditation and mindfulness. With a regular meditation practice, you will create a greater alignment between what you think, what you say, and what you do. In this taster session, learn some simple meditation techniques to practise at work and at home. Please email Louise King to book your place.
Afternoon Social
2.30pm-3.00pm NDS Seminar Room, Level 6, JR
‘Use your voice’ and connect with the people around you over a cuppa and a slice of cake. This is a ‘bring along and share’ activity, so please bring (homemade or shop bought) cake. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Table Tennis,
3.00pm-5.00pm, NDS Seminar Room, Level 6, JR
Come along and enjoy a game or two of table tennis!
Old Road Campus Research Building
Yoga at your desk 20 minute session
First floor meeting room
10am
12pm
3pm
Sitting at a desk for hours on end places unnecessary strain on the lumbar spine, overstretches the mid to upper back, and shortens the chest and hips - leading to neck, shoulder, and low back pain.
Give yourself an energy boost and focus your mind with a simple desk yoga routine. You will learn a sequence of yoga inspired stretches to relieve stress and increase flexibility, which you’ll be able to do at your desk anytime. The poses will be practiced sitting on a chair and standing up. Please email tarryn.ching@nds.ox.ac.uk to book your place. Spaces are limited to 8 per session.
Wellbeing Walk
Meet Emma Murphy and Tarryn Ching in the reception area of ORCRB
12.30pm
Got a Smartwatch? Need more steps in your day? Then join us for a lunchtime stroll along Lye Valley and walk your way toward better physical health and mental wellbeing! Non-Smartwatch users are of course welcome too!
Come have a bit of Fun with Table Tennis
Ludwig seminar room
1.30 – 3.30pm
Running Club
Meet Ben George and Sarah Andrews outside the ORCRB main entrance
12.15 – 12.45pm
4.15 – 4.45pm
For those feeling a bit more energetic. Whether you are an experienced runner or thinking about taking up running, this is a great opportunity to join in with the running club, there will be a pace to suit all levels.
A ‘faster’ group will probably aim for 5-6 km in 30 minutes. A slightly ‘slower’ group will aim for 4-5 km. Anyone who is new to running and isn’t confident that they can run for 30 minutes at those paces (no matter what the distance) Ben or Sarah will tailor something for you (i.e. 5 minutes running, 2 minutes walking etc.).