Well-being activities and programs happening this January

Several events and activities are available to the UC Davis and UC Davis Health community. This month’s physical and emotional well-being activities are listed below. 

Virtual physical activity challenge: Tour through Ireland

Join the UC Davis and UC Davis Health community in this winter tour. You’ll begin your virtual journey in Dublin and see the many sides of versatile Ireland.

Challenge dates: Monday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Feb. 7
Two challenge options: 

• 8,000 steps per day Team Challenge
• 8,000 steps per day Individual Challenge

This program is open to staff, faculty and student employees.

This virtual challenge utilizes the Be Well platform, an app-based physical activity platform that records your activity. When you sync or manually enter your activities and steps to your account, you and your team move closer to the finish line!

To register or learn more, visit the virtual physical activity challenge website.

ASAP hosts drop-in support group sessions

Coping with grief, loss and change: This discussion/support group provides space for participants to share grief and loss experiences, review coping and self-care strategies, and find community. Multiple group sessions are available. Click here to learn more and register.

Eldercare support group: Are you a caregiver for an elder in your life? Please join Alison Ward, PsyD., a psychologist at ASAP, who will facilitate a drop-in support group. Sessions occur bi-weekly on Wednesdays at noon via Zoom. Click here to learn more and register.

Tai Chi Winter Quarter Sessions

Erika Strandjord hosts virtual Tai Chi weekly sessions. This is a gentle movement, mind-body practice.

Mondays and Fridays at noon via Zoom: https://ucdavis.zoom.us/j/92140071618?pwd=3DsnZwL6dkSzuRYvkX3DelDGuNAJKG.1

Meeting ID: 921 4007 1618
Passcode: taiji25

Still have questions? Contact Ericka Strandjord for more information at ecstrandjord@ucdavis.edu. 

Transitioning to Retirement workshop

Are you planning to retire in five years or less? This workshop will provide valuable information and tools for developing a successful retirement strategy. Meeting times for staff and academics differ. See details and registration information below. For a complete overview, visit the UC Davis Retiree Center website.

Dates: January 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2025
Times: Staff meets from 9 a.m. to noon; Academics/faculty/physicians meet from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom, live presentation

Registration is required. Log into the LMS system and proceed to the course catalog (see titles below) to register for each session you wish to attend.

Staff 9 a.m. - noon

• Session 1 - January 10: Introduction and Understanding UC Retirement Plan Income Options
• Session 2 - January 17: Financial Planning for Retirement and Social Security
• Session 3 - January 24: Retiree Health Care Benefits and Human Resources Considerations
• Session 4 - January 31: Work and Lifestyle Transitions

Academics 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

• Session 1 - January 10: Introduction and Understanding UC Retirement Plan Income Options
• Session 2 - January 17: Financial Planning for Retirement and Social Security
• Session 3 - January 24: Retiree Health Care Benefits and Human Resources Considerations
• Session 4 - January 31: Work and Lifestyle Transitions

Don’t forget! Kindness Counts Challenge 2025 begins February 3

Join the UC Davis community for a month filled with creative ways to cultivate a kindness practice. This challenge will include options to practice kindness meditations on Wednesdays during February, plus a chance to win prizes by sharing your weekly practices. Registration is required.

Visit the Kindness Counts Challenge website for more details.