UM & wellbeing
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, themes like physical and mental wellbeing are perhaps more relevant and important than ever. Maastricht University devotes a great deal of attention to the wellbeing of its students and staff. A healthy and safe environment, personal development and support, and other related topics are key elements of our education, research and our Strategic Programme 2022-2026.
In addition, the university offers a wide range of initiatives and activities related to wellbeing. Read more about these initiatives and activities here, or keep reading for more 'UM & wellbeing' news, stories, press releases, videos and background information.
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More UM: Wellbeing at UM
UM Theme pages assemble relevant content on one important or topical theme within UM, from stories to news and from videos to background information.
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Procrastination is the thief of time
Pain is not comfortable and it signals possible damage to the body. It is therefore logical that people with acute pain avoid painful movements. Movements that resemble painful movements are also usually avoided. However, it becomes problematic the moment people also avoid movements that are totally unrelated to pain. In his PhD research, Kristof Vandael investigated factors to inhibit the spread of avoidance in order to optimise therapy for chronic pain.
How to improve your resilience in uncertain times
Remember the last time you were wrong? And I don’t mean slightly off-target but very, very wrong. Everything looked crisp, clear. It just made sense. There was no doubt, so you went all in. Then the shock. Reality sank in. Slowly at first. Gradually there was more nuance. Gray shades were all over the place. Finally what had been so obviously true, was not there after all.
Gone with the wind
Acute pain is an important protective mechanism in our bodies. It is a signal that alerts us to (potential) damage or illness. However, when acute pain turns into chronic pain, this useful function is lost and the pain actually only has adverse effects. Every day, more than 2 million people in the Netherlands struggle with chronic pain. Can anything be done about this? That is what PhD candidate Astrid Meesters researched at Maastricht University.
2023
Panic: what you should (or shouldn’t) do
2022
'Letter from Máxima lowers threshold for young people to talk about mental health'
How to improve your resilience in uncertain times
Well-being key focus at conference on healthy buildings
Not doing so good, doing well
COVID-19 pandemic major impact on graduates university of applied sciences
What does commitment to well-being mean for your employees?
Prioritising student wellbeing
Feeling 'different'
2021
Mindfulness: can we have your full attention?
Your wellbeing is more important than ever
Well-being, Women and Work in Ethiopia
“We need to actively involve people in vulnerable population groups in research on healthy living”
International Yoga Day 2021
2019
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UM Researchers help map how people in cities get a health boost from nature
Your local city park may be improving your health, according to a new paper led by Stanford University researchers in collaboration with Bram Oosterbroek from the Maastricht Sustainability Institute.
A listening ear
Are you between 12 and 25 years old and having trouble dealing with something? Heartbreak, problems with school or university, loneliness or depression? Whatever it is, @ease provides free and accessible psychological support.
Healthiest university building is in Maastricht
Maastricht University meets the WELL Building Standard with its Tapijn location, also known as the former military barracks. It is the first time that a European university building has achieved this high standard.
2021
Attention for employee well-being also beneficial for companies
Students come up with creative cycling apps
2020
Nursing homes will go all out to prevent visiting bans during the second coronavirus wave
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Wellbeing at UM
Maastricht University considers student welfare a key priority. In addition, sustainable employability of our employees is central to our HR policy, with a strong focus on diversity, inclusivity, leadership and career development. Our Strategic Programme 2022-2026 gives you more information about our vision and ambitions for the next five years, including our ambitions regarding wellbeing.
In line with our vision and ambitions, there are many initiatives, activities and programmes within UM that can contribute to the wellbeing of our students and employees. Here are some examples.
More information for students
More information for employees (via intranet)
The Wellbeing Movement
The Wellbeing Movement (WBM) is an initiative promoting physical and mental wellbeing at Maastricht University (UM). We are here to give you tools towards a healthy and happy student life.
The WBM offers wellbeing information and trainings in many forms, such as relaxation, sports, study skills and other resources. Three of our main events are:
- The Wellbeing Week (yearly): a week full of workshops, talks and other activities centered around your wellbeing
- The Wellbeing Days (year-round): one day each month, entirely devoted to your wellbeing
- Peer-to-peer events (year-round): we support students in organising small-scale events that help them share their passions with others. Do you have a hobby that you want to share with others but don’t know how to organise an event or workshop? Reach out to us and we can help organise it!
@ease
Are you between 12 and 25 years old and having trouble dealing with something? Heartbreak, problems with school or university, loneliness or depression? Whatever it is, @ease provides free and accessible psychological support. You can speak with young volunteers, completely anonymously, at the @ease location or via chat. You will not be asked for your name, your background, your education or your age; no file will be created. The volunteers you speak to are all thoroughly trained and coached. And there is always a team of mental healthcare professionals present. Advice from @ease: are you worried about something or is something bothering you? You can't talk to friends about it? Don't wait, get in touch with us. You'll see that you're definitely not the only one with your problem or question. Talking helps.
The InnBetween
The InnBetween is a place created for and by students where vulnerability and resilience are practiced. A place where together you eat, study, relax, play, and of course, meet people. An open-minded community that brings people from different backgrounds together, also during the lockdown. ‘We offer students professional counselling with the two chaplains, but also opportunities to mean something to one another. In doing so, we are building a community that students are a part of - and responsible for. Being part of a community and feeling at home somewhere is very important for the mental health of students.’
Other theme pages
We also highlight other themes. Below you will find an overview.