Well-Being Overview
Supporting good mental health and well-being at work builds an environment and workforce that is optimistic, purpose-driven, and resilient. Join our community of like-minded individuals who are committed to embracing wellness as a way of life.
Activities & Challenges
These opportunities are designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional health among participants. Initiatives often include a variety of engaging activities such as fitness classes, team-building exercises, and more, all aimed at fostering a supportive and healthy environment.
Sign up your department or unit for our campus-wide physical activity challenge. Work units form teams and compete to see which team can average the most physical activity. This is a great way to get more active and to bond with your colleagues. Registration opens September 16 and the challenge starts October 7. Contact us at wellbeing@illinois.edu to learn more or sign up!
Creative Programs
Tapping into your creativity has been shown to lower stress and improve wellness. Studies show that engaging in creative activities improves health by reducing cortisol, enhancing problem-solving skills, boosting self-esteem, and much more!
Art Journaling
Art journaling is a creative and expressive practice that combines visual art and journaling. It involves using a journal or sketchbook as a space for artistic exploration, personal reflection, and self-expression. Art journaling is not limited to any specific skill level or artistic style, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of artistic experience.
Dare to Dream
Dare to Dream class offers a unique approach to life planning where participants will actively visualize their personal and professional lives, and creatively strategize how to move toward realizing their dreams. Sessions are free, fun, and interactive with group support, honest introspection, and creative expression encouraged.
Life Skills
Our life skills classes empower people with the tools and techniques needed to thrive personally and professionally. Join us on the journey to greater well-being and fulfillment in all areas of your life.
Financial Wellness
An initiative designed to support individuals in managing their financial well-being. We aim to provide education, resources, and tools to help individuals make informed financial decisions, reduce financial stress, and work towards long-term financial stability.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Get energized, focused, and calm! Join our mindfulness instructor extraordinary in a four-week virtual Mindfulness and Movement series. These live video classes combine mindfulness-based meditation instruction with easy-to-do "desk yoga" type exercise.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
A structured initiative designed to promote and support individuals in making informed and health-conscious food choices. We provide education, resources, and practical tools to encourage a balanced and nutritious diet.
Stress Management
An initiative designed to help individuals identify, understand, and effectively cope with stress. We offer a variety of tools, techniques, and resources to promote mental well-being and resilience.
Weight Management
Our goal is to support individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of education, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification. We focus on addressing various aspects of weight management, including nutrition, physical activity, and psychological well-being.
Well-Being Ambassadors
Wellness ambassadors are faculty or staff who voluntarily serve as liaisons between Well-Being Services and the respective department, division or college.
Target Audience
Employees who have enthusiasm, the ability to bring wellness to life at the departmental level, ability to access email and a willingness to share ideas.
Expectations
Ambassadors are expected to:
- Participate in an initial two-hour training with other departmental wellness ambassadors and the Well-Being Services staff.
- Participate in a one-hour quarterly wellness ambassador meeting. It is strongly suggested that you attend this meeting in person. If this is not possible, please send someone else from your department, or arrange to listen in remotely.
- Promote campus wellness programs among your co-workers by: 1) passing along email communication from Well-Being Services, 2) making announcements in departmental meetings, 3) posting flyers, fact sheets and other information, 4) registering participants for campus wellness programs, or 5) answer questions coworkers may have about wellness activities. A two-hour commitment per month for these duties is suggested. This time commitment is above and beyond attending the quarterly wellness ambassador meetings.
- Personally participate in campus wellness activities.
- Collect and provide feedback and recommendations from your department/division to the ambassador network and Well-Being Services.
- Use your passion for health and wellness to serve as a role model and positive influence on our workplace culture. Create excitement around leading a healthy lifestyle, and wellness program participation
Terms of Commitment
Wellness ambassadors are expected to serve for a one-year term. All Wellness Ambassadors must secure supervisory approval to act in the role.
Application Form
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Please send your completed and signed application to wellbeing@illinois.edu. Once your application has been reviewed by Well-Being Services, you’ll be contacted to review your Roles & Responsibilities as a Wellness Ambassador.