August 2026 Empathia Newsletter

As we prepare for the start of a new academic year, it is a great time to reset, re-energize and explore some of our employee wellness opportunities. Whether you are looking to get moving, stretch and recharge, or explore new wellness topics, we are excited to offer a variety of options this month to support your health and balance. 

Yoga and Pilates Classes

Lunchtime yoga and pilates classes are open to all experience levels and are a great opportunity to meet employees from other units, while also taking a break to stretch and have a midday reset. Please join us in Ives 80 from 12:05 to 12:55pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Yoga mats are available.

• Mondays: Pilates
• Wednesdays: Meditative Yoga
• Thursdays: Meditative Yoga 

Couch to 5K Training (Resumes 8/25)

Join our 45-minute Couch to 5K Training with Yavé Guzman Valdez (bio)! Training is held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Arbor and Lakes from 12:05 to 12:50pm, beginning August 25th. All levels are welcome, from beginners to intermediate as well as advanced runners looking for some extra workouts. Suggested items to bring with you: A pair of good running shoes, comfortable clothing to run in, water, post run snack, and a yoga mat. 

Local Opportunities to Get Moving

Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has secured an exclusive discount code for a local running event 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.

• Clo Cow Half Marathon (October 11)
• 5k, 10k, half marathon 
• https://www.clocowhalf.com/

Email employeewellness@sonoma.edu for the exclusive discount code!

Wellness Webinars

Kaiser Permanente is offering a range of wellness webinars open to all employees, regardless of your health plan. Most sessions are available on-demand for six months after the live stream, with the exception of the Calm Meditation Sessions, which are only available live.

• Move It Mondays
  These 30-minute classes are designed to boost both your body and your mind and are available for all fitness levels. These classes will include a gentle warm-up, energizing movement, and a cool down. 
  • Date: August 3 & 17, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 12:30pm
  • Register
   
• Back to School, Back to Basics
  Reset your routines and refocus your family’s well-being. From sleep and nutrition to managing stress and screen time, learn strategies to help your family stay balanced and start the school year strong.
  • Date: August 17, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
   
• The Sugar Shift
  Learn how sugar affects your body and mood and discover healthier options for lasting vitality.
  • Date: August 19, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
   
• Healthy Cooking Made Delicious (Live Cooking Demo)
  Learn how to build meals that are satisfying, balanced, and flavorful. In this class, we’ll explore tips for satiety, strategies for creating healthy meals, and a live cooking demonstration creating a fresh and healthy dish that brings all these concepts together.
  • Date: August 20, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
   
• Back-to-School Tips & Tools
  Explore common signs and symptoms of challenges transitioning back to school, strategies to decrease academic and social-related stressors, and how to develop supportive habits and resilience for the future. 
  • Date: August 27, 2026
  • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
  • Register

Calm Meditation Sessions

Join for 15 minutes to de-stress, reset, and renew yourself.

• August 12, 2026 (10 - 10:15am) - Join here at the time of event
• August 26, 2026 (2 - 2:15pm) - Join here at the time of event

Employee Access to the Campus Recreation Center

Employees have access to the Campus Rec Center, which offers a wide range of fitness, recreational and wellness resources that support physical and mental wellbeing. The Rec Center also provides opportunities to connect and build community outside of your work space. More information about the Rec Center’s facilities, classes, and hours of operation can be found at Campus Recreation’s Rec Portal. Instructions for activating your employee access are available on our website.