26 April 2023

‘An activity I never expected to enjoy so much’: how student Sheridan has benefited from trying new ways to stay active

How are you staying active in your day-to-day life? Despite our best intentions, it can be hard dedicating time to exercise in between balancing studies with work, family and social commitments. 

However, with evidence showing exercise boosts our wellbeing and cognitive function, it’s important we all aim to keep moving every day for optimal health, just like we would commit to a study routine. 

While you should strive to find an activity you enjoy, moving more doesn’t have to be a big deal. Committing to just 30 minutes of daily exercise – even incidental movements such as strolling around campus or parking a bit further away to walk the last leg to your classes – can improve your energy levels, mood, sleep quality and study efforts in noticeable ways. 

How can you get moving today?

We have plenty of ways you can stay active at Deakin!

• Check out DUSA’s social sport and clubs.
• Make the most of our on-campus DeakinACTIVE fitness centres and sporting facilities.
• Are you a Resi student? Join some of the informal sport and student-led activities with your neighbours!  

We also feature regular stories on Deakin Life about how our students like to keep moving, so stay tuned! Most recently, we asked Resi student Sheridan Finn how she likes to stay active and how this positively impacts her studies. Sheridan is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Deakin.

What are you hoping to do professionally after uni?
I’m hoping to be a classroom teacher at a local primary school in my hometown.

What sports and activities do you enjoy doing, and how did you first get into these?
I really enjoy dancing! It’s been a major hobby of mine since I was very young and I even considered it as a career path at one point. I also have found a love for yoga in the past few years while being at uni. This was an activity I never expected to enjoy so much, so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to try it as part of living on Deakin Res.

When I am active in the mornings, it seems to make my day of study so much more productive.

You mention yoga and dancing – how do you think these activities help your physical wellbeing?
These activities are a way for me to become more in touch with and aware of my physical body. They help me stay fit and strong and also are a great stress reliever for me, which is good for my mental health.

How do you think being physically active contributes to your overall wellbeing and study habits?
Being physically active is really important for both my mind and body. I think being active is really helpful for my studies because it clears my mind after a long day of studying and is something I look forward to. When I am active in the mornings, it also seems to make my day of study so much more productive too!

How does dancing and yoga make you feel, and allow you to express yourself?
Dancing is the best way for me to express myself because I don’t have to use words, which is especially helpful when I don’t have the right words to convey how I’m feeling. 

What’s life like living on Warrnambool Campus, and does this influence your health and wellbeing in particular ways?
Living at the Warrnambool Campus has been great for my overall wellbeing. Res ensures that they provide events each month that are centred around wellbeing (such as yoga), so I have access to such activities for free.

Do you have any advice for other students who may want to get more active but aren’t sure where to start?
What are you most looking forward to this year? Everyone has activities that will suit them, it’s just a matter of having a go and seeing what you enjoy. I highly recommend attending any free trial sessions at uni or anywhere really when you’re not sure where to start. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t think yoga would be for me so I never would’ve known unless I gave it a go. It can be daunting trying something new but it’s so worth it and can be a great way to form new friendships.

Anything else you’d like to add?
If you have a hobby or a sport you played back at home, I strongly recommend finding a facility that runs it when you go to uni. I’m so lucky that I’ve found an amazing dance school down here in Warrnambool, which has been a great place to make friends and continue my passion for dance.

We’re committed to your wellbeing at Deakin

Study can inherently lead to sedentary habits but it’s important you stay moving, whether as part of structured or more casual activities, to maintain your health and get the most out of your studies. Here at Deakin, we are always investigating ways we can help our students stay healthy, happy and well – take a look at our vision as part of the Deakin Student Health Promotion Plan.