March 2026 Wellness Newsletter

Whether you are looking for ways to recharge, stay active, or even learn new cooking skills, this month’s wellness offerings are here to support you with flexibility, encouragement, and community.

Vitalant Blood Drive

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

• Wednesday, March 4, 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.

• Ergo Hacks for Your Neck, Shoulders and Wrists
  Learn about physical risk factors with prolonged sitting, identify workstation set-up errors that can cause pain, improve your workstation ergonomics, practice exercises to prevent neck, shoulder, and wrist pain, and understand how to communicate your needs when under stress, to reduce injury risk.
  • Available On Demand
   
• 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: March 2 & 16, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 12:30pm
  • Register
   
• Celebrate You: Body Positivity for Every Body
  Go beyond diets and calorie counting. Discover how to build sustainable habits and cultivate a positive relationship with your body. Realistic strategies can help you feel balanced, confident, and at ease in your own body. 
  • Date: March 16, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
   
• Beat the Afternoon Slump
  Learn about the physiological and behavioral factors that contribute to the slump - such as blood-sugar fluctuations, hydration levels, sleep cycles, nutrition patterns, and stress. Learn how everyday choices, from morning routines to lunch habits, directly affect afternoon energy and focus.
  • Date: March 18, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
   
• Chair Yoga
  Practice restorative chair yoga right at your workspace to stretch and lengthen the spine, increase blood flow, and release muscle tension. Learn about the benefits of yoga and resources for how you can include it even in the middle of a busy workday. (You will be most comfortable with a stationary chair and clothing that allows for movement.)
  • Date: March 19, 2026
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
   
• Thrive Kids: Your Parenting Game Plan
  Learn about child health and wellness as it relates to healthy eating, fitness, education, extracurriculars, and social-emotional skills. 
  • Date: March 19, 2026
  • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
  • Register

Calm Meditation Sessions

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

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

Kaiser Cooking Videos

Sharpen your knife skills and learn the basics of flavorful, plant-based cooking.

• Thrive Kitchen Introduction
• Introduction to Knife Skills
• Knife Skills: Garlic
• Knife Skills: Ginger
• Knife Skills: Carrots
• Knife Skills: Herbs
• Whole Grains
• Vinaigrette
• Cashew Cream
• Kale Walnut Pesto
• Pan-Fried Tofu
• Grain Bowls
• Healthy Plate

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 5pm? Contact Mike Dominguez directly at [email protected] with any questions or to join!