5 things you can do on campus to improve your active wellbeing
It is well documented that being physically active doesn’t only improve your physical health, but the endorphins released can also boost your mental health.
There are plenty of things you can get up to throughout our campuses to stay active and keep your mind and body happy. Read on for some of our top picks.
1. Join a sports team
Enjoy being social and active? There are plenty of sports teams to choose from here at BCU, with timetabled activities that happen on a weekly basis through BCU Sport, and even tournaments to participate in.
Assistant Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, Laura Hodgson, says: “Involvement in organised sport is a great way to promote positive mental health. It can reduce stress, improve mood and enhance wellbeing.
Team sports can be a great way to boost your mood because of the social nature of participation, but I think the most important thing is to find a sport or activity that you enjoy. If trying something new, why not ask a friend to join you. It can make it more enjoyable and help motivate you to continue.”
2. Participate in virtual activities
If you’re too busy with studying that you can’t find the time to attend an in-person activity, or simply don’t feel like leaving the house, there are ways you can stay active from the comfort of your own home or garden. BCU Sport has a BCU Active Timetable, where you can sign up to a variety of virtual events, from yoga to equipment free high intensity workouts. There’s something for everyone, no matter what level you’re at!
Mark Jeffries said: “If you don’t feel like having a physical sporting session, we also have a number of online fitness and yoga sessions that you can engage in, led by qualified professionals”.
3. Enjoy the outdoor spaces
Being active doesn’t just mean going for a run or getting sweaty. Going for a walk, or even just being outside are great ways to get moving and keep your mind happy.
Here at BCU we are lucky to have many beautiful campuses, with plenty of green spaces and places to take a walk. Our top pick is the City Centre campus green, a popular spot to sit down in the sun or take a stroll with friends after a long day of lectures.
4. Join the gym
Going to the gym is another great option for those who don’t want to participate in a team sport or want to focus on more personal fitness goals. It’s a great way to have some quality time with yourself, listen to music, and sweat it out. Our Doug Ellis Sports Centre is home to a fully equipped gym, with over eighty pieces of equipment and various sports halls and courts for you to enjoy. As a student, you can enjoy a discounted rate on your gym membership, making it more accessible for all.
5. Attend sporting events
If you’d rather watch sports rather than participate, or you have a competitive streak, we host a range of events all year round across our campuses, including Varsity and competitive club competitions that you can participate in or watch.
Mark Jeffries said: “Our BCU Sport teams play in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues, and we also have a sport scholarship scheme for those students who are competing at an elite level within their sport.” We’re also partnered with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, meaning you can get discounted tickets to watch a match. Birmingham is also lucky enough to be hosting the Commonwealth Games this summer, so you can make the most of the activities going on around the city in the lead up to the games, or even attend one of the events for yourself.
