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his activity aims to offer PGR students a range of strategies to help them develop personalised and proactive techniques to help maintain a state of ‘positive relaxation’ through their work and life as PGR students, which can support their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Topics covered through the course of sessions will include:
• How to do your own grounding body scan to keep you relaxed anytime, anyplace, anywhere
• A checklist of common unhelpful thinking habits so you can identify what prevents you from being relaxed
• A review of your personal stress resources and demands, including tips on how to maintain a calm but productive state of work-life balance
• Using affirmations and positive self-talk as a tool to cope with difficulties and develop a state of positive relaxation
• Learning a relaxation technique to keep you calm, destressed and focussed
• Practicing a positive visualisation technique to help sustain a relaxed state of mind to optimise your capacity to live and work

The sessions will be experiential so students will have the opportunity to personally experience and explore these different elements of positive relaxation. Within the sessions, there will also be worksheets to consider individually, discussions in pairs and small groups, some didactic psychoeducational teaching and whole-group guided relaxation activities. There will be no requirement to speak out in the larger group and no physical movement activities.
All relaxation activities will take place seated in chairs. No special kit or attire is required, although comfortable clothing is recommended. The ethos of the sessions will be supportive and facilitative with a focus on calm and relaxation.

Getting Creative (arts based class)

This activity will include the following sessions:

• Sculpture: Making salt dough and sculpting
• Acetate drawing: Drawing on acetate with pens
• Tote bag drawing: Paint and draw on a tote bag that can be taken away
• Drawing: Taking a pen (or pencil) for a walk to create random patterns and shapes and then fill those shapes with creatures/monsters/ other patterns.
• Sketchbook making: Using different types of paper to create a sketchbook to take away.
• Sculpture: Use art straws and wire to weave and sculpt to create nests and hares to take away.
• Observation drawing: Focusing on the tone and texture of the Atsuo Sculptures
• Candle/ tea light holders: Painting jars with glass paints/pens

And, you can keep the art you create!

Pop into the Research Exchange to enjoy some coffee and cake, while chatting with other researchers.

These sessions are a great opportunity to network with other researchers, discuss your research, and to take a break so that you can return to your work refreshed and relaxed.

Research Refresh runs throughout the year, apart from University closed days.

• Help rejuvenate a woodland pathway by removing overhanging tree branches with loppers and saws. By cutting away the tangled wood, walking along the path will be much easier. A more attractive pathway will also encourage people to explore Park Wood, one of Canley’s ancient bluebell woodlands.
• Tools and gloves are provided. No experience is needed. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and strong shoes or boots that you don't mind getting a little muddy.

Running, lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.
Anyone joining the running group should be able to jog continuously for 15 minutes at a moderate pace.
Get some fresh air and exercise while meeting new people!

Absolute beginners, as well as experienced crafters, are welcome to attend our knitting and crochet group in the Chaplaincy. All materials are provided and volunteers will be on hand to help and to teach.

Join us for tea, cake, and good company as we chat, knit and crochet together!

Details to follow