Be Well at Work Faculty and Staff Wellness logo

April 2026

ICAN Logo

It's not too late to join!

I CAN (Commit to Activity and Nutrition)

Mar 26-April 30

Tuesdays and Thursdays

12:10-1pm | In Person | Various Locations


I CAN is a 4 week, in-person wellness program for beginners. This program includes fun group workouts with a certified personal trainer, a hands-on cooking class, a grocery tour, nutrition workshops, goal setting, and optional fitness testing before and after the program. Past participants appreciated being part of a group and the fun, connection, and accountability this format provides. The fitness evaluations are optional and the first will be on Thu, Mar 26. If you cannot join or sign up afterwards, you can attend your first workshop (nutrition at UHS) on Tue, Mar 31! 


Note: After registering, you should receive an email confirmation to ensure you are properly signed up for the program. If you have any difficulties signing up, please email us at kguess@berkeley.edu.

Wellness Ambassador Spotlight


Be Well at Work is proud to spotlight this month's wellness ambassador, Laurie Ferris!


Laurie leads our Yoga for Tension and Stress Relief classes and has been part of the wellness ambassador program since 2017!


Learn more about the Wellness Ambassador program.

Active at Work

Click the bolded dates to access the respective registrations.

Woman kicking

Cardio Kickboxing


4/3


12:10-1pm

251 Hearst Gymnasium 

In Person Only

Instructor: Tomas Handelsman

Yoga for Tension & Stress Relief


4/10


12:10-1pm

251 Hearst Gymnasium 

In Person Only

Instructor: Laurie Ferris

Nutrition Resources
One Pot Burrito Bowl

Recipe of the Month:



One Pot Burrito Bowls



This quick recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. To save even more time, chop the onion, bell pepper, lettuce, and green onion ahead. This easy veggie-filled recipe will be a fiesta in your mouth! For more recipes, visit Cook Well Berkeley! 

Group Cook-Alongs


We offer virtual cook-alongs and in-person cooking classes for departments, work groups, and staff organizations. 



Fruits and Vegetables

Cook Well Berkeley:

Plant-Based and Planet-Friendly

Wed, Apr 22 | 12:10-1pm | Hybrid

Zoom OR Tang Center: Class of '42

Instructor: Kim Guess


Eating lower on the food chain uses less natural resources and provides your body with loads of valuable nutrients. Whether it’s a meatless meal once a day or week, or eating mostly plants at every meal, there are benefits to your health and your planet. Demonstration, recipes, and samples provided.

Have a general question about food or nutrition?



Submit your question through our Ask the Dietitian service.

Ergo Corner

April Ergonomic Workshops

Click highlighted date to register!


  • 4/16 Ergonomics for Managers | 11am-12pm
  • 4/23 Ergonomics in Motion: Computer Strain | 11am-12pm
  • 4/29 Advanced Ergonomics | 11am-12pm

Learn more about ergonomic safety, the matching funds program, and all that our program has to offer!



Check out our program flyer and website for more info.

Ergonomics Poster

Healthy U

Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month


April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how stress influences both mental and physical health. While short term stress can support focus and performance, chronic stress places ongoing strain on the body and is associated with elevated blood pressure, disrupted sleep, weakened immune function, and increased risk of anxiety and cardiovascular disease. Over time, this prolonged stress response can also affect hormone regulation and contribute to inflammation, impacting overall health.


Managing stress begins with awareness and recognizing early signs such as changes in mood, energy, or concentration. Evidence supports the role of consistent habits such as regular physical activity, quality sleep, and taking intentional breaks throughout the day to help regulate the nervous system. Practices like mindfulness and controlled breathing can further promote a sense of balance and recovery. While stress cannot be eliminated, building small, sustainable habits can reduce its long term impact and support overall well being.


To learn more about how to manage your stress or to seek additional assistance, the Employee Assistance program is a great place to start! This program provides no cost, confidential counseling for staff, faculty, and postdocs and has a wide variety of resources available online.

Breastfeeding Support Program

Learn more about what our Breastfeeding Support Program has to offer! The program includes:

  • Lactation rooms on campus with Ameda hospital-grade breast pumps 
  • Personal HygieniKit to use with hospital-grade pumps sold at cost
  • Breastfeeding classes facilitated by a certified lactation consultant 
Mother with child

Breastfeeding Your Baby: Return to Work/School

Tue, Apr 21 | 1-4:15pm

Virtual


This 3 hour class is taught by a certified lactation consultant and is broken up into two parts.The first portion of the class, 1-3pm, addresses breastfeeding basics and problem solving. The second portion of class, 3:15-4:15pm, covers returning-to-work planning and breast pumps. Those who have already attended a breastfeeding class are welcome to join the last portion of the class.

Be Well at Work

Staff Garden

Staff Garden Volunteer Day

Thu, Apr 23 | 12-1pm

Staff Garden


UC Berkeley staff, faculty, retirees, and students are welcome to help us maintain the garden. We gather once a month, generally the 4th Thursday unless otherwise specified.


Note: Volunteer days may potentially be rescheduled due to unfavorable weather or scheduling conflicts.

Mother with child returning to work

Transitioning Back after Baby Bonding Leave

Tue, Apr 28 | 12-1pm

Virtual

Join us for this panel discussion which focuses on understanding both positive and negative emotions related to transitioning back to work, how to establish boundaries at work, benefits and accommodations available to working parents, ergonomic strategies for multiple workstations, and self-care resources to help ease the physical and mental pressure associated with working while caregiving.  

Virtual Programs


Did you miss a class or want to try one on your own schedule?


Recordings of past cooking, dance, yoga workshops and webinars are available for you to revisit on our virtual programs page.

Campus Happenings

Mindfulness Mondays

Mondays (Weekly) | 12:10-12:30pm 

Virtual


Take a moment for a short mindfulness break at 12:10 pm on Mondays! This weekly class, hosted by Wellness Ambassador Liza Schlosser, allows us to practice mindfulness, reflect, and come together as we take on the rest of the week.

Spring 2026 Workshops

Be Well at Work

Spring Workshops & Programs


To register and learn more, visit our workshop home pages!


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