GUSA correspondent
GUSA has played host to a number of extremely successful events and campaigns in the last few months, not least their partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
GUSA’s focus towards promoting both physical and mental health is at the centre of their plans for this semester, kicking off with “Wellbeing Week”, starting Monday 26th January and running through to February 1st.
Consisting of various drop-in sessions such as yoga, sports massage and nutrition classes, wellbeing week gives students the opportunity to try out activities that otherwise may be difficult to access. In addition, there is a chance to build valuable skills such as CPR and first aid in sport; knowledge which could prove useful both for those studying sport-related subjects, or those with an active interest in the field.
As previously mentioned by the Glasgow Guardian, the Starfish group has been running for several years and has recorded growing successes. It is aimed at those suffering either directly or indirectly from eating disorders and excessive exercise, and is open to anyone experiencing their own difficulties or those of people close to them. On Friday 30th January the group will host a guest speaker from B-eat charity to raise awareness of these issues, a session which is sure to prove hugely informative, to any interested students.
It comes as no surprise that many students find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet during the year, with limited money and time available to dedicate to this area. This is why GUSA have organised a number of nutrition talks during the week, focused on weight management and the best way to get the most from your diet. Wellbeing week is sure to mark an action-packed start to the spring/summer term, so for any of us who are already seeing our new year’s resolutions beginning to flag despite the best of intentions, it will hopefully provide some inspiration to continue with the hard work.
To close the week, on Sunday 1st February, GUSA will host its annual “Superteams” event, consisting of a series of speed, strength and endurance challenges to truly test your mental and physical stamina. The challenges include swimming, rowing, sprints and cycling, plus others to be revealed on the day. Students, staff and alumni are all welcome to get involved in teams of four, with a prize on the day for the winning team. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a complete novice, there is something for everyone on the day, and it’s sure to be one that can’t be missed!
More about the Superteams event and information on how to enter, as well as a list of the various other activities and classes that will be running throughout wellbeing week can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/services/sport/sww/events.
