Be Well at Work Faculty and Staff Wellness logo

October 2025

Healthy Holiday Challenge 2025

November 3 - December 12

6-Week Online Lifestyle Program


The Healthy Holiday Challenge is almost here! This annual challenge focuses on different dimensions of 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 leading up to the end of the year. 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!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month


October is a time to highlight the importance of early detection, education, and support for those impacted by breast cancer. It is the most common cancer worldwide. While it most often affects people assigned female at birth (about 1 in 8 receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime), it can impact people of all genders. Regular screenings can help detect breast cancer earlier, more treatable stages, significantly improving survival rates. Annual mammograms are generally recommended starting at age 40, but those with risk factors should talk to their healthcare provider. In addition to regular clinical screenings, monthly breast self-exams are recommended for adults of all ages.

Cafe 15 Logo

Eat Well Berkeley Caterer: Cafe 15



Café 15 is an intergenerational, community-rooted business based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to make healthy eating sustainable and accessible to all. Their offerings are focused on culturally inclusive meals, farmers’ market produce, and nourishing and empowering people through food. As an Eat Well Berkeley Caterer, their menu offers plenty of nutritious plant foods, lean proteins, and diverse options reflecting UC Berkeley’s cultural diversity.

Active at Work

Click the bolded dates to access the respective registrations.

Yoga mats and equipment

Yoga for Tension & Stress Relief


Zoom

10/1012/12


In-Person

(251 Hearst Gym)

11/14


12:10-1pm

Instructor:

Laurie Ferris

Woman kicking

Cardio Kickboxing



In-Person

(251 Hearst Gym)

10/3

11/7



12:10-1pm

Instructor:

Tomas Handelsman

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

Lemony red lentil soup

Recipe of the Month:


Lemony Red Lentil Soup  



Gimme Some Oven's lentil soup recipe is a vibrant and zesty take on a classic. It's a fantastic option for a budget-friendly, hearty, and nourishing meal. For more recipes, visit Cook Well Berkeley!

Have a general question about food or nutrition?



Submit your question through our Ask the Dietitian service.

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.

Cooking over stove

Cook Well Berkeley:

Quick and Easy Meals

Tue, Oct 14 | 12:10-1pm

Zoom or Tang Center (Section Club)


No matter how much (or how little) you enjoy cooking, we could all use some quick and easy recipes to pull out of our back pocket. These recipes can be quickly thrown together but still deliver on flavor and nutritional value. Each recipe will require no more than 15 minutes of active prep time. Demonstration, recipes, and samples provided.

Upcoming Cooking Classes

Click the date to register!


  • Fall/Winter Vegetables: 11/6
  • Holiday Treats: 12/4
Ergo Corner

October Ergonomic Workshops:

Click highlighted date to register!


  • Ergonomics in Motion: Preventing and Relieving Computer Strain 10/2
  • Advanced Ergonomics 10/8
  • Ergonomics for Managers and Supervisors 10/22
  • Keyboards and Mice: Ergonomic Alternatives 10/29

Check out the flyer above and website for more info!

Breastfeeding Support Resources

Mother with child returning to work

Breastfeeding Your Baby:

Return to Work/School

Tue, Oct 7 | 1- 4:15pm

Zoom



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.

Healthy U

Health Literacy Month

Health Literacy Month


Having access to health information is not enough, it must also be understandable, usable, and relevant. Nearly 9 out of 10 of adults struggle with having proficient health literacy, meaning most people struggle at least somewhat to navigate medical instructions, insurance forms, lab results, or care plans. Poor health literacy is tied to increased hospital readmissions, greater health disparities, higher costs, and worse management of chronic disease. Organizations and providers play a key role in changing these trends, but in the meantime, individuals can also take steps to improve their own health literacy by:


  • Asking clear questions during appointments and do not hesitate to request simpler explanations.
  • Repeating back instructions in your own words to ensure you fully understand.
  • Talking to your healthcare provider rather than relying on social media or unverified sites.
  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps when filling out complex paperwork or managing a care plan.


Sources: Family and Children's Counseling Services, Center for Health Care and Strategies, and OASH

Be Well at Work Resources

Burnout clipart

Mindfulness @ Work to Reduce Stress & Burnout

Thu, Oct 16 | 12-1pm

Zoom



In today's ever-changing work environment, stress and burnout are prevalent challenges that not only affect our productivity but also our overall health and well-being. This webinar is designed to provide you with practical mindfulness techniques that can help you manage stress effectively, avoid burnout, and enhance your resilience.


Staff Garden

Staff Garden Volunteer Day

Thu, Oct 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.

Campus Happenings

Sather Gate

Fall Staff Appreciation Week

October 27-31


Join your Berkeley community in celebrating our Fall Staff Appreciation Week! There will be a variety of in person and virtual offerings throughout the week for staff and faculty to enjoy. Check out the Staff Appreciation Week website for more information!

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.

Fall 2025 workshops

Be Well at Work

Fall Workshops and Programs


To register and learn more, visit our workshop homepages!


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