9 Aug 2019
Employee Assistance Programme: Experiencing the outdoors to benefit your mental wellbeing
According to Mind UK, research has found that spending time in the outdoors can improve your mood.
It can make you feel more relaxed, improve your confidence and self-esteem and help you to make new connections.
Regularly experiencing natural light can also aid those who experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
There are plenty of green spaces on the University’s 433-acre campus for you to enjoy. Whether you choose to sit and eat your lunch outside, read a book, go for a walk or even a morning run before you start work, there are plenty of mental and physical benefits.
The University also boasts two woodland areas and incredible biodiversity, with more than 40 types of birds and animals including foxes, squirrels and bats.
It also has a wide variety of fruit trees that can be foraged throughout spring, summer and autumn. More information can be found here.
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has a range of articles with information on how experiencing the outdoors can positively benefit us. It also has various resources on different life events, including relationships, work and money.
The service is completely confidential to the University, available 24 hours a day and is free for all staff members. Visit the EAP website or call their telephone service by dialling 0800 111 6387 if you feel you need support with any life obstacles you might face.