TO: Sonoma State Employees
FR: Employee Wellness Program, Payroll and Benefits
As we prepare for the start of a new academic year, it is a great time to reset, re-energize and explore some of our employee wellness opportunities. Whether you are looking to get moving, stretch and recharge, or explore new wellness topics, we are excited to offer a variety of options this month to support your health and balance. Here is what is coming up in August:
Couch to 5K Training!
Please join our 45-minute Couch to 5K Training class with Yavé Guzman Valdez (bio)! Training is held weekly. As we transition from summer to fall, please note the following schedule changes:
- From 8/1/25 to 8/15/25, training will be held on Mondays in Ives 76 and Thursdays at the SSU Track from 12:05 to 12:50pm.
- Beginning 8/18/25, training will move to Tuesdays and Thursdays at the SSU Track from 12:05 to 12:50pm.
All levels are welcome, from beginners to intermediate as well as advanced runners looking for some extra workouts. Suggested items to bring with you: A pair of good running shoes, comfortable clothing to run in, water, post run snack, and a yoga mat.
Yoga and Pilates Classes
Lunchtime classes are open to all experience levels and offer a great mid-day break to stretch, reset, and connect with colleagues. Please join us in Ives 80 from 12:05 to 12:55pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Yoga mats are available.
- Mondays: Pilates
- Wednesdays: Meditative Yoga
- Thursdays: Meditative Yoga
Wellness Webinars
Kaiser Permanente is offering a range of wellness webinars open to all employees, regardless of your health plan. Most sessions are available on-demand for six months after the live stream, with the exception of the Calm Meditation Sessions, which are only available live.
- Hormone Health - How we spend our day can greatly affect how well our hormones function. Learn the roles of various hormones as well as practical methods to optimize their regulation for a balanced body.
August 20, 2025 (Noon - 1pm)
Register -
Grocery Savvy - Planning is key to successful grocery shopping. Learn ways to shop smarter to meet your health needs and learn to read food labels to make healthy choices. Create a realistic action plan that will help you take positive steps towards taking control of your health.
August 25, 2025 (Noon - 1pm)
Register -
Chronic Pain Management - Learn about the neuroscience of pain, the overprotective alarm, healing through a mind-body approach, and working with Kaiser Permanente’s Pain Management Rehabilitation Program.
August 28, 2025 (12:30 - 1:30pm)
Register
Calm Meditation Sessions
Join for 15 minutes to de-stress, reset, and renew yourself.
-
August 13, 2025 (10 - 10:15am)
Join here at the time of event -
August 27, 2025 (2 - 2:15pm)
Join here at the time of event
Local Opportunities to Get Moving
Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has once again secured exclusive discount codes for two local running events featuring distances for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned runner or wanting to try something new, you are invited to join us and walk, run or even skip your way to the finish line.
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Santa Rosa Marathon (August 23 and 24)
5k, 10k, half, full marathon
https://santarosamarathon.com/
SSU20 = 20% discount for any distance -
Clo Cow Half Marathon (October 12)
5k, 10k, half marathon
https://www.clocowhalf.com/
25SSU = 15% discount for any distance
Additional information regarding our SSU Employee Wellness programs can be found here: https://hr.sonoma.edu/payroll/