Wellness by the month

Each month Health Services and the IDEA Office will highlight several areas
of health & wellness and provide additional suggestions and resources. 

2024

December

Health Services: 

Sometimes the demands of the holiday season can run rampant over the celebration itself. A survey by the American Psychological Association found nearly nine out of 10 Americans anticipate excessive stress during the holidays. Check out these two resources for tips to bring a little balance to your holidays: 


Healthy Holiday Tips from Health Services

How to keep the ‘happy’ in the holidays


December & January Flu/Covid clinic: Dec 11, Jan 8, 14, 15

8:30 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Health Services, Building 26


Benefits: Employee Discounts - Columbia Employee Store Invitation: December 6th to 15th
LBNL employees can visit the Columbia Employee Stores in Richmond and Union City. Brands include Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna and items are marked at employee store pricing.

Wellness Topics of the Month:  Loneliness and the Holidays
Holiday loneliness can be deeply challenging, as societal expectations of joy and togetherness often amplify feelings of disconnection for those who are physically distant, estranged, or grieving. Yet even those surrounded by others can experience emotional loneliness and the gap between idealized holiday images and personal realities can lead to stress, self-doubt, and even depression.


Explore resources and ideas for making the most of the holidays: 

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):

Be Well at Work Winter Workshops:

Tue 12/19, Noon - 1 pm


One Minute for Wellness - December 2024

November

Health Services: 



Benefits: 

2024 Benefits Open Enrollment is Oct 31 - Nov 22. 

Get ready for open enrollment at the end of the month.  Even if you like what you have, be sure to double check your coverage updates and changes. Review the list of benefits on the LBNL Open Enrollment page.  

Wellness Topics of the Month:  

The Science & Practice of Gratitude - Nov 18-22
We all know that gratitude is a good idea, but did you know that research suggests that consciously giving thanks can have profound effects on our well-being and relationships? Join us for the second annual Healthy & Well at LBNL 5-day gratitude practice.

Join the 10 Minute Morning Stretch Break - Leaders Needed
The ten-minute stretch breaks, led by your fellow Berkeley Lab colleagues, feature simple and accessible stretches and a great community of like-minded employees. Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:15 - 9:25 am

Morning stretch breaks are community led, by employees just like you, and we need volunteers to keep the program going. If you would like to join the leading team sign up to lead a stretch break on the scheduling spreadsheet.

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):


One Minute for Wellness - November 2024

October

Health Services: Get Your Flu Shot!
Free flu vaccine clinics are available to all Lab employees at the Health Services in Building 26 in October and November. Login to clinic.lbl.gov to schedule an appointment.

Benefits: 2024 Benefits Open Enrollment is Oct 31 - Nov 22. 

Get ready for open enrollment at the end of the month.  Even if you like what you have, be sure to double check your coverage updates and changes. Review a list of benefit basics from UC (Benefit Basics) and check the LBNL Open Enrollment page for updates



Wellness Topic of the Month:  Cook Well Berkeley
Did you know that UC Berkeley’s Be Well at Work Program has a nutrition program, recipes, and cooking classes? Check out their website for more information, upcoming cooking classes, recordings of past classes, shopping lists, suggestions, and even a downloadable cookbook. Bon appetite! 


Ergo Angle: Not sure how to set up your computer office station?

Click here for some helpful videos you can watch to help provide you useful tips to work comfortably.  

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):

One Minute for Wellness - October 2024

September

Health Services:
Maintaining Brain Health and Cognitive Function Through Meditation

As we age, keeping our brains sharp and healthy is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. Meditation, particularly mindfulness, is becoming a popular tool to help slow down cognitive decline. By improving focus and reducing stress, meditation supports brain health, making it easier to stay mentally active and engaged as we age.


Benefits & Wellness Topic of the Month:  
Financial Wellness

Whether you're just starting a career or preparing for retirement, it's important to understand how to reach your financial goals. To help you on the path toward financial health, UC offers classes on a wide range of topics from budgeting basics to saving for retirement.


This month UC is hosting 15 different webinars on topics ranging from creating a budget to investing in the UC retirement program. Check out the full list of topics and register today. 


For a full list of Financial Planning benefits, check out the LBNL Benefits website’s retirement planning resources

Ergo Angle:
Take a break!
Your body is working hard  throughout the day which could result in fatigue or discomfort that leads to an ergo issue. Try using  a few of the resources on the LBNL Ergo website to give your body and mind a break.


Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):

Resiliency & Respect Series

One Minute for Wellness - September 2024


august

Health Services:
National Immunization Awareness Month

 Are you up to date on all of your immunizations? We’re all probably aware of annual immunizations like flu and covid vaccines, but there are others you might consider as well. Health Services has put together a short list and don’t forget to connect with your primary care provider for vaccines and screenings that are crucial for preventative health.


Wellness Topic of the Month:
Employee Activities Associations
Employee Activity Associations (EAA) are employee 'clubs' established to promote and support Laboratory-wide recreational, cultural, educational, and social activities at the Laboratory for the benefit of all employees. The newest group is the Lab Rats Run Club. Check out the full list and get involved. 

Ergo Angle: Tips for Good Ergonomics while Traveling

As summer continues, many of us are taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to travel and take well-deserved vacations. To help you stay comfortable and avoid injury while on the go, the Ergo team has some tips for maintaining good ergonomic practices during your travels.

Benefits Corner:


Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):

July

Health Services: Migraine & Headache Awareness 

Headaches and migraines are among the most common disorders of the human nervous system. Take a look at this overview from Health Services to learn more. 


Wellness Topic of the Month: Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits such as boosting your immune system, reducing stress, building resiliency, reducing bias and improving focus and compassion. Take a look at the resources on the Healthy & Well Website to learn more about mindfulness. 


Ergo Angle: Stay Hydrated for Better Ergonomics!

As the summer heats up, it's crucial to focus on hydration to maintain your health and optimize your ergonomic practices. This month, we delve into the importance of staying hydrated and provide practical tips to ensure you keep your hydration levels up.

Benefits Corner: Meet with the Lab’s Health Care Facilitator
The Health Care Facilitator helps staff better understand and obtain the full benefits and services from the UC sponsored health plans. Get help with health plan issues, get more information to understand your benefits, and get help resolving your bills if needed. 

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):


One Minute for Wellness July 2024

June

Health Services: Skin Cancer Awareness
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? But when it’s detected and treated early, the cure rate is high. This handy article from Health Services gives an overview of how to check your skin and ways to prevent harmful sun exposure.
 

Wellness Topic of the Month: Staying Active

It’s summer time, the weather is great, and it’s the perfect time to start moving or moving more. The Healthy & Well website has some suggestions and we’ve collected a few links from UCB and the community:  

Ergo Angle: Enjoy Summer Safely: Ergonomic Tips for Active Lifestyles

As summer rolls in, bringing with it more opportunities for outdoor activities, it's essential to keep ergonomics in mind. Whether you're playing sports, working on your garden, or hiking your favorite trails, proper ergonomic practices can enhance your enjoyment and prevent injuries

Benefits Corner:


Check out all of the upcoming benefit workshops on retirement planning, guides to investing, and more on the Benefits Calendar


Upcoming Events: (for all events, check out the calendar)


One Minute for Wellness - June 2024

May

Health Services: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month was established over 70 years ago to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in the U.S., and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.


Lab & Community Mental Health Resources:


Ergo Angle:   Healthy Vision in the Workplace


Benefits Corner:  Health Net Webinars - A three part series on substance abuse and youth


One Minute for Wellness May Slides

Upcoming Events: 

May 1st - Mental Health Awareness Day Workshops with EAP:

Register in advance for Mental Health Awareness Workshops


Mental Health Month Events with All Access ERG:

UC Moves Challenge: May 6 - 31st

Get read to stride into action with the UC Moves Challenge, kicking off on May 6th and running through May 31st.  Each year, this UC system-wide movement champions the wellness and active lifestyles of UC employees. We're gathering faculty, staff, and retirees alike to step out and stride towards a culture of well-being across the UC community. 

Come join us to make friends and build strong bonds with others at LBNL! Register your team (or yourself) for UC Moves beginning April 22nd; registration closes May 26th. Register here.

(For all events, check out the calendar)

April

Health Services: April is National Minority Health Month 

This month’s focus raises awareness on improving the health disparities in racial and ethnic minority communities and this year’s theme is Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness. This theme was chosen to bring awareness to a disease disproportionately affecting the African American population, and to highlight a group that requires frequent blood transfusions.


Consider giving blood at the April Blood Drive: 


April 9 - Red Cross Blood Drive - 9am - 3pm

Building 91 (next to the food trucks), Conference Room 310

To make an appointment, visit: go.lbl.gov/blooddrive 

 

Wellness Topic of the Month: Get Outside 

It’s spring and this month we’re sharing ways to get outside and enjoy all the Bay Area has to offer. Plus, did you know how much getting outside and enjoying a bit of nature - whether it's your neighbor's garden or a local open space - can improve your sense of well-being? Spending time in the natural environment is good for your physical and mental health.

Check out the full list on the Healthy & Well Website - Get Outside

Good Reads: 

Ergo Angle: 

Benefits Corner:  


Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):

One Minute for Wellness - April 2024

march

Health Services: March is National Nutrition Month - Beyond the Table

A healthy diet throughout life promotes and supports normal growth, development and aging, helps to maintain a healthy body weight, and reduces the risk of chronic disease - leading to overall health and well-being. It’s also a good idea to think beyond the table and consider where your food comes from and how to shorten the distance between the farm and your plate. Learn more from Health Services, at Eat Right.org and explore the nutrition resources on the Healthy & Well website

 

Wellness Topic of the Month: Building Community at Berkeley Lab

Are you looking for a little connection to add to your day or week? Berkeley Lab and Be Well at Work have a series of ongoing, drop-in groups on a variety of topics that are open to everyone. The Lab's Employee Resource Groups and Employee Activity Associations also host regular events that are open to all staff, and there are a myriad of ways to volunteer.


Good Reads:  How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health?

Ergo Angle: 

Benefits Corner: 

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar): 

One Minute for Wellness - March 2024

February

February is American Heart Month

And February 2 is National Wear Red Day! Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? Wear red to spread the word that when we take time daily to be heart healthy, those small acts help protect our hearts. Small heart-healthy actions like adding more movement to our day or choosing healthy foods, can have a big impact.www.nhlbi.nih.gov/heartmonth


Schedule an appointment with Health Services (510) 486-6266 for a blood pressure check and consultation with a nurse.


Ergo Angle: 

This February, we're emphasizing the importance of movement and exercise as key elements in maintaining a healthy heart, even in a sedentary office setting. Check out the PDF for all the tips. 

Benefits Corner: 

Retirement counseling - NEW in 2024 UC Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) has launched Retirement Counseling and Advisory Services, providing UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) members with personalized retirement counseling by accredited financial professionals.

Roth Options Added to Retirement Savings Program  - UC has enhanced the UC Retirement Savings Program with a new Roth contribution option for the UC 403(b) and UC 457(b) Plans, giving you more flexibility to save and plan for your future through regular pretax contributions, new Roth contributions, or both.

Reproductive Loss Leave - The Lab is expanding its leave options to offer eligible employees up to five days of protected leave following a reproductive loss.

Commuter Benefits enable Lab employees to save money by using pretax dollars to pay for their commuter expenses.

24 Hours Fitness Discount gives you 10% off monthly membership dues and a 14-day pass to try a club near you.

UC launches e-bike discount program - If you’re considering purchasing an e-bike, this is a great time! Thanks to the UC E-Bike Purchase Program, UC students, staff and faculty are now eligible for discounted pricing on multiple styles of bikes.

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar): 


One Minute for Wellness - February 2024

jANUARY

Help Save Lives, Join the LBNL Blood Drive on Jan. 19

After a pandemic hiatus, Berkeley Lab is once again partnering with the Red Cross to host blood drives at the Lab’s hill site. Scheduled quarterly, the first drive will be held at Building 91, Room 310, on Fri. Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit go.lbl.gov/blooddrive to schedule an appointment; walk-ins are also welcome if space is available.

Ergo Angle:  Put Down Your Cell Phone
In our digitally-driven era, cell phones have become more than just communication tools; they are our portals to the world. However, we can get addicted to them - check out this month’s Ergo Angle to see just how attached you are and ways to remember to put down your phone for a while.

New Year’s Intentions

Do new year’s resolutions work for you? If you’re like a lot of people, the answer might be ‘not so much.’ Shift your mindset to intentions for the year instead and check out a few of the resources below to get you started. 


Good Reads

Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar): 

Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Time: 9:15 - 9:25 am
Add the breaks to your calendar
Join us on Zoom

One Minute for Wellness - January 2024

2023

december
Winter Wellness Bingo 2023:

Join Health Services and Healthy & Well at LBNL this Holiday Season for 4 weeks of healthy eating, moving, thinking and being with Winter Wellness Bingo! Challenge yourself to do a wellness related activity every day or once a week and see how many squares on the bingo board you can fill in. We've got activities, links & resources for suggestion activities. 

You are welcome to sign up at any point during the 4-weeks. 

Dates: Tuesday, November 28 - Friday, December 22

Celebration: Wednesday, January 3

Sign up to participate

Bingo Board

Ergo Angle:
This month the ergo team encourages you to think about what has worked in the last year and new habits you want to cultivate in 2024. Check out the December newsletter.

Benefits Corner:

It's the end of the Year! Time to Review and Update Your Beneficiaries. Remember to name your beneficiaries for your retirement, pension and life insurance plans. Beneficiary designations do not automatically carry over across your benefits, so please take the necessary steps to assign them to each benefit plan.

Updated Sick Leave Policy - Read the full story

The Lab's All Access Employee Resource Group (ERG), with Human Resources, led a revision to the RPM Sick Leave policy to better support mental health. The amended language specifically supports sick leave usage parity between mental and physical illness and aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness and disabilities. 


Bright Horizons Backup Care - If you need back up child or elder care during the holidays, be sure to take a look at the Bright Horizons benefit. 


One Minute for Wellness Slides - Dec 2023

Nutritional Wellbeing:

Feel-good holiday recipes from UC

The holiday season is just about here and we’re discussing everyone’s favorite topic — food! Whether you’re planning get-togethers with loved ones or looking for a healthy treat while you snuggle up on the couch, check out these recipes from UC kitchens.

Cook Well Berkeley

Brought to you from Be Well At Work, this page has a list of amazing recipes and handouts on everything from 10 Ways to Cook Eggs to Pantry Staples. 


Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar)

Join the Berkeley Retirement Center, IDEA, and the LBNL Health Care Facilitator for a Life in Retirement event featuring recently retired LBNL staff. Rather than the "nuts and bolts" of retirement, this event will focus on navigating the emotional and social transitions, and will help you identify steps you can take now to make the transition a smooth one.

Creativity is important at every age! Arts-based activities provide older adults living with chronic health issues opportunities for authentic self-expression, increased joy, and improved quality of life throughout all stages of their illness. Please join us for this fun, hands-on workshop designed to spark joy in you and the older adult you are caring for. No art experience is necessary! 


November

Health Services: Holiday Travel Health Tips - Holiday Season is right around the corner! Health Services shares 6 tips to keep yourself healthy during winter travel.

Ergo Angle: Strategies to Recharge: As we usher in a new fiscal year and prepare for the upcoming holidays, November presents a golden opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge. In the midst of setting new targets and goals, it's crucial to also prioritize self-care and rejuvenation.

Benefits Corner: Open Enrollment is here! Oct 26 - Nov 17th Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to maximize the comprehensive health benefits available to you as a Lab employee. Be sure to check what you have and make any changes before 11/17. 

The Science and Practice of Gratitude: We all know that gratitude is a good idea, but did you know that there's research on the positive impacts of a daily practice? Research suggests that consciously giving thanks can have profound effects on our well-being and relationships. 


Healthy & Well at LBNL 5-Day Gratitude Practice - Nov 13 - 17th

The simple practice of paying attention to the good things in our lives - from the small (my latte was delicious) to the profound (my spouse gave birth to a healthy baby) - and then translating those thoughts into concrete language by writing them down makes us more aware of them and deepens their emotional impact. The more we pay attention, the more we notice and that can shift the emotional tone of our daily lives. 


Sign up and join us in a Google Space to post three things you’re grateful for each day for a week. 


Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar)


Good Reads: 

Gratitude Practices: 

Gratitude Meditation: 

Podcasts: 

Watch: 


One Minute for Wellness Slides - Nov 2023


October

Vision and Eye Health:
We eat right, we exercise, we stay hydrated. Could we be doing more to care for and protect our eyes? Check out the link for information about common eye disorders and diseases and tips for prevention and risk management.

Ergo Angle:
Celebrating National Ergonomics Month 

Benefits Corner:
Open Enrollment is coming up Oct 26 - Nov 17th Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to maximize the comprehensive health benefits available to you as a Lab employee.

Self-care during challenging times:
We’ve all been there - life seems stressful, complicated, and difficult. How do you take care of yourself when life is challenging? We’ve got a few suggestions and resources to help. 

On-Site Counseling Services Available
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 4, Employee Assistance will offer in-person counseling services by appointment at the Lab’s hill site on select Wednesdays in Building 26. Employees can also schedule video, telephone, or in-person appointments at the Tang Center on the UC Berkeley campus. Call (510) 643-7754 or email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to schedule an appointment. 

September

September is Flu Awareness Month
This fall spread love and not the flu. Get more information about the flu and the flu vaccine with this PDF from Health Services. And look for announcements about flu shots at the clinic this fall. 

Work/life balance
You’re back from your vacation, school is in session and life is once again in full swing - how do you find the right balance between work and the rest of your life? Check out the Molecular Foundry’s Community Agreement on Work Life Balance for a few suggestions. You can use it for yourself or bring it to your team to start a discussion on the topic. If you want to learn more about how and why they developed it, check out the IDEAs-in-Action Case Study about their efforts. 

If you need a spark of inspiration for self-care, the Healthy & Well website always offers suggestions for getting outside, exercise, mindfulness, and ways to create community at the Lab. 

Maybe you need someone who can support you - did you know that Kaiers and HealthNet insurance plans come with wellness coaches? You can get one-on-one guidance and support from a dedicated wellness coach who can help you set goals and stick to them. For questions about other health plans, please contact our Health Care Facilitator

August

Don’t Forget to Hydrate!
August is HOT! The days are hotter and longer as we head into the Dog Days of Summer and hydration is the key to helping us enjoy this sun-filled time.

Ergo Angle: Ergo for Children
With kids going back to school, it’s a great time to give them cool ways to practice ergonomics… without them even knowing it’s good for them.


Benefits Corner: Retiring soon or thinking about retiring? The Benefits Office has a great lineup of seminars this month on topics ranging from social security, retirement saving plans and preparing for retirement.

One Minute for Wellness - August 2023

Eldercare

Caring for an elder or dependant adult can be difficult in many ways. How do you navigate challenging conversations about driving, living situations, finances or the need for additional help? As the caregiver, how do you support yourself through this experience? 

The Eldercare Program through the Employee Assistance Program provides a wealth of resources and support for Berkeley Lab employees. 

The Elder Care Program offers:

Please note: You do not have to be living with the person you are concerned about, nor do you have to be actively caring for them in order to request an appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

Fall Eldercare Workshops

The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to aging and caregiving presented by professionals and peer advocates.

This fall topics include Senior Living, Clutter & Hoarding, The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Kids and Parents and Sparking Joy Through Creativity. 

Caregiver Connect:
Caregiver Connect is a psychoeducational support group for caregivers concerned about or caring for an elder or younger adult with a chronic health issue. Caregiver Connect provides a safe space to discuss and gain support regarding your caregiving situation. The group meets virtually on the first Tuesday of the month, and the third Friday of the month from 11 am -12 pm. Drop-ins are welcome and you are not required to attend both groups each month.

These small group meetings are facilitated by Elder Care Counselor Natasha Boissier, LCSW. To register, please email Karen Patchell: kpatchell@berkeley.edu

Additional Information: 


July

July is Sun Safety Health Month
Take care in the sun! Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get some Vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. Learn more with these tips and resources.

Ergo Angle: Ergo on the Road
Working remotely this summer? How do we stay ergonomic in new set-ups, shared housing and hotels? These tips and tricks from the Ergo Team will keep you safe.

One Minute for Wellness - July 2023

Mindfulness

Bring a little mindfulness to your summer! It seems like mindfulness is everywhere these days and there’s a reason for it. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits such as increasing self awareness, building resiliency, reducing bias and improving focus and compassion. 

What is mindfulness? 

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It's the ability to maintain a moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.

Good Reads:


Watch:

Podcasts: 


Choose your own adventure:

Luckily, cultivating mindfulness doesn’t require us to sit on a cushion with our legs in lotus position. Nor is there just one way to practice. The list below offers a variety of options:

Apps: 

June

It’s summer and this month we’re sharing ways to get outside and enjoy all the Bay Area has to offer. Plus, did you know how much getting outside and enjoying a bit of nature - whether it's your neighbor's garden or a local open space - can improve your sense of well-being? Spending time in the natural environment is good for your physical and mental health so we've gathered a few suggestions for ways to get outside.

Check out the full list on the Healthy & Well Website - Get Outside


One Minute for Wellness - June 2023


Outdoor Suggestions: 



Family Activities: 

Good Reads: 


Podcasts:


Practices:


Upcoming Events:


MaY

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Explore the resources below and reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you need support or guidance. 


One Minute for Wellness - May 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month Zoom Background 


Websites: 

Toolkits: 


Good Reads: 

Videos:


Upcoming Events for Mental Health Awareness Month:


April

march



Connection-Belonging-Community continued: 

Good Reads:

Podcasts: 


Practice of the Month:

FEBRUARY

Three Short, Easy, Fun Workouts: 


Be Well at Work February Workshops:


Good Reads:


january


Good Reads: 


Get started with Mindfulness from UCLA:


2022

December




November

October

September



August


People are heading back into the Lab, the office, or the cubicle. Once there, they look around and realize…this place is a bit of a mess. What to do? These tips will help you keep yourself safe while tossing all those old files.



July

How a stroll outside can help build lasting happiness. Why you should try it: We're often too distracted to notice our surroundings. This practice can help you tune in to the beautiful, pleasant things in your everyday environment. 

June

Eldercare Summer Program

This summer, Be Well at Work Elder Care Program will provide a three part experiential series targeting the emotional wellbeing of Family Caregivers.  


May

April


March

February

January

One Minute for Wellness Slides

2021

December

November

October

September

August