University Mental Health Day

Thursday 13 March 2025

University Mental Health Day brings together the university community to make mental health a priority.

Revise and Refresh

Location: the Library

Thursday 13 March 2025

11.00am – Meditation

12.15pm – Wellbeing Walk (30 minutes)

2.00pm – Chair Yoga (30 minutes)

 

Thursday 27 March 2025

12.15pm – Wellbeing Walk (30 minutes)

2.00pm – Chair Yoga (30 minutes)

Member copying instructor in front of him, stood in yoga pose with hands above head.
Students in yoga poses sat with cross legs on mats.

Meditation Sessions

Available to members of Sport & Fitness

Monday 24 February 2025 – 3.45pm

Thursday 6 March 2025 – 5.00pm

Thursday 20 March 2025 – 5.00pm

Read our wellbeing focused blogs...

Inhale, Exhale

Focus on your health and learn calming breathing techniques to help you reduce the first signs of stress in your daily life.

Prioritising Mental Health and Wellbeing

Sport & Fitness have taken part in the BRIT Challenge 2024, focusing on mental health and wellbeing.

Balance. Share. Rest.

With Mental Health Awareness Day  fast approaching, we share some useful advice on how to take care of your mental health.

International Yoga Day

To celebrate International Yoga Day, we asked some of our dedicated Yoga Instructors to summarise the benefits of yoga!

Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga, Candlelit Yoga, Chair Yoga, Flow Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Wake Up Yoga, Yin Yoga

Why is yoga good for my mental health?

The restorative and balancing benefits of yoga for both your body and your mind are well-researched. By focusing your mind on your posture, balance and breathing, you will strengthen the apart of your brain which plays a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought and language. Regular practice can make you feel more mentally resilient and present.

 

When should I practice yoga? 

This will be different for every individual. Early morning yoga can help awaken your mind and body for the day. Taking a yoga break during the day can allow you time to breathe and rebalance and prevent stress from accumulating and causing fatigue in the afternoon. Evening yoga can regenerate you after the day’s strains and stresses allowing you to feel calm as you leave campus for the day.

CYCLING (RPM)

Why is cycling good for my mental health?

Getting your heart pumping with some fun cardio helps your endorphins flow. Aerobic exercise has been proven to help reduce anxiety and reduce stress levels. With our RPM class incorporating music and coordination, it’s a great option if you’re looking for an energy and serotonin boost. When cycling, your brain is stimulated within the first few minutes and can also provide temporary relief for any physical aches and pains you may be experiencing. 

 

Cardio can also support better sleep quality, which has a direct impact on mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. Exercising in a group, or ‘social exercising’ enables you to connect with others, boosting your overall mood and motivation whilst also encouraging you to fully commit to the class!

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources at University of Birmingham