TO: Sonoma State Employees
FR: Wellness Program, Payroll and Benefits
Prioritizing mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), we wanted to take this opportunity to remind employees of upcoming wellness opportunities. Similarly, employees are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare provider to access additional no-cost wellness apps, programs, and resources to help you thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
Vitalant Blood Drive
In partnership with SSU Student Involvement and Student Clubs, Vitalant will be hosting an on-campus blood drive tomorrow.
Wednesday May 1, 2024
10am - 1:30pm
Denali Gym, Campus Recreation Center
Appointment Link
(appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome)
Local Marathons
Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has secured exclusive discount codes for two local running events featuring distances for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned runner or wanting to try something new, you are invited to join us and walk, run or even skip your way to the finish line.
- Santa Rosa Marathon (August 24 and 25)
5k, 10k, half, full marathon
https://santarosarun.com/
SSU25 = 25% discount for any distance
-
Clo Cow Half Marathon (September 22)
5k, 10k, half marathon
https://www.clocowhalf.com/
24SSU = 15% discount for any distance
Wellness Webinars
We are excited to share this month’s wellness webinars offered by Kaiser Permanente. These webinars are open to all employees regardless of your health plan election. Webinars remain available on-demand for six months after the live stream (with the exception of the live Calm Meditation Sessions which are available only at the time of the event).
- Building Your Social Circle
There isn’t much that deserves more effort than building your social circle with in-person human connection and support.
May 1, 2024 (Noon - 1pm)
Register
- Battling Burnout
Experiencing minor or even major changes in our lives may cause stress, anxiety, and burnout. Learn some practical tools to help be the best we can be.
May 15, 2024 (Noon - 1pm)
Register
- Stroke Prevention
Learn about strokes and how to recognize them, what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke, and treatment options.
May 23, 2024 (12:30 - 1:30pm)
Register
- Mindful Living
Live with more awareness and make the most of the moments you have. Learn to practice mindfulness through breathing, eating, while walking, and in your daily routines.
May 29, 2024 (Noon - 1pm)
Register
Calm Meditation Sessions
15-minute de-stress exercises using the Calm app.
Every Wednesday in May (10 - 10:15am)
Join here at the time of event
Yoga Classes
Lunchtime yoga classes continue and are open to all experience levels. A great opportunity to meet employees from other units, while also taking a break to stretch and have a midday reset.
- Mondays and Thursdays (12:05 - 12:55pm, Ives 80): Meditative Yoga with Jeanne Janae
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays (12:05 - 12:55pm, Ives 80): Yoga Flow with Kim Purdy
Mindfulness and Self-Care Classes
Please join our 30-minute virtual Mindfulness and Self-Care classes with Dr. Andy Wallace, SSU Philosophy professor (pre-registration required). Each class begins with a short description of mindfulness followed by a 15-20 minute mindfulness-based exercise and concludes with a poem. Dr. Wallace will also be available following the class for further discussion.
“The benefits of mindfulness stem, I believe, from the role that it plays in the human caregiving system. Kindness, compassion, and love are the system’s core emotions, and unconditional acceptance of self and other is its raison d’etre. When we meditate mindfully we activate or elicit those emotions and learn to care authentically for ourselves in the same loving spirit as we authentically care for others.” - Dr. Andy Wallace (bio)
These mindfulness classes are held on Fridays from 12 - 12:30pm and will continue throughout the spring semester. Employees interested in attending are asked to please register in order to receive the zoom link for the class.
Additional information regarding our SSU Employee Wellness programs can be found here: https://hr.sonoma.edu/payroll/