At North Hertfordshire College, we promote mental and physical wellbeing strategies to both our learners and staff. We encourage our entire college community to prioritise their health and provide a range of ways for our staff to stay happy and healthy at work.
Our Engineering and Construction Campus team have been finding their inner zen with yoga sessions every Monday after work.
Professional yoga instructor, Rick Nunn, kindly offered to lead these sessions, drawing on his years of experience teaching throughout Hertfordshire and online.
Whether our staff are beginners or professionals, they come together to get fit and healthy whilst having a laugh at some of the more questionable yoga moves.
Virginia, one of our Inclusion Assistants and organiser of the yoga sessions commented:
“I want to say how wonderful the yoga classes have been, in the short time we have had these sessions, they have greatly contributed to my overall wellbeing. It is helping me towards a positive change both mentally and physically. Also, I spend time with colleagues, and enjoy a laugh together.”
The Engineering and Construction Campus team have been taking part in these sessions for two terms now, with 11 yogis in attendance each week. The group have found they can easily apply the benefits of yoga to their different job roles in various ways.
James, our IT Service Desk Technician (and now seasoned yogi) commented:
“I enjoy the yoga sessions with Rick as it is a great way to relax at the end of the working day. I regularly find myself bending down or crawling under desks as a part of my job and often get aches in my knees and legs. The various stretches have really helped me improve my flexibility in these areas, reducing my aches. I would say that it’s a lovely way to end a tiring Monday.”
Nicola, one of our Support Coaches (and tree pose enthusiast) added:
“Being a support coach within the college means I can deal with some difficult subjects. Yoga has been a vital part of my wellbeing and mental health after a long day at work. I can switch off from the day, laugh (at myself), and it then it also sets me up for the week ahead. It has been lovely to mix with other staff I don’t always see too.”
Initiatives like this bring our college community together, sharing in the endless health benefits of yoga whilst having a good laugh.
If you are a member of staff at NHC and think you could do with some Monday evening Zen, there are still spaces available! Get in touch with Virginia to find out more.