Reflecting on a Successful Student Well-being Week and Week of Work Stress
From 11 to 15 November, Leiden University turned its focus to well-being. Students and staff engaged in a diverse range of workshops and activities held across locations in Leiden and The Hague. The University Sports Centre (USC) played a key role, offering a varied programme aimed at promoting both physical and mental health. Participants experienced moments of relaxation, inspiration, and connection, contributing to their overall well-being and enjoyment of work or study.
A Week of Diversity, Relaxation, and Reflection
The Student Well-being Week and the Week of Work Stress featured a broad selection of activities designed to inspire and support the well-being of both students and staff. At the USC, physical workshops such as Outdoor Bootcamp, Power Yoga, Pilates, and Mindfulness attracted significant interest. For those seeking a unique experience, the Sound Journey (Klankreis) offered an opportunity to focus on relaxation and reflection.
Workshop Instructor Karlijn Krijgsman explained:
"During a Sound Journey, you listen to a story accompanied by music. The story resonates on a deeper level than the purely mental, inviting you to embark on an inner journey. This fosters relaxation, insight, and personal growth."
For staff, the Week of Work Stress offered similar opportunities to step back from the pressures of daily life. Activities such as the Office Workout and Salsa provided fun and dynamic ways to restore balance and recharge.
Relaxation and reflection were central themes throughout the week. Krijgsman highlighted the importance of these moments:
"Taking time to relax helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which has a positive impact on blood pressure, heart rate, and focus. It’s a valuable investment in your well-being."
Alongside physical workshops, the USC also offered sessions aimed at mental health, including mindfulness and breathing exercises, ensuring that everyone could find an approach that suited their needs.
The diversity of activities and the personal experiences shared by participants made these theme weeks a memorable and meaningful initiative, highlighting the importance of integrating relaxation and reflection into daily routines.
Building a Healthy and Supportive Community
The USC is proud to contribute to a university culture that places well-being and health at its heart. These theme weeks underscored the value of setting aside time for oneself - not only to relax but also to gain insights that can enhance both work and study. As Krijgsman expressed:
"Making time for relaxation and reflection is not a luxury but an essential part of well-being. It provides the energy and focus to move forward with clarity and purpose."
With an accessible and inclusive range of sports and activities, the University Sports Centre is here to support students and staff throughout the year.
Learn More and Get Involved
Discover the full programme offered by the University Sports Centre and see how taking small steps towards relaxation can make a big difference. Join us and experience the benefits for yourself, every day of the year.