Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
physical health
Physical health is not only good for our bodies, it can also benefit our mental health.
Research shows that exercise influences the release and uptake of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) in the brain. It’s not only about being active though; to maintain our physical health includes also what we eat and drink, and how we sleep.
On these pages you’ll find information, resources and services for your physical health to help you to stay well and support if you’re not.
Help to stay well
Whether you are working on campus or working remotely, it is important that you are sitting comfortably and that your workstation is set up correctly. Building in breaks away from your screen, changing from sitting to standing, and stretching are all ways that you can help to look after yourself.
DSE at home and at work
If your workstation is having a negative impact on your health, you may wish to undertake our online DSE module to ensure your workspace is set up correctly. If you have any concerns, you should raise these with your line manager. For more details about DSE assessments, please visit the Health and Safety webpage.
Best practice for DSE work
Below are some advice sheets about keeping active whilst working at your computer in order to help prevent injury.
Workstation exercises
Active working pattern
Neck and shoulder stretches
Our Employee Assistance Programme, Spectrum can support you to make lifestyle changes to improve physical fitness and wellbeing. There’s advice around sleep, healthy eating, reducing alcohol intake and exercise, plus easy to follow four week plans to help you keep on track with your goals.
Where can you find additional advice and support if you need it?
Occupational Health
Occupational Health provide professional, specialist advice to employees and managers on the effects of health at work and in general. Our Occupational Health webpages contain more information including referral forms for managers, and details of the service.
IT Software
If you feel that you would benefit from some assistive technology software to help with reading and writing documents at work, our IT services team will be able to help by suggesting available resources available on your computer via the software centre.
DSE Assessments
If your work station is having a negative impact on your health, you may wish to speak to your line manager about arranging a DSE assessment. A trained DSE assessor will come and visit you at your workstation, check that your equipment is set up correctly and recommend any adjustments that they think may improve your ability to use your workstation. For more details about DSE assessments, please visit the Health and Safety webpage.
Spectrum
All colleagues who work at our University have access to wellbeing, financial and legal advice from our employee assistance programme and their digital platform. The employee assistance programme is a free, confidential employee benefit designed to help you with any personal or professional problems that may be affecting your home or work life, general health or wellbeing. Services include a 24/7 confidential support line, self-help resources and 4-week lifestyle change plans.
Access to Work
Access to Work is a government initiative that can provide support for people who are disabled or have a physical/mental health condition that makes it hard for them to do their job. If you feel that you have a medical condition and would benefit from additional support at work, why not visit the Access to Work webpage to check your eligibility and find out more.
Topic specific health advice
Domestic Violence
If you or someone close to you is experiencing any form of domestic abuse, support is available.Â
- Behind Closed Doors Leeds Helpline 24/7 on 0113 246 0401
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247
- The University's Support. Report. Respect. page has more information about local and national support for anyone affected by harassment, violence or abuse.Â
Neurodiverse thinking
If you have a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or autism, there are several resources in place that may help you to carry out your role. These range from specialist IT software to make reading and editing documents easier, to speaking with a member of the Occupational Health Team about specialist adjustments to the way you carry out your role.
