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UQ Wellness Health Promotion campaigns

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The Wheel of Wellbeing is the UQ Wellness framework that is used to support staff wellbeing.The seven wellbeing influences that feature in the wheel of wellbeing that help us to thrive are physical, mental, social, financial, occupational, spiritual and environmental.

Using this framework, each month a different health promotion topic of focus will launch. These campaigns will include education, resources, events, suggestions or challenges to support UQ staff in increasing control over, and improving, their health or just serving as a timely reminder that maybe that area of their life could do with a bit of attention.

Suggestions for future campaign topics can be emailed to uqwellness@uq.edu.au.

Current campaign - A time for rest

Rest is crucial for our overall wellbeing as it allows our bodies and minds to recover from daily stressors. Without adequate rest, we risk burnout, which can lead to chronic physical and emotional exhaustion. April brings a time in the year, where through a number of public holidays we have a chance to rest, re-energise, take stock or re-focus.
 
Importance of rest

  • Physical recovery: Rest helps the body repair and regenerate, supports immune function, muscle recovery, and overall physical health.
  • Mental clarity: Resting reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
  • Productivity: Rest can boost productivity and creativity, assists your brain to process information and solve problems more effectively.
  • Emotional regulation: manage emotions better, reducing feelings of irritability and burnout

There are different types of rest that our bodies and minds need to feel fully rejuvenated. Each type of rest serves a unique purpose and contributes to overall well-being:

  • Physical rest helps your body recover from physical exertion and release tension. It includes both passive forms like sleep and napping, and active
    • Signs you need it – persistent fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty sleeping, low energy and frequent illness
    • Ways to get it – napping and reading (passive) or stretching/yoga/massage (active)
       
  • Mental rest involves giving your brain a break from constant thinking and processing and allowing your mind to relax and recharge.
    • Signs you need it – mental fog, constant tiredness, restless nights, lack of focus, apathy and irritability.
    • Ways to get it – short breaks through your day, practice mindfulness, deep breathing, nature walks or disconnecting from digital devices.
       
  • Sensory rest involves reducing sensory input to help your body and mind recover from overstimulation. This can include taking breaks from screens, bright lights, loud noises, and other sensory stimuli.
    • Signs you need it – eye strain, restlessness, irritability, difficulty focusing or increased sensitivity to light, sound or other stimuli.
    • Ways to get it – screen breaks, noise cancelling headphones, quiet time, nature walks or mindfulness.
       
  • Creative rest involves taking a break from the creative process or stepping away from a problem/project to allow your mind to recharge and rejuvenate. It helps restore your sense of wonder and inspiration, which is essential for problem-solving and generating new ideas.
    • Signs you need it – lack of inspiration, decreased creativity or mental fatigue.
    • Ways to get it – give yourself permission to do nothing, appreciate the creativity of others, spend time outdoors or take breaks before you feel overextended.
       
  • Emotional rest involves taking intentional steps to recharge and rejuvenate your emotional energy. It means allowing yourself to express and process your emotions freely, without judgment or the need to please others.
    • Signs you need it – mood swings, irritability, overwhelm, self-doubt, emotional exhaustion.
    • Ways to get it – setting boundaries, relaxation activities (mindfulness/meditation), express your feelings, take breaks.
       
  • Social rest involves taking a break from social interactions that drain your energy and spending time with people who uplift and support you. It's about balancing your social engagements to ensure they are restorative rather than exhausting.
    • Signs you need it – social anxiety, overwhelm from social obligations, preferring isolation or gravitating towards people who treat you poorly.
    • Ways to get it – setting boundaries, prioritising quality time, changing up activities.
       
  • Spiritual rest involves reconnecting with your inner self and finding peace amidst the chaos of daily life. It allows you to step back, reflect, and rejuvenate your spirit, often through practices like meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature.
    • Signs you need it – loss of joy, feeling disconnected, persistent fatigue, overwhelm or irritability.
    • Ways to get it – reflection, spending time in nature, meditation/prayer or dedicating time to focus on what brings you peace.

Useful resources

The 7 kinds of rest you need – Psychology Today
How to avoid burnout – Altiuslife (First time AltiusLife users: registration code uqwellness)
How to set healthy boundaries - Positive Psychology
Guided breathing and relaxation exercises - Beyond Blue
Mindful colouring printables
7 gentle permission slips

Previous campaigns