healthy & well
AT LBNL
Welcome
Healthy & Well at LBNL is a centralized location for Berkeley Lab staff to find support and resources to help build their health, wellness and well-being. The website is intended to get you thinking about the things you can do to foster health and wellness in your life - both at work and at home. In each section you’ll find a collection of resources from the Lab, UC Berkeley and the community that touch on different aspects of health and wellness.
Why does it matter?
You know the safety advice when flying “Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others”? The same goes for health and wellness – caring for ourselves is an integral part in caring for our families, friends and loved ones. Caring for ourselves gives us the capacity to better handle stressful or demanding situations both at home and work.
The site is a collaborative effort between Health Services, Human Resources and the IDEA Office to support the health and wellness of Berkeley Lab employees and their families. Questions? Please email us at IDEA@lbl.gov.
July resources
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.
Check out the full Benefits Calendar for upcoming workshops on retirement planning and more.
Upcoming Events (for all events, check out the calendar):
7/16 - Blood Drive - 9 am - 3 pm. Visit go.lbl.gov/blooddrive to schedule an appointment
7/18 - Wonder: A True Brain-Booster - Bright Horizons webinar 9 - 10 am
Event highlights
Midsummer mindfulness - July 29 - August 2, 2024
Please join the Healthy & Well at LBNL team for a 5-day mindfulness practice from July 29 - August 2. This week will be appropriate for new and more experienced practitioners so join us if you are interested in exploring mindfulness for the first time or if you just want to get back into the habit.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, while we’re doing it. It's the practice of maintaining moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.
We’ll share a variety of ways you can practice mindfulness and then, every day for a week, pay attention to what you notice and share three observations in the practice Google Space each day.
For more information and to register visit the Midsummer Mindfulness page.
Join the 10 Minute Morning Stretch Break this Summer!
What are stretch breaks?
Stretch breaks are a short, fun, and easy way to get up from your desk and bring a little movement into your day. 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.
Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Time: 9:15 - 9:25 am
Add the breaks to your calendar
Stretch Break Leaders Needed
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, but are not sure where to start we're happy to provide resources, suggestions and coaching to help you put together 10 minutes of easy, accessible stretches. Please contact Ashley Dawn (ashleydawn@lbl.gov) if you're interested.
Monthly BIPOC Support Group
Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 12 - 12:50 pm
Facilitated by Kiran Johl, LCSW. Employee Assistance Counselor
First group meets on Tuesday, October 10th at noon
This virtual space is for Black, Indigenous, and staff and faculty of Color to join together in community for discussion, support, and encouragement. Topics such as challenges and successes of working at UC Berkeley, intersection of identities, current events, and fostering one’s mental and physical health will be explored.
Email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for registration and zoom link.