25 March 2022

Walk ‘n Talk with Wellbeing Ambassadors like Bhavya and Emneet!

While studying, it can be tricky to find time to be active outside, as well as meet and talk to new people.

Research tells us that taking a break to spend time outside in nature boosts your mental health and wellbeing, reducing stress, resting your mind and improving your concentration and creativity. Just 20 minutes outside can be as energising as a cup of coffee.

As part of Mind Matters 2022, we are running the weekly Walk ‘n Talk Group at Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses every Thursday from Week 4 until Week 9, starting 31 March (except for 21 April during the intra-trimester break).

Walk ‘n Talk is a chance for you to meet up with a group of fellow students and take a 20-minute stroll through scenic campus areas, guided by trained Deakin Student Wellbeing Ambassadors. This is a relaxed opportunity to get moving and connect with both nature and other students in a welcoming atmosphere. And don’t worry, you’ll make it back before classes start for the day!

We spoke with Wellbeing Ambassadors Bhavya Bagaria and Emneet Sidhu about the Walk ‘n Talk Group and how being active in nature has helped their studies.

Wellbeing Ambassadors, Emneet Sidhu and Bhavya Bagaria

How has health and wellbeing positively impacted your studies?

Bhavya: It allows me to stay focused and not get distracted while I’m studying.

Emneet: Having positive health and wellbeing improves my academic results and allows me to be more focused for my learning.

What do you believe are the benefits from undertaking physical activity, including just going for a walk?

Bhavya: It helps improve muscle strength and boost your endurance. For me, it serves as a stress buster.

Emneet: Physical activity has a lot of benefits to physical and mental health. Walking outside in nature can help reduce mental health risk factors. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and a fantastic way to start your morning.

How will students benefit from joining the Walk ‘n Talk Group?

Bhavya: Students will be able to engage, connect and socialise with other students. It also gives students a great reason to start the day early.

Emneet: It provides an opportunity for students to get outside in nature and get some fresh air. Students can also connect with fellow students and have some conversations about Uni.

Bhavya and Emneet both agree that connecting and engaging with others, through activities like the Walk ‘n Talk Group, is a great way to build self-confidence, motivation and a feeling of being part of a community. 

Take the first step and join the Walk ‘n Talk Group!

Walk ‘n Talk is a relaxed and open group, so you can feel free to attend as many walks as you’d like or join in for later weeks any Thursday between 31 March and 12 May (except for 21 April during the intra-trimester break).

To join, just meet our Wellbeing Ambassadors at 9.30am by Building HF Student Central Precinct on Melbourne Burwood campus or Building JB in front of the security office at Geelong Waurn Ponds. You can find your way to the meeting point using our campus maps from the Deakin Locations webpage. You’ll recognise our Wellbeing Ambassadors as the ones wearing the teal shirts!

So, why not take the opportunity to have a good chat and stretch your legs out in nature?