According to studies, students sit for an average of 7.5 to 11 hours a day – and a significant proportion show signs of mental health issues. Symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression are particularly common. Experts also warn that sitting for more than 8 hours a day poses a health risk comparable to that of being overweight or smoking. At the same time, up to 30 per cent of students do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This combination of prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity and mental health issues makes it clear that a healthy lifestyle is not just desirable for students – it is essential.
Why the club is more than ‘just sport’
The Burgenland University of Applied Sciences Sport and Health Society offers you the chance to keep fit, clear your head and boost your mental wellbeing at the same time.
The programme ranges from regular online sports classes and health workshops to relaxation sessions. Whether it’s fitness, yoga, team challenges or running groups – there’s something for everyone who wants to invest in their physical and mental health, and thus in their academic success. The programme varies from semester to semester: whilst certain courses are already a permanent fixture, new highlights are added regularly.
“Our aim is to provide students with a platform where they can bring their bodies and minds into harmony. Exercising not only recharges your batteries, but also boosts your academic performance.”
Selina Osztovics, Head of the Sport and Health Association at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences
Exercise boosts mental well-being
Exercise is not only good for the body, but also an effective way of promoting mental health.
Studies show that regular exercise reduces stress, alleviates symptoms of depression and improves concentration. Just three sessions of moderate exercise a week over six weeks can noticeably alleviate symptoms of depression and reduce stress. Aerobic endurance sports (such as running or cycling) are particularly effective, as is yoga, which also enhances body awareness and emotional regulation. Regardless of the form chosen – whether strength training, team sports or yoga – studies show significant improvements in depression, anxiety and stress. It is not so much the type of exercise itself that matters, but rather how regularly it is done: those who complete two to three sessions a week over several weeks benefit the most.
This demonstrates that exercise serves, on the one hand, as a counterbalance to studying and, on the other, as a key to enhancing concentration, well-being and mental resilience.
The bridge between student life and studies
Sport and exercise in a university setting provide a valuable balance. After a day full of lectures and group work, a training session provides a fresh burst of energy and also offers new perspectives when you’re struggling with a learning or writer’s block.
What’s more, in a club environment you’ll learn skills that are worth their weight in gold when it comes to your studies:
Practical tips for you
“It is important to us that as many students as possible can benefit from what we have to offer. That is why we make the majority of our courses and workshops available free of charge – so that exercise and relaxation are accessible to everyone.”
Nina Wallner, Head of the Sport and Health Department at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences
Conclusion: Studies and health go hand in hand
The Burgenland University of Applied Sciences Sport and Health Association shows just how easy it is to maintain a balance between physical and mental health – and, in doing so, to succeed in your studies. Looking after yourself boosts your health and also lays the foundations for improved performance and greater motivation.
Our message to you: Join in – for the sake of your health and your studies!
Guest article: Burgenland University of Applied Sciences Sport and Health Association
# Gepostet in:
Blog,
Tips for students,
Allgemein,
Gesundheit
