Included in this Newsletter:

Deadline for Champion Fund Application Is Approaching

Applications for the FY25 Champion Fund are due July 31! This is an opportunity for Champions to apply to receive up to $500 for a proposed well-being initiative in your department. 

With only a few weeks left before applications are due, take this time to view past fund projects for last minute inspiration and reach out to Caralee with questions.

Remember, your idea doesn't have to be perfect. We will give you feedback and help you along the way. If you have an idea and think it will be helpful, go for it! Don't be afraid to try something new. Go ahead and apply and we will coach you through the process.

Once your application is complete, please send it to Caralee Lynch at lynchc@wustl.edu. Additionally, reach out to Caralee with any questions. 

In Community,
HR Well-Being Team

lynchc@wustl.edu

Shonda McDaniel was a Team Captain for Mesmer Eyes during the 8ight Ways to Wellness Challenge. Below, Shonda shares some key aspects of being a team captain.

What is your favorite part about participating in the wellness challenges? My favorite aspect of the challenges is the spirit of competition. I've been participating in these challenges since 2018, and I am confident that my team will emerge victorious one of these years. The accountability that the challenges instill is something I truly value. This year, despite starting with a painful injury, I firmly believe that the support and accountability from my team facilitated a quicker recovery. Witnessing my teammates giving it their all and dominating the leaderboard inspired me to elevate my performance. I owe much of my success to my incredible team, Mesmer Eyes!

How do you get your team engaged with the wellness challenges? I make it a point to remind my team to hit their step targets each week, give them gentle nudges for Try It Tuesdays, publicly commend them when they are in the #1 spot, and aim to be a beacon of positivity and encouragement. My mission is to uplift them and let them know that I see and appreciate their hard work.

Mark your calendars! To celebrate the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the Go Gold physical activity challenge traces the international sports spectacle’s evolution – from ancient Greeks through modern day.

Track steps with your favorite device and experience progress by exploring 7 distinct eras of Olympic competition. But you’re not limited to walking; activities like swimming, cycling, and rowing automatically convert to steps so everyone can be part of Go Gold.

Important Dates:

Download the Team Captain toolkit

Need to hit the “restart” button on your budget? Connect with an Enrich Financial Coach.

Enrich is a digital resource with curated content to grow knowledge of finance concepts and provide guidance on healthy habits. Enrich coaches are trained financial education professionals who have been certified to provide employees with guidance and counseling on the tough financial decisions you face every day. They can help guide you in building money management best practices, while adding a layer of support and encouragement

United Healthcare is pleased to offer WashU health plan members a subscription-based fitness program called One Pass Select. With One Pass Select, members can have access to multiple gyms and online fitness classes – for one price. Learn more here. 

Discuss your personal financial needs with our team of WashU/TIAA certified financial consultants and learn how you can take action now to plan for the future you want. Schedule a consultation to meet in-person or virtually. Each individual session is scheduled 45 minutes and a financial advisor will work with you to help you prepare for today, tomorrow and the future. 

Mindfulness Consultant

What are some of your favorite ways to cultivate well-being in your life?

Mindfulness, of course!  Honestly, it is true!  And, mindfulness outdoors in nature is even better!

For me, I have a morning routine that supports rising from bed, and into the work day or activities of the day, in a state of mind and being that allows me to lead meditation practices.  If I do not embrace these steps, the day can get messy and it is a bit of a struggle to feel my best in my mind, heart, and body.

Here are my steps:

And, I am off to a good start. This routine supports me clearing from the night’s sleep and whatever is dragging from yesterday.  It also helps me truly connected to my purpose, my intentions, clarity around what’s most important and the current needs of the day.

This flow might look and sound like it’s a lot of extra time, but really, it’s not.  And it occurs as a daily set of rituals that supports me spiritually too.  I also love, hiking, biking, gardening, and any creative projects.  I love, love being with family and friends, and supporting the community with mindfulness practices.  These relationships mean the world to me!

View mindfulness resources here.

HR Well-being is an employee health initiative that, in partnership with Washington University experts, offers opportunities for employees to improve their physical and emotional well-being. This initiative focuses on developing evidence-based programs and making personal connections to provide employees with valuable and fun experiences that improve their health. We aim to foster a culture that prioritizes employee health and well-being as integral to the mission of teaching, research, and patient care, and create an environment where the healthier choice is the easiest choice; where employees are empowered to choose wellness.

WashU Wellness Champions help us understand the needs within different work environments, promote the importance of personal health, and encourage their coworkers to engage in wellness program offerings.

Questions / Comments?

Email lynchc@wustl.edu.