People practicing balance exercises on a wooded trail.

October 3, 2026

October wellness opportunities for employees

By Carolyn Ramirez

Explore free workshops, support groups, meditation sessions and special offers available this month.

(SACRAMENTO)

UC Davis and UC Davis Health community members can take advantage of programs supporting financial, physical and emotional well-being. Registration is required unless otherwise noted.

Financial well-being and benefits

My UC Retirement offers webinars to help UC employees manage their money and prepare for retirement.

Create a budget and build emergency savings

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.
Register for the webinar.

Top things to do before you retire

Thursday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.
Register for the webinar.

View all October retirement webinars.

Student loan debt counseling and Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Monday, Oct. 12, noon-1 p.m.

Learn about Tuition.io, a student loan benefit for eligible UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees. The free webinar covers unlimited coaching, loan linking, Public Service Loan Forgiveness requirements, repayment plan changes and key deadlines for Parent PLUS borrowers.

Register for the webinar or explore the student loan benefit.

Explore ARAG legal insurance

Monday, Oct. 26, noon-1 p.m.

Learn how ARAG legal insurance can help with covered legal matters, including what is new for the coming benefits year. The session is open to current enrollees and employees considering coverage.

Register for the webinar.

Food and nutrition

Cook well, live well: Healthy holiday swaps

Monday, Oct. 12, noon-1 p.m.

Join a live virtual cooking demonstration from the University of California and Health Net featuring wholesome, easy-to-prepare recipes for holiday gatherings. Participants will receive practical cooking tips, and a recording will be available for those who cannot attend live.

Register for the cooking demonstration.

Questions? Email the UC Davis Well-Being team at wellbeing@ucdavis.edu.

Support groups and workshops

The Academic and Staff Assistance Program offers online support groups and workshops. Learn more and register.

Support group for neurodivergent staff

Mondays, Oct. 5 and 19, 1-2 p.m.

Connect with other neurodivergent staff to share ideas and support one another in using individual strengths to foster professional effectiveness, emotional well-being, mindful living and interpersonal understanding. Current UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees receive priority registration. Retirees may email wellbeing@ucdavis.edu to ask about availability.

Pet loss support group

Thursday, Oct. 15, 3:30-5 p.m.

This monthly group, offered with the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, provides space to share experiences of pet loss, find community resources and discuss coping and self-care. It is open to hospital clients and UC Davis and UC Davis Health community members. Updated meeting information is available on the Pet Loss Support Group webpage.

Supporting mental wellness in new cultural environments

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

ASAP counselors and the Global Learning Hub will discuss acculturative stress among students adjusting to new academic and cultural environments and share prevention strategies.

Register for the workshop.

Mindfulness and relaxation

Neesha Patel, Ph.D., of UC Davis Occupational Health Services, leads free online sessions designed to strengthen well-being and build practical relaxation skills.

Room to Breathe: An introduction to mindfulness

Monday, Oct. 19, 12:10-12:40 p.m.

When your attention is pulled in 10 directions, how do you return to what matters? Join Neesha Patel, Ph.D., of UC Davis Occupational Health Services to learn what mindfulness is, explore what it may offer and try a brief mindfulness exercise.

Register for the Zoom session.

Live mindfulness meditation

Mondays through Nov. 23, 4:30-5 p.m.
Register for the series.

Live kindness meditation

Wednesdays through Nov. 18, 12:30-1 p.m.
Register for the series.

Live mindful pause

Thursdays through Nov. 19, 12:45-1 p.m.
Register for the series.

Relax and release

Wednesdays through Nov. 18, 3:30-4 p.m.

Learn how to activate the body’s natural relaxation response.

Register for the series.

Arts and recreation

October well-being ticket deal: Akram Khan Company

Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.

The Mondavi Center presents the Akram Khan Company in Thikra: Night of Remembering. The company’s final touring production features an all-women ensemble blending Bharatanatyam and contemporary movement in an exploration of ritual, remembrance and shared humanity.

UC Davis employees and retirees may purchase up to two tickets for $10 each with promo code BEWELL. The offer is available through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

Get ticket details.

Lactation support

UC Davis provides breastfeeding and lactation education for employees and families. Register for the Lactation Support Program to receive updates about upcoming classes and support groups.