Welcome to 5 Weeks of Wellbeing

This March, we're inviting PGR students to slow down, breathe out, and make space for the parts of life that don't revolve around research. Over five themed weeks, the Bristol Doctoral College will be sharing activities designed to boost your wellbeing, spark joy, help you connect with the PGR community, and reconnect with yourself.

Week 1 (2 to 6 March) Try Something New

Trying even small new things like sitting somewhere different in a meeting, taking a new route to campus, or exploring a new hobby can help you see the world differently and boost your wellbeing.

The 2025 PRES survey showed a strong correlation between postgraduate researchers' feeling a sense of belonging and overall satisfaction with their research degree. One powerful way to ease that isolation is by building your research community, and we have multiple PGR Clubs and Networks designed exactly for that.

Week 2 (9 to13 March) Get Creative

Doing something creative, no matter your skill level, can help quiet your mind, reduce stress, and give you a refreshing sense of focus. Whether you enjoy crafts, writing, or experimenting with new ways of communicating creativitycan take many different forms.

Week 3 (16 to 20 March) Do Something Physical

You don’t need a big workout plan; sometimes, the smallest movements can make the biggest difference. A change of scenery, a short stretch, or a gentle walk can help relieve the physical strain of long research days. Join us for a walk or cycle around Ashton Court or table tennis in the PGR Hub.

Week 4 (23 to 27 March) Learn a New Skill

Whether you pick up a hands-on craft, practice a new language, or simply explore something outside your usual routine, learning can refresh your perspective and spark creativity in your research.

Week 5 (30 March to 3 April) Be Mindful 

As we reach the final week of 5 Weeks to Wellbeing, and we're ending on one of the most familiar wellbeing themes: mindfulness. 

Being mindful is about paying attention to the present moment, without pressure, judgment, or urgency. Even a brief pause in your day can help you reconnect with yourself, calm your thoughts, and reset your focus.