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BeWell

BeWell has been designed to support you during key times of the year - head over to the University's events page to keep up to date with all events including BeWell activities!

If you are unsure who to contact for any health related concerns during COVID-19 (coronavirus) please see NHS Grampian

BeWell Campaigns

Diabetes Awareness Week

Diabetes Awareness Week 14-20 June

During the week, we will be sharing personal stories of living with Diabetes and sharing some of the fantastic research conducted by our very own staff at the University of Aberdeen. 

#DiabetesStories

University geophysicist David Cornwell talks about how the pandemic and change in the working environment has affected him and the management of his condition. 

Read the full article.

Aberdeen graduate and former regius professor JJR Macleod guided a team in the discovery of life-saving insulin. But as the world marks the centenary of the breakthrough, which transformed Type 1 diabetes from a death sentence to a manageable condition, his name is frequently omitted from celebrations. We explore how JJR Macleod became the forgotten man of insulin discovery and examine the efforts to restore his place in history 100 years on.

Read the full article.

Just months after graduating from the University in 1922, RD Lawrence was facing a short and certain death sentence. But a breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes – the discovery of insulin pioneered by the team of another Aberdeen graduate – saved his life at the very last minute. We look at the extraordinary story of Lawrence and how the impact of what he ‘gave back’ to the diabetes community can still be felt today.

Read the full article.

Men's Health Week

Men's Health Week 14-20 June

Talking about Men’s Mental Health and encouraging others to have conversations can help reduce the stigma around mental health. Some of our staff and students have shared their thoughts in this short video.

Talking about mental health is not always easy, but there is support available if you need it.

Visit our support page.

 

National Walking Month

#WalkThisMay

With restrictions beginning to ease and the temperature increasing, we would like to invite you to #WalkThisMay and consider an outdoor study break or a walking or outdoor catch-up with friends.

Keep an eye out on Instagram this month for #UoATripAroundTheWorld and help us celebrate National Walking Month by sharing pictures of 'your' local beauty spots.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week (10th – 16th May)

Spending time in nature can help to improve your mood and feel more positive. Take a moment to stop and connect with your environment; Listen to the birds, smell the flowers, watch the sunrise, feel the sand between your toes. Pledge to spend 5 minutes in nature every day this Mental Health Awareness Week and take notice of your surroundings. You might be surprised by what you find.

To find out why the Mental Health Foundation has chosen nature for this years theme click here.

Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month. 

Stress affects everyone differently. Some people thrive under pressure, and for others stress can feel totally overwhelming.  

Finding healthy ways to cope can improve how we feel and how we react to stressful situations. 

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages during April for top tips and resources to help manage stress and support your wellbeing. 

National Bed Month

National Bed Month

Sleep affects everybody in different ways and getting a good night’s sleep will increase your mood, concentration, and motivation!

Whether you find it easy to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night or you struggle to sleep through the night this National Bed Month is full of sleeping tips and resources to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Here are some simple tips to help you get a good night’s sleep:

  1. A tidy room can make a big difference to your concentration so try and keep your living space tidy and clean.
  2. Routine is your friend. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day will help you establish a good sleeping pattern.
  3. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can keep you awake. Try and avoid these for at least 4 hours before bed.
  4. Exercise will tire you out and clear your mind, but try not to do it too close to bedtime. Try to leave at least 3 hours.
  5. Good hygiene will help you have good sleeps. Make sure you wash and brush your teeth every day.
  6. Try to keep your bedroom only for sleep, watching TV or studying in bed can be a distraction from sleep, and only go to bed when you feel sleepy.
  7. Going to bed too full or hungry can make you feel uncomfortable. Have a good healthy meal to fill you up around 4 hours before bed.
  8. Your eyes need to be open to look at screens. Try not to look at screens when you’re going to sleep. (TV, computer, phone or tablet).
  9. If you’re struggling to sleep, try relaxation exercises to help you sleep (warm bath, relaxation podcast etc).
  10. If you cannot fall asleep within 30 minutes, try getting back out of bed and do something relaxing.

In Summer: Fix blackout/blinds curtains and turn your bedroom into a sleep-inducing environment.

In Winter: If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), try using a SAD lamp after seeing your GP. This may help you feel more awake during the day.

Student Money Matters Week 2021

Money Matters Week 22 - 26th February

Whether you are struggling financially or just looking for ways to manage your money better, this money matters week is full of top tips and resources to help support you. Visit our money matters page or sign up to one of Money Advice Scotland's webinars for more information on a variety of financial topics. 

Money Matters Page hyperlink

Money Advice Aberdeen Webinars hyperlink

If you are in financial hardship, we have Discretionary Funds which may be able to assist you. Please see our money matters page: Financial Assistance - Discretionary Fund.

Keep an eye on our UoA  Instagram stories for the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Instagram Shopping List Competition Terms & Conditions
  1. The University of Aberdeen’s Money Matters Week competition is being held by the University of Aberdeen which is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC013683 and with its registered address at King’s College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, (“UoA”).
  2. The competition is open to registered UoA students over the age of 16 years, excluding UoA employees and Alumni.
  3. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants should leave a comment in the comments box with their guess of the total cost of the shopping list pictured.
  4. By submitting an entry to the competition and commenting on the post the participant gives The UoA permission to use the entry comment and any submitted photos for marketing activities including but not limited to – sharing on social media and within general communications, inclusion in video content and printing.
  5. This competition opens at 10am GMT on 24th February 2021. The competition will close at 10am GMT on 25th February 2021, any entries received after this date will not be eligible for a prize. 
  6. One winner will be selected to win a£50 Amazon Shopping Vouchers.  The winner will be announced on the main University Student Life Facebook page (and notified via direct message).
  7. The winner may be requested to take part in any prize promotional activity and UoA reserves the right to use the name and location of the winner, their photograph, audio and/or visual recording of them in relation to any competition publicity or for the UoA’s marketing purposes.  By entering the competition you agree that if awarded the prize you will co-operate with all reasonable publicity purposes if so requested.
  8. The UoA’s decision will be final and binding, and no correspondence or discussion will be entered into regarding the conduct or outcome of the competition.
  9. The UoA reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion to, disqualify any competitor whose conduct is in breach of the rules or contrary to the spirit of the rules or the intention of the competition, and to declare any entries void.
  10. By entering this competition you agree that the UoA shall have no liability for any printing, production and/or distribution errors (including but not limited to any errors in UoA, this website or any printed materials) or where there have been any errors in any aspect of the preparation for or conduct of the competition materially affecting the result of the competition.
  11. Subject to Condition 3 above, any personal data submitted by you in your entry to this competition will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and UoA's privacy policy.
  12. The UoA reserves the right to amend or waive any of these rules or cancel the competition at any time.
  13. Entry to the competition confirms your acceptance of these rules.
  14. Please email any queries relating to the competition to wellbeing@abdn.ac.uk
Time to Talk Day

Thursday 4 February is Time to Talk Day – a day when everyone is encouraged to have a conversation about mental health.

See Me Scotland's interactive bingo is full of ways to start a mental health conversation. How many can you tick off?

See Me Scotland's interactive bingo hyperlink

If you need to talk togetherall is a safe and anonymous online community. A place to talk anytime, anywhere. Sign up today using your academic email address.

Alcohol Awareness Week
#AlcoholAwarenessWeek is a chance for the UK to #getthinkingaboutdrinking.
 
Many use alcohol to help cope with difficult situations, with over a quarter of us reporting to have drank more over lockdown. UK drinking guidelines recommend that we should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol in one week. Consider trying low and non-alcoholic drinks, have something to eat before you drink and try to space out alcoholic drinks with water.
 
 If you are concerned about about alcohol, help and support is available. Contact your GP or visit NHS-Alcohol Support.

At @wearetogetherall has a wealth of resources to help you manage your relationship with
alcohol & our supportive community is available 24hrs a day if you are struggling.
You don’t have to cope alone, everyone can register for FREE at https://bit.ly/31OplDR
 
To be in with a chance of winning a fantastic mocktail making kit, submit your favourite mocktail recipes HERE.
Stress Awareness Week

We can all experience stress in our lives at times. For some of us a little bit of pressure can be beneficial and help us to perform better while others may feel anxious or overwhelmed. It is important to be able to manage how you are feeling so that it doesn't become too much and have an adverse effect on your health.

Managing your stress levels during COVID19 is vital to maintain positive mental health.
@togetherallUK has a FREE self-guided course dedicated to managing stress & anxiety.
 
BeWell Week 2020

 

SleepWell

Getting a good night’s sleep (of between 7-9 hours) will help you to learn at your best, improve your state of mind and hopefully feel happier!  

 

 Here are some simple tips to help you get a good night’s sleep: 

 

  • Keep your bedroom tidy and clean. 

  • Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day (even at weekends). 

  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for at least 4 hours before bedtime. 

  • Exercise regularly but leave at least 3 hours before you go to bed. 

  • Have a bedtime ritual such as brushing your teeth, setting the alarm or reading a book. 

  • Only go to bed when you feel sleepy. 

  • Make sure not to go to bed hungry, thirsty or too full. 

  • Limit how much ‘blue light’ you have just before bedtime (TV, computer, phone or tablet). 

  • Keep your bedroom only for sleep, do not study or watch TV in your bed. 

  • Ensure your bedroom is dark and at a comfortable temperature. 

  • Use relaxation exercises to help you sleep (warm bath, relaxation podcast etc).  

  • If you cannot fall asleep within 30 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing. 

 

Take our quiz and find out more about your sleep habits https://www.buzzfeed.com/studentlifeuoa/your-sleeping-habits-cantsleep-21zeg7rok6 

 For more ways to help to improve your night’s sleep visit: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/  
BeSafe

Your safety and wellbeing at university is important to us. We have a number of internal services and resources available to protect our community. To find out more please visit: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/support/safety-3396.php. 

 

Listed below and some external services that are available to help keep you safe and they are all completely free. You are not alone.  

 

  • Domestic Abuse - If you don’t feel safe at home, are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is  - help and support is available: https://safer.scot/da/page-6/  

  • Revenge Porn - Is abuse and against the law. The Revenge Porn Helpline is here to advise and offer support and most importantly, remove people’s intimate content that has been shared online. So far they have removed over 57,000 images, a success rate of 89%: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/   

  • Rape - If a person does not/is unable to give consent to sexual activity for whatever reason, whether they are asleep or incapacitated due to the effects of alcohol or drugs, then that is rape. Whether it’s a first date or you are in a long-term relationship, this does not give the right to sex without consent. Rape Crisis Grampian (RCG) offers free and confidential emotional and practical support and advocacy If you need support Tel: 01224 590932 or visit: www.rapecrisisgrampian.co.uk  

  • Drugs – Concerned about your own drug use or that of a loved one and need help and support. You are not alone: https://knowthescore.info/help-and-support/  

 For information on personal safety when you are out and about, protecting your home and internet safety visit: https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/ 

 

 For help in an emergency you should always dial 999. This is when there is risk of injury or loss of life or if you witness a crime in progress. For all non-emergency you can contact the police on 101.
BeActive and Sustainability

We should aim to exercise at least 30mins per day. The easiest way to do this to make exercise part of our daily routine. One way in which we can do this is to travel actively and sustainably.  

Watch our video on how you can travel sustainability around Aberdeen with the current restrictions in place: Watch Video

 

Benefits to you and the environment:  

  • Walking, cycling and scooting, like other physical activities, releases endorphins which improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. 

  • Travelling actively and being outdoors and in contact with the natural environment can have a positive effect on mental health.  

  • Active travel is one of the easiest activities to fit into your everyday life. You can walk, cycle or scoot from your doorstep at a time that suits you.  

  • You don’t need to concentrate on the exercise itself, leaving you free to enjoy your surroundings, chat to friends and family or just relax.  

  • Active travel is also the cheapest form of travelling.  

How to travel more sustainably: 

  • Plan your routes – give yourself time to enjoy it more rather than rush. 

  • Check for alternative routes going through parks or green spaces  

  • Make sure you have appropriate clothing and shoes. 

  • The easiest way to travel actively more is by including it to your daily routine and making it a habit. 

  • Multitask or create entertainment for you: Make a playlist that motivates you and makes you feel good, schedule a call with someone or listen to a podcast or audiobook.  

  • Sign up for a competition like a Challenging Walking event, run or cycling competition and use that as active travel motivation.  

  • Find a walking, cycling or scooting buddy. 

  • Download an app like Couch to 5K, World Walking or The Walk Fitness Tracker Game to challenge yourself.  

  • Make it your work out! Do you struggle to find the time to exercise in you day? By running or cycling you could plan your daily workout into your commute.
Student Support Services

Getting on top of your finances at university can be stressful. But please don’t worry we are here to help you the best we can. You can visit the New Student website for advice and to download the personal budget planner take control if your finances.

Top Saving Tip: Don’t forget to ask for student discount when you are out and about and check out Save The Student and Student Beans who provide great deals specifically for students. You don’t always have to go out to socialise with your friends either. In light of current government guidelines why not hold a virtual movie night or quiz with your friends.  
Self Care

A good study life balance is essential to avoid a burnout and make the most of your full academic ability. It’s important to look after your mind and your body and take some time to yourself each day. It’s easy to get caught up but slowing down and taking time for yourself each day will help you to be at your optimum and build resilience. 

 

Check out the video of our counselling team sharing their best self-care tips

Things to note:  

  • Look after your body by eating a well-balanced and healthy diet 

  • Make time for regular exercise 

  • Try to create a schedule and stick to it. Don’t forget to mark out regular breaks.  

  • Do something to help you to relax – take a bath, do a crossword, pamper yourself, go for a walk-in nature, watch a box set 

  • Remember to rest and get a good night’s sleep.  

Sometimes its okay to not be okay please remember you are not alone. If you need support visit: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/student-life/student-advice-and-support.php 
World Mental Health Day 2020

This World Mental Health Day, pause to consider the impact it may have had on you. The months of restrictions and lockdown have affected us all in different ways and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. We all have a  mental health and, just like our physical health, we have to take care of it, now more than ever.  

 Pledge to #DoOneThing to look after your mental health today: 

  • Go for a lunchtime walk and take some time to enjoy the environment around you  
  • Research something you have always wondered about  
  • Say hello or smile at a stranger  
  • Have a technology free day or mute notifications  
  • Get a plant for your room or buy yourself flowers  
  • Mediate or try some yoga  
  • Start a new book or a jigsaw puzzle 
  • Experiment with a new recipe  
  • Spend some time with furry friends  
  • Try preparing nutritious meals in advance 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or need support you will find a list of resources that can help.  

Remember you are not alone if need someone to talk to counselling service is open for virtual appointments. For more information visit: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/support/counselling-3635.php  

Meet your Student Support Staff

 

 

 

 

BeWell Events & Workshops

Penumbra Discussion Groups

Working with Self Harm.

Penumbra are offering a selection of self harm workshops throughout May and June. These workshops are for people who are struggling with their own self harm, and are designed to help you feel more informed about self harm and self harm recovery.

Join their zoom chats where you can explore your own relationship with self harm and learn healthy coping strategies.

Find out more.

Download the booking form.

BeWell Activities