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Healthy Holiday Challenge 2025
November 3 - December 12
6-Week Online Lifestyle Program
The Healthy Holiday Challenge is back! This annual challenge focuses on nurturing our health and well-being through a season that can be both exciting and stressful. This challenge is a great opportunity to work towards your goals alongside colleagues from all across campus. Last year, we had over 380 participants. Of those who completed the evaluation, 93% reported that this challenge helped improve their well-being during the holidays! Sign up today!
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Creativity & Your Well-Being: Holiday Card Making
Thu, Nov 6 | 12:10-1pm
Tang Center (Ed Center)
Make holiday cards with us using upcycled materials such as magazines and old calendars. Creative activities can lower your blood pressure, decrease stress, support your immune system, and increase your ability to be more productive. Writing hand-written cards can help increase social connection and boost your own self-esteem. Writing cards/letters can be a calming activity, allowing for reflection and self-expression, which can help lower stress. Supplies will be provided.
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Diabetes Prevention Program Information Sessions
Wed, Nov 19 | 12:15-12:45pm
The UC Diabetes Prevention Program is a virtual campus-based small-group, one year healthy lifestyle program that uses a scientifically based approach developed by the CDC to help you make important lifestyle changes. If you think you could be at risk of prediabetes or developing type 2 diabetes, register to attend an information session to learn more about the upcoming cohort starting January 2026.
Visit uhs.berkeley.edu/dpp or contact Cori Evans at corievans@berkeley.edu for more information.
| | Click the bolded dates to access the respective registrations. | | | | |
Cardio Kickboxing
In-Person
(251 Hearst Gym)
11/7
12:10-1pm
Instructor:
Tomas Handelsman
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Yoga for Tension & Stress Relief
In-Person
(251 Hearst Gym)
11/14
Zoom: 12/12
12:10-1pm
Instructor:
Laurie Ferris
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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.
| | Nutrition Resources and Programs | | |
Recipe of the Month:
Fall Bliss Salad
This luxurious salad from Smitten Kitchen can be a fresh addition to your holiday table, or enjoy it anytime! Honeynut squash is similar to butternut but a little sweeter, richer in color (and beta-carotene), and with thinner, edible skin. The salad’s deep colors are a sign of its rich nutritional content. For more recipes, visit Cook Well Berkeley!
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Eat Well Berkeley Restaurant:
Coffee Lab
Tucked into the courtyard of Gilman and Hildebrand Halls on the east side of campus, this tiny cafe offers a variety of coffee, tea, and bottled drinks, as well as sandwiches (whole grain bread available), salads, snacks, fruit, and boiled eggs. Grab something to go or enjoy at one of the tables in the courtyard. As an Eat Well Berkeley Restaurant, Coffee Lab is compliant with the UC Berkeley Food & Beverage Choices Policy.
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Cook Well Berkeley:
Fall/Winter Seasonal Vegetables
Thu, Nov 6 | 12:10-1pm
Zoom or Tang Center (Section Club)
Eating vegetables that are in season means they will likely taste better, be more nutritious, and cost less. Celebrate the season with beautiful fall and winter vegetable dishes. Demonstration, recipes, and samples provided.
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Group Cook-Alongs
Looking for a fun way to cook and connect with your colleagues? Request a virtual cook-along for your team. Learn more and register.
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Have a general question about food or nutrition?
Submit your question through our Ask the Dietitian service.
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Upcoming Ergonomic Workshops:
Click highlighted date to register!
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Advanced Ergonomics 11/12
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Ergonomics for Managers and Supervisors 12/3
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Important Update for the Ergonomic Matching Funds Program
The Ergonomics Matching Funds Program will be placed on hold indefinitely beginning January 1, 2026. Starting November 1, 2025 - December 19, 2025 the program matching funds incentive rate for individuals will also change to a maximum of up to $500 per *employee as funding is limited and applications will be considered on a first come, first-served basis. Learn more about the changes to the program at the Matching Funds homepage.
*Must be a UC Berkeley employee (faculty, staff, Postdoc, GSR) receiving payment from the university and with job tasks involving the use of computer work for the university to be eligible. Postdocs and GSRs are only eligible for Matching Funds usage for campus workstations.
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American Diabetes Month
Diabetes, specifically type 2, affects tens of millions of people in the U.S. with several million undiagnosed. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly, which over time can damage nerves, eyes, kidneys, and the cardiovascular system. Genetics and other factors we cannot control contribute to type 2 diabetes risk, but for many, prevention or delay of diabetes starts with small, sustainable steps, such as regular screenings, physical activity, including fiber-rich foods, managing stress and sleep, and not smoking. In fact, controlled trials demonstrate that these same changes may reduce new cases by more than half in those with elevated blood sugar. This month, consider taking the type 2 diabetes risk test, consulting your healthcare provider, checking your eligibility for the Diabetes Prevention Program, and participating in one of our workshops and/or joining the Healthy Holiday Challenge!
Sources: ADA Diabetes Prevention, ADA Tools and Resources, and ADA Food & Nutrition
| Be Well at Work Resources | | |
Maintaining your Mental Health over the Holidays
Wed, Nov 19 | 12-1pm
Zoom
The holidays can bring joyfulness, a break from work, and cherished opportunities to spend time with friends and family. However, this time of year can also lead to increased stress, conflict, and feelings of isolation. In this workshop, participants will gain practical strategies and actionable tools to navigate the unique pressures of the holiday season.
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Staff Garden Volunteer Day
Thu, Nov 20 | 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.
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Mindfulness Mondays
Mondays (Weekly) | 12:10-12:30pm
Virtual
Take a moment for a short mindfulness break at 12:10pm 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.
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