December/January – Health and Wellbeing

What do we mean by Health and Wellbeing?

The World Health Organisation constitution states “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Wellbeing is experienced in the dynamic relationships between ourselves, others and our environment.  An individual’s health and wellbeing is influenced by a complex combination of physical, mental, emotional and social health factors, which may include things like sleep, diet and exercise, as well as our relationships, careers and financial health.

The protective effect of positive wellbeing is stronger than the detrimental effects of negative wellbeing; it is strongly associated with happiness, life satisfaction, positive relationships, and physical health.

As outlined in the University strategy, we will take steps to support staff and student physical and mental wellbeing and resilience. This webpage signposts both staff and students to relevant resources available.

Learn

  1. If you are a member of staff, you can access a curated Wellbeing in the Workplace learning pathway on LinkedIn Learning, including videos on supporting your mental health while working from home, meditation, and burn out proofing your performance. PDMS also offers courses in areas such as Resilience in the face of change, and mentally healthy work place training.
  2. Explore our range of wellbeing and mental health guides providing information on areas such as eco-anxiety, reproductive health, self-esteem, and coping with anxiety, or our Shelf Help (self help) resources in the Library, covering areas such as managing change, mindfulness, and body image. Information can also be found on the university or Student’s Union websites. Exploring these guides may help provide support to you, or give you ideas on how you may support others.
  3. Read the Student Mental Health Agreement 2022-24, which is a partnership project between the University and Students’ Association, setting priorities and projects to support student wellbeing, and keep updated on changes in this area in the new year.
  4. Understand Wellbeing representation. Find information on the Wellbeing Officers/Champion/Directors in Schools and Units, student Wellbeing and Community Forum, and Student Health Officer. If you have ideas or questions related to Health and Wellbeing, there is information on these pages about how to contact your representatives.

Do

  1. Explore exercise with Saints Sports: whether you want online classes, group classes, use of gym facilities (with a free induction), personal training, or golf lessons, there is something for everyone! Sign up or attend some free activities on offer to staff and students in the new year: staff can sign up to Jump into January, which will run from 29th January to 26th March, and students can participate in Give It A Go sessions as part of refreshers in the first two weeks of Semester 2.
  2. Follow University social media accounts which highlight Wellbeing activities for students: for example; Got Support, Got Limits, and St Andrews Wellbeing, to get more information on Health and Wellbeing related activities and events. Students can also sign up to the Wellbeing mail list here.
  3. Explore the (free) Libby app: if you would like to explore magazines on Women or Men’s Health, cooking and nutrition, exercise, or take some time over the break to explore new book titles or audiobooks, Libby has you covered!
  4. Meet new people and build friendships: as well as participating in exercise classes or sports clubs, joining a society, or staff or student network allows you to meet and socialise with other people who may have similar interests or experiences to you.

Events

Project Highlights

  • Imposter phenomenon, also known as imposter syndrome, is where one has feelings of self-inadequacy and doubts about their abilities (Parkman, 2016). Given the demands of academia, it is unsurprising that imposter feelings are increasingly common within Postgraduate Research students. Imposter phenomenon can manifest through signs such as poor self-esteem, low self-confidence, and self-deprecation, which can take a toll on one’s wellbeing and their quality of work/life balance.

    The School of Psychology and Neuroscience (Paula Miles, Lina Chi and Meha Pande) have created and compiled a set of resources in collaboration with Student Services, to target the alleviation of imposter phenomenon amongst PGR students. We hope the posters, quotes and other resources can be used to encourage discussion about imposter phenomenon within PGR students and reiterate that help is available if needed.

  • Phenomenal Bodies explores complementary themes within a network of object displays that will be exhibited in Scotland from 2025 to 2027. The students have created impactful resources, including a substantial glossary, that will inform more inclusive language and teaching when it comes to disability.

    Online Exhibition: https://artandwellbeing.omeka.net/collections/show/1

Relevant university resources and policies

  • Employee assistance programme: provides confidential support to staff with personal challenges that may be affecting your wellbeing at home or at work, including access to a digital health and wellbeing app.
  • Consultation services: provide confidential advice to all University Staff who work with or who encounter students with additional support needs.
  • Occupational Health: aim to improve staff wellbeing by having a proactive approach supporting all physical and psychological wellbeing. If you are concerned that work is affecting your health or that your health his affecting your ability to undertake your role, please contact the team for advice. Information on the website covers the referral system, cognitive behavioural therapy and health surveillance. Staff can self-refer by contacting [email protected] and requesting an appointment, or can be referred by their manager via the management referral process. Initial reviews are carried out by the OH Manager or Wellbeing Adviser who can then refer on to therapy for psychological support or physio for rehabilitation following accident or workplace injury. All reviews at Occupational Health are confidential. Health checks, including non-invasive checks to monitor blood pressure, body fat percentage, cholesterol and glucose levels, are offered to all university staff through Occupational Health.
  • Nightline: an anonymous, student-run listening and advice service.
  • Student health hub: is a great place to contact for any health-related questions if you’re not sure where to go.
  • Student services: provide a comprehensive welfare and support service for all matriculated students, with a bookable counselling service.

Have your say

Please contact [email protected] if you would you like to share your own reflections on the theme of Health and Wellbeing or have any feedback on the Diversity Calendar webpages.

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