Have you got 10,000 steps in you?
Having a tough day? Move your mood with more walking!
The Australasian University Health Challenge (AUHC) is a wellbeing initiative focused on increasing movement while bringing our university communities together. Hosted by a different university each year, the aim is for staff and students to make small behavioural changes over a six week period, to increase their daily levels of physical activity, towards a positive impact on overall wellbeing. In these uncertain times taking steps to have control over and improve our physical and mental wellbeing is most important.
The 2021 challenge is hosted by The University of Newcastle with eighteen universities across Australia and New Zealand stepping up to the challenge to compete against each other. The average teams’ daily steps determine the most physically active university. The University of Newcastle also runs a parallel internal tournament with teams from across the university competing with all steps contributing to the overall AUHC.
By signing up to the challenge, you'll be challenging yourself to embrace small behavioural changes towards a healthier you - plus you'll be representing the University of Newcastle.
Aiming for 10,000 steps a day is easier than you think:
- Take a socially distanced walk with your colleague during your lunch break.
- Alternate between sitting and standing desks.
- Try the stairs instead of escalators or elevators, or go for quick walks on your breaks.
- Park your car further from the workplace and walk a little further in the morning and afternoons. If using public transport, hop off a few stops early and walk the remaining distance.
- Walk to your colleague’s desk and talk face to face rather than emailing or calling.
Walking can occur anytime, anywhere and any place – all you need is to do is get off your butt and move!
Participants can register through the 10,000 Steps website or mobile app at any time. Once registered, chat to colleagues in your work area to form a team or compete alone by emailing paula.convery@newcastle.edu.au
General information on the AUHC challenge can be found here. #everystepcounts to the AUHC.
The 2021 step challenge begins on Monday September 6 and continues for six weeks until October 17.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.