Wellbeing Wednesdays
Wellbeing Wednesdays are sessions which provide staff and students an opportunity to take a break from their day and focus on their own wellbeing.
Facilitated by Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing (WHSW), Wellbeing Wednesdays have been ongoing since May 2022, becoming weekly in September 2022.
We currently run two activities:
- Nordic Walking is held every week - regardless of the weather - and is only available in person at Colchester Campus.
- Meditation and Mindfulness is run as a four-week course, though you do not need to attend every session. We run two sessions, 12:10-12:55 and 13:00-13:45, which you can attend in person or via Zoom. The sessions are also recorded and uploaded to the Wellbeing Directory.
If you have any queries, please email ohquery@essex.ac.uk.
Meditation and Mindfulness calendar
The next Meditation and Mindfulness course will be running at 12:10 and 13:00 on the dates below:
| Date | Location |
| Wednesday 24 July |
CTC.3.05 and Zoom |
| Wednesday 31 July | |
| Wednesday 7 August | |
| Wednesday 14 August |
Activities
Nordic Walking
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking is a low-impact, full-body exercise that uses specially designed poles to engage the arms and core muscles while walking. The poles help to distribute effort between the upper and lower body, making walking easier and reducing the pressure on joints. Due to this, Nordic Walking can be beneficial for anyone who has mobility issues, is recovering from an injury, or has a long-term condition such as arthritis.
Nordic Walking is a great option if you dislike or struggle with motivation to exercise as the walks are group sessions, providing an opportunity for socialisation and accountability.
Our Nordic Walking sessions
Sessions are delivered by a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor and are aimed at people of all abilities. Beginners are taught the correct technique before the group sets off on the walk, enjoying the scenery around campus along the way.
The group leaves at 12:10 from outside the Silberrad Student Centre, and returns by 1pm.
Walking poles are provided if needed, but you should ensure you wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes or trainers. Please ensure you have filled out a Health Declaration and bring it with you to your first session.
Staff can book in via HR Organiser, students please email ohquery@essex.ac.uk.
Sessions are currently limited to 8 people due to availability of poles. If you have your own poles, you are not required to book through HR Organiser, but please let us know you will be attending via email.
Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
As defined by Mind, Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what's happening in the present moment, without judgement. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body or surroundings.
Mindfulness aims to help you:
- become more self-aware
- feel calmer and less stressed
- feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
- cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
- be kinder towards yourself.
You can practise mindfulness alone or in a group, focusing on a certain issue, body part or activity. You can practise for as much or as little time as you want, the most important thing is to practise regularly.
Mindfulness Sessions
Our 45-minute group sessions are provided by Daniel Rutter from Step into Your Greatness, and are suitable for beginners and those with more experience with practising mindfulness. You will be provided with additional resources to use outside of the sessions if you wish to use them.
- Harness the power of concentration, clarity and resilience
- Experience improved relationships, boosted creativity and a calmer mind
