5 minute read
Welfare
health and exerCIse - Guy Ward-Jackson
In the endless chaos of work, socialising and deadlines, one of the things that can be easiest to let slip is self-care. For me, and for many, that primarily comes from fresh air and exercise. Here are a few tips about how to keep healthy and scout out the different options which Oxford has to offer:
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College sPort
College sport is a great way to try new things, or simply meet the people in your college. They’re really accessible, and good fun, too. Playing for your college team can provide the perfect mixture of socialising and competitiveness. There are also non-competitive sports, such as social runs and morning yoga; these are usually quite informal and can really help with work-life balance.
take on more , not less
It is easier to drop a commitment than find yourself in Trinity term and feeling like you should take one up. If you’re ambivalent about trying a sport, just go for it. The worst that happens is you try it for two weeks and decide you have too much else on.
Work routIne and sleeP CYCle
Much of what determines your health and wellbeing in Oxford is contingent on how you manage your work-life balance. Try to be rigid with yourself and set a regular schedule. It’s far better to be in the library working by 9am than dragging yourself to your desk at 9pm, redbull in hand, prepared for an all-nighter (although it does happen...).
not a sPortY Person? Then just find what works for you. Even if it’s just making sure that you make time to meet a friend for coffee and walk around University Parks two times a week, this can make the world of difference when you’re in the thick of a relentless term.
Although Oxford is a wonderful place, it can also be stressful. Moving out of your home and into a new place with new people can be really scary, and it’s natural to feel worried. There are a few things that might help with the adjustment and have some work life balance that allows you to properly rest.
• Try to separate work and relaxation by not working in your room but only in the library or the faculty, for example. • Try exercise, walking or sports! Anything that gets you outside. • Make sure that you schedule your breaks just as much as you schedule work. • Sleep. I really mean it. Although we all might pull an all-nighter now and then, or stay up late with friends, sleeping enough can make you feel a lot better.
However, we all know that there are some things that cannot be fixed by sleeping or a walk in nature. There are lots of specialist support services within your college and the university as a whole to help when needed.
• The Porters (These people at the door to college will help with an immediate concerns/ emergencies). • College chaplain/ welfare lead (College staff member who can help you access support and provide listening services). • Welfare JCR Representatives (These are the student council representatives who deal with welfare concerns) • Peer supporters (Students in your college trained to listen and direct you to the right services for more support). • Tutors (They have a wellbeing role as well as an academic role. If you feel comfortable, contact them if you are struggling, especially if it is to do with your work/ affecting it.)
Illustration by Leyla Baxman
the student unIon advICe servICe An independent email and phone advisory service specially catering to Oxford University students, available Mon-Thurs term time, 10.30am-12.30pm.
the unIversItY CounsellIng servICe The University Counselling Service can offer you a confidential appointment with a trained counsellor. You can refer yourself and complete a form to explain the difficulties you are having, and an appointment will usually be arranged within two weeks.
The Counselling Service regularly sees up to 13% of the University population, so requesting help doesn’t mark you out as ‘odd’.
oxFord mIndFulness Centre The Oxford Mindfulness Centre provides key resources related to meditation and mindfulness which may prove useful. The Centre provides online guided sessions and runs regular mindfulness courses.
https://www.oxfordmindfulness.org/
oxFord nIghtlIne If you need support outside of normal working hours, the Oxford Nightline is a volunteer service which operates during term time.
Phone: 01865 270 270
samarItans The Samaritans are an emergency service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you feel in immediate danger, you can call a volunteer for support.
Phone: 116 123
dIsaBIlItY advIsorY servICe The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) supports students with physical and non-physical disabilities at Oxford. The DAS can help you with a new diagnosis, assist with housing provision, or arrange special accommodations for examinations.
harassment advIsorY netWork If you are being harassed or bullied - within your department or outside of it - the Harassment Advisory Network can provide you with confidential, non-judgemental support. Academic faculties and departments have designated harassment advisors, but if you prefer, you can request an advisor outside of your department.
Email: harassment.line@admin.ox.ac.uk
The Vice President for Welfare and Equal Opportunities (VP WEO) at Oxford SU is a key student contact for issues relating to welfare at the University, and can be contacted at: vpweo@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk.
The Vice President for Women at Oxford SU is a key student contact for women’s issues at the University, and can be contacted at: vpwomen@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk.
