5 questions with... a student of wellbeing
There's a new module open to all Warwick students to help us understand wellbeing, explore different viewpoints and engage with activities and strategies to improve wellbeing. We spoke to Sara, an undergraduate Global Sustainable Development student who has taken the course, to get the lowdown!
Can you tell us a little bit about the Understanding Wellbeing module?
Of course! The Understanding Wellbeing module was designed by academics and students from Warwick’s Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL) and is built on research that shows that higher wellbeing literacy improves wellbeing itself. You can take 3 levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) which are further divided into chapters on different (and very engaging!) wellbeing topics. My favourite ones include Dealing with Failure, Wellbeing and Your Environment or Unlocking Creativity.
Each chapter contains a podcast conversation between students and academics, an infographic, a reflective activity, a short quiz, and additional resources. You can complete the module in your own time and in your own way (I listened to the podcasts on my way to campus).
How has understanding your wellbeing improved your study/relationship to your studies?
The reflective activities in the module helped me connect the topics I was exploring with my own struggles and allowed me to develop healthier study habits. I now understand better what my wellbeing needs are as well as their importance so I can make sure to fulfil them throughout my studies.
What one small change can you recommend to students to look after their wellbeing?
Take the Understanding Wellbeing module! A smaller change would be to incorporate reflection into your daily routine – e.g., write a short entry into a diary or start writing your morning pages. That way you can quickly see what worries you and what gives you joy and try to incorporate less/ more of these things into your daily rhythm.
What is your biggest barrier when it comes to wellbeing?
Perfectionism.
What wellbeing tips will you use when it comes to studying for and taking assessments?
- Perspective - I try to keep in mind that I am not studying for assessments but primarily to learn. This module clearly showed me that the learning happening outside of my CATTED modules is as valuable (and sometimes more) as the one I receive my grades for.
- Connection - Studying with others or just keeping in touch with the people I care for during stressful assessment times makes me feel grounded and reminds me of what truly matters.
- Balance - Finding small breaks from studying to do the things I enjoy outside of academia, such as dancing, reading (fiction!) or spending time with my people.
Five cheeky bonus questions
What do you do to relax?
I go for a walk in nature and listen to my favourite podcast “We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle”.
What’s your favourite animal?
Squirrels! I must say I am quite content here on campus.
Where do you like to study on campus?
First Floor of the Library because you always meet someone you know and never study alone. Also, the new Green Space in the SU building because it has the atmosphere of a café without the need to buy anything!
What would you take to a desert island?
My favourite book: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I am aware that I would not survive very long, but I would enjoy my time there.
Where’s your favourite local place to eat?
The Bread Oven on campus or Dirty Duck with my sister (when we feel fancier). But if I am being honest, most of the time I just eat my home-cooked pasta.