catering round-up
PART2
Six steps to student wellness:
Written by Professor David Russell in partnership with Charlotte Harbour
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n this two-part series, we've
been discussing six key
areas of focus to augment
positive student health and
wellbeing outcomes. To recap,
last month we spoke about the
importance of nutrition, exercise
and emotional support services
in optimising student wellness.
Let's continue...
4. The Microbiome
You may have heard us talk
about gut health at industry
events - or perhaps remember
previous University Business
articles discussing 'The
Microbiome'. It's a hot topic -
and with good reason. Research
continues to demonstrate the
links between optimised gut
health and positive health
outcomes for people of all ages.
W hilst it is implausible to suggest
that dysbiosis (an imbalance of
gut flora) is responsible for all
health consequences, it may
be a key driver in maintaining
undesirable effects such as an
unhealthy weight, low immunity
and autoimmune disorders.
We can help support students'
microbiome by delivering food
and beverage offers that are high
in phytonutrients, plant fibre and
ferments such as live yogurt.
• Have you considered
running specialised nutrition
workshops and cooking
classes on campus?
5. Self-Care
We live in a society which
prioritises achievement,
attainment and long hours.
Whilst these aspects of life are
inevitable and important in
reaching personal and academic
goals, they should not be the
basis for day-to-day living.
Studies from now and yesteryear
continue to demonstrate the
significance of'self-care' in
achieving positive physical and
mental health outcomes. As we
know, health is not just symbolic
of the 'absence of disease' - but
is emblematic of the ability to
thrive in all aspects of wellbeing.
Self-care can help us be more
productive in a shorter space
of time, keep immunity high,
foster a greater community
and decrease stress-related
symptoms. So, how can we
deliver more self-care to our
students? The key is providing
education as co why it's important
and then offering appropriate
opportunities to do so. This
may mean running classes
such as meditation or offering
subsidies on alternative therapies
such as nutritional therapists,
massage and acupuncture.
• Have you considered offering
subsidies on local spas or
alternative therapies chat
encourage self-care rituals?
6. Connection and
Community
Last month we spoke about the
importance of emotional support
services in maintaining student
wellbeing, especially in regard
to mental health. We ma.intain
@UB_UK I
the importance of patrol support,
counselling and talking therapies
in the academic sphere - but are
,,,
also keen to see the continuatioi.
of student connection
opportunities in higher
education. By nature, we are
social creatures who appreciate
connecting with others on matters
that are significant to us or of
interest. We know that higher
education offers some of the
greatest opportunities to meet
and grow alongside others who
share our passions - whether
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that be through the course,
sport or society. Let's continue
this beneficial philosophy,
as connecting with others is
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a biological requirement to
engendering all round good health.
In summation, our six steps to
student wellness are: Nutritionally
dense food and beverage offers,
physical activity, emotional support
services, the microbiome, self-care,
and connection and community.
What are yours? Let's chat
@RP_Consultants
www.universitybusiness.co.uk I 59
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