Sonoma State University

February 2026 Wellness Newsletter

Whether you are looking for ways to recharge, stay active or simply take a moment for yourself, this month’s wellness offerings are here to support you with flexibility, encouragement, and community.

National Wear Red Day

Join SSU’s Employee Wellness Program, along with staff, faculty, students and friends in raising awareness for heart health by wearing red on Friday, February 6th in honor of National Wear Red Day.

Please plan to join us at 10:15am in front of Lobo Vision (between the Student Center and Campus Recreation Center) to take a quick group photo of everyone wearing their red to show our campus’ support for the American Heart Association and its work to bring awareness and research to heart disease and stroke.

Vitalant Blood Drive

In partnership with SSU Student Involvement and Student Clubs, Vitalant will be hosting an on-campus blood drive:

  • Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (10:00am - 2:15pm)
  • Parking Lot D, Bloodmobile
  • Appointment Link (appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome)

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!

Please 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 January 13, 2026. 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. 

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: February 2 & 23, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 12:30pm
    • Register
     
  • Love Your Heart
    The heart is your body’s hardest-working muscle. Uncover the risk factors that impact heart health and can lead to heart disease. Explore Mediterranean and plant-based meal plans and consider simple ways to keep your heart strong.
    • Date: February 16, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Gut Health
    Discover how a balanced digestive system supports immunity, mood, and overall wellness.
    • Date: February 18, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Taking Care of Your Heart
    Learn about heart disease and identify associated risk factors. The Mediterranean and plant based meal plans will be highlighted in relationship to keeping your heart healthy. 
    • Date: February 19, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Be Heart Smart: Millennials to Baby Boomers
    Learn about the causes of heart disease, understand blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, recognize age and gender-specific heart attack symptoms, and be empowered to prevent heart disease at every stage of life.
    • Date: February 26, 2026
    • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
    • Register

Calm Meditation Sessions

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

  • February 11, 2026 (10 - 10:15am) - Join here at the time of event
  • February 25, 2026 (2 - 2:15pm) - Join here at the time of event

Local Opportunities to Get Moving

Take advantage of exclusive SSU discount codes for several upcoming local events. These races offer 5K, 10K, and other distance options - walk, jog, or run at your own pace.

Please email [email protected] for the promo codes.

Campus Recreation Center

Employees now have access to the Campus Recreation Center! This initiative promotes physical and mental wellbeing by providing employees access to the outstanding fitness, recreational, and wellness resources available on campus, while also creating opportunities to connect and build community with one another outside of work spaces. 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.

Faculty/Staff Basketball Group:

Interested in joining a faculty/staff basketball group to play in the Rec Center on Mondays at 5:15pm and Thursdays at noon? Contact Mike Dominguez directly at [email protected] with any questions or to join!