Physical & Mental Health

With physical inactivity being the fourth leading risk for global mortality, physical health is highly important. Physical activity is very beneficial to an individual’s health and is not just about weight loss or looking good. Our physical health impacts our mental health, the function of our body and our quality of life.

Regular physical activity is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing, with known effects such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and the development of cardiovascular disease. Other benefits of physical activity include:

  • Decreasing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
  • Improving mood, energy levels, productivity and stress
  • Improving posture, balance and age related conditions
  • Combating depression
  • Management of chronic pain

Physical activity does not need to be hard, complicated, time consuming or unpleasant. Physical activity should be enjoyable and can include any activity that involves movement of the body such as gardening, swimming, walking, golf, squash or tennis. Even a small increase in physical activity can have a positive impact on your health.

Western Sydney University provides a range of resources and services that aim to encourage and increase participation in physical activity. The University Gyms are a great place to start if you are thinking of increasing your physical health!

Desk Exercises

Diabetes

Endometriosis

March is worldwide endometriosis awareness month. We invite you to spend the next 30 minutes learning more about this terrible disease, joining Associate Professor Mike Armour (NICM HRI) and I as we talk about the complexities of endometriosis, the current treatment options, exciting upcoming research Western is involved in and what the future looks like for women, girls and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis.

Guided Meditation

Hypertension

R U OK?

R U OK? Day is a national suicide prevention campaign that aims to encourage everyone to start a conversation by asking their friends, family and colleagues "Are you OK?" This simple but powerful question lets the people in our lives know that they are important to us, and creates a sense of connectedness for all in the community.

For tips and planned events at Western for R U OK? Day click here

Sleep Tips

Sleep Tips (opens in a new window)

STEPtember

STEPtember (opens in a new window)

Wellbeing Task Challenge

What can you change in a week to increase your health and wellbeing?

During World Wellbeing Week we challenge you to complete a set of wellbeing tasks that will promote and increase your health and wellbeing. These tasks are intentionally easy and time efficient so you can include them in your daily routine.

Drink 2 litres of water Take a dance class Go for a walk outside
Complete 10 minutes of meditation each day of this week Complete 10,000 steps a day Engage in an activity you would not normally do
Write down what you are grateful for today Be phone free in the evening one night this week (be present with family) One night this week obtain a full 8 hours of sleep
Eat lunch AWAY from your desk Take a break from sitting at your desk every half an hour today Park further away from your office or get public transport one day this week
Attend a free lunchtime exercise class Grab a coffee with a team mate Complete an activity that you enjoy that you haven't had time to do recently

Women’s Health Symposium

Preventing Burnout - Presentation