We are committed to the wellbeing of our students and staff
Especially in these difficult times—when it can feel overwhelming, stressful or isolating.
There may be times at University when you need to speak to someone about an issue, no matter how big or small. Perhaps you have an issue you cannot discuss with friends, family or your tutor.
Here at POLIS—we have Wellbeing Advocates who can help. Whether it's helping you find the support you need or providing a confidential listening ear.
Get in touch with our Wellbeing Advocate at POLIS>>
Find out more about Student Wellbeing>>
Find out more on Staff Wellbeing>>
Yoga
Every month, colleagues participate in a short informal desk yoga session, led by a certified instructor, to support them with their holistic well-being.
Here are some reasons why colleagues participate in the sessions:
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Alleviates common pain from desk jobs
Especially at the moment, we are spending hours sitting or slouching at our desks and we will often, without realising, stretch our necks forward to stare at our screens. This posture is unhealthy and can cause back pain, neck strain and shoulder stiffness. Yoga can help us to relieve this stiffness and pain through fluid movements and stretches. - Reduces stress and tension
As well as relieving stiffness and pain, yoga can also help lessen tension caused by stress. Working non-stop throughout the day can cause stress, leading in turn to lower energy. Yoga can help to get our heart pumping and blood flowing through movement, promoting oxygenation which is crucial for energy production.
- Promotes team spirit and morale
Yoga can help to raise spirits as it has been shown to lead to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Workplace yoga allows employees to participate in a shared experience, regardless of their skill levels and creates opportunities for them to bond in a relaxed setting. Link up with colleagues and friends for online yoga together.
- Helps with our mental well-being
Feeling positive has everything to do with the biochemical reactions in our body. Yoga can trigger the release of oxytocin, which floods our body with feelings of happiness and well-being.
The University Sports Centre offers weekly yoga videos for all levels of ability.
More information is available on their website: https://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/stayactivecambridge
Pandemic: Loneliness and Grief
As well as these in-house resources, there are lots of interesting materials available from external providers that examine different aspects of the impact of Covid-19 on our work and lives.
Here is a webinar from Pearn Kandola that explores how to survive living and working from home.
There is a short animation on the BBC website that looks with sensitivity at grief in the pandemic.