HDR Candidate Wellbeing Program
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR SEMESTER 1, 2023
We have two intakes each year at the start of each semester. Applications for the next intake will open early 2024
About the program
The HDR Wellbeing Program began in 2021 as a pilot program. It offers a range of activities designed for HDR candidates, structured around proactive supports for mental health and physical wellbeing. It has been informed by the Australian Council of Graduate Research Mental Health and Wellbeing forum and webinars, mental health and wellbeing programs offered at other universities and research literature. The Program has been designed to address specific domains of HDR wellbeing: social interaction, work-life relationships, and psychological and physical. The program offers a range of activities for maintaining healthy minds and bodies to support HDR candidate wellbeing. These include: physical exercise/fitness or related activities; wellbeing webinars; and mindfulness or meditation practice.
Eligibility
To participate in this program you must meet the following criteria
- Currently enrolled University of Canberra HDR candidate
- Have not been part of this program in the past 12 months
- Have participated in this program less than 2 times over your candidature
Program Inclusions
- Fortnightly webinar series (8 online workshops)
- Your choice fitness - Choose one
- Your choice extras - Choose two
- One comprehensive dietary assessment from the UC Health Clinic
Online Webinar Series
Workshops will be held online on alternate Wednesdays from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, starting from week 5 of semester.
Each webinar will focus on a different wellbeing pillar.
Participants are expected to attend at least 80% of the sessions.
30 Aug - Manage your energy, not your time
13 Sep - Communicating positively
27 Sep - Understanding your skills
11 Oct - Create a smarter budget that works for you
25 Oct - Building the right exercise program for you
08 Nov - Defeating self sabotage
22 Nov - Empowering others through active listening and support
06 Dec - The relationship between stress and gut-heath: eating to help you stress less
See the HDR Development Candidate Program for more info and registration links.
Your choice fitness - Choose one
UC FitX Gym 6-month 50% subsidised membership
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Centr by Chris Hemsworth Online fitness app subscription
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Your choice extras - Choose two
CALM app
Calm is a meditation, sleep and relaxation app, available in both the App Store and Google Play store. We are dedicated to introducing our world-wide Calm Community to the amazing benefits of mindfulness. The heart of Calm is digital, but Calm is also expanding offline in various ways that bring more peace, clarity, and perspective into people’s busy lives. Subscription is for 12 months.
Mental Health First Aid Australia Certification Training
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses teach people simple, practical first aid skills for helping a family member, friend, co-worker or other person who is experiencing mental health problems. Certification lasts for three years, after which you can participate in a refresher course. Training dates to be advised.
Mindfulness Journal
To track and note wellbeing (nutrition, exercise, sleep), mindfulness and self-care journey.
Breathe Magazine Subscription
To engage with current literature about different aspects of health and wellbeing. Subscription is for 12 months/6 issues, posted to your nominated address.
Comments from past participants
“I wanted to be really selfish about [accessing] something that would give me tangible skills for managing my wellbeing. Like something that I thought I would really, really useful. That's why I chose the options that I did. Thank you again, they’ve been great.”
“I was really interested in this program. I see what support is provided to other and the support provided UC is quite high. It really is particularly for the students. [The program has] got the physical stuff in there and the resources for mental health stuff. Everything that I would think of is covered, which is good.”
“I'm learning everything I can [from the Mental Health First Aid training]. I was really grateful for that.”
“I used the Les Mills app and I was addicted. I loved it…. Most of their challenges are 20 to 30 minutes and that's what I was looking for, so I love this app.”
“The Calm app has been a delight and I will be purchasing another year subscription with my own money. My children use it as well. I find that this study songs are really good.”
“The food/sleep/exercise diary really helped me to control what I'm eating. Thank you for that.”
Contact
For more information contact HDRdevelopment@canberra.edu.au.