With many of Perth’s university students about to enter the mid-year exam period stress levels are at an all-time high on campus. Our very own Murdoch Vikings Volleyball Club was just this week involved in the Stress Less Festival at Murdoch University providing an opportunity for students to participate in some physical activity to reduce their stress.

Research has shown that some regular physical activity can benefit students’ stress levels and mental well-being. The benefits include:

1. Improving sleep quality so students can function at full capacity
2. Releasing stress through the release of endorphins which produce feelings of happiness and relaxation
3. Improving mood. Regularly scheduled exercise can improve self-confidence and mood, and reduce anxiety and depression.
4. Improving academic performance. Regular aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory and learning. Additionally, increased blood flow to the brain because exercise helps to grow and release chemicals that maintain brain health.
5. Helping to control appetite and diet. Some students find that their diet changes when they become responsible for preparing it, even more so when pushed for time more unhealthy choices can sneak into the diet. Regular exercise can help students find the balance between this new diet and a healthy lifestyle

In WA, we have four volleyball clubs linked to Perth universities playing in our WA Volleyball League, Murdoch Vikings, ECU Chequers, Reds Volleyball Club (Curtin) and UWA Volley Club. Volleyball is an extremely popular sport for students, many of the university sports centre’s run strong social competitions and several also compete in the various UniSport events throughout the year.

In September 2022, the Uni Games will be held here in Perth in September and Volleyball WA will be playing a role in supporting the event.

For more information on any of our Clubs please visit our website and stay tuned for more news on the Games as we get closer to September.