Welcome to WashU’s summer well-being challenge!
WashU’s Office of Human Resources is excited to present the summer well-being challenge, Go Gold! Inspired by the spirit of the 2024 Olympics, this four-week challenge is your opportunity to focus on getting active and prioritizing your well-being. Join us for a summer focused on improving physical fitness, enhancing mental well-being, increasing energy levels and building a supportive and inclusive community.
Go Gold is a fun, inclusive way to prioritize physical activity while exploring strategies for better health. Benefits-eligible employees can register for this four-week challenge starting on July 12. Individuals can register throughout the challenge, but team formation closes on August 2. Learn more about and register for the Go Gold summer challenge.
For everyone, everywhere.
Go Gold aims to encourage movement throughout the day and is designed to be inclusive to all fitness levels and abilities. Whether you’re just starting or exercise has been part of your daily routine for a while, Go Gold offers simple, motivating tools to track progress, with instant feedback from your favorite tracking device or app. Go Gold’s self-paced, flexible design fits people of all abilities. If walking isn’t accessible to you, be as active as you can in whatever ways you enjoy. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about which activities are best for you.
Register today! Benefits-eligible WashU employees can participate as individuals or create teams for added motivation. Individuals can register throughout the challenge, while team formation closes on August 2, 2024. To join, log into the WashU Wellness Launchpad using your WUSTL Key and opt into the Go Gold challenge.
Join the fun! Weekly well-being support
No matter what stage you’re at in your health journey, you’re welcome to join us for Try it Tuesdays every week during the Go Gold challenge. Whether you’re an active participant or just looking for healthy inspiration, we’ve got something for you.
Every Tuesday throughout the challenge, we host Try it Tuesdays – a chance to explore new well-being resources and take charge of your health journey. Each week, we’ll introduce new tools, tips, and motivation you need to live a healthier, more active life. Check back weekly for practical guides and content to help keep you moving forward toward your goals!
Boost your focus with short breaks
Taking short active breaks can refresh your mind and boost productivity. When you feel stuck or fatigued, take a 15-20 minute break for a brisk walk, do some stretches or even listen to a mood-lifting playlist. This mental recharge will help you return to your tasks with renewed focus and energy.
Try it Tuesday activity: Make time for active relaxation today. You could go for a short walk, do some light stretches, or listen to your favorite upbeat tunes. We also recommend checking out the WashU Mindfulness Audio Library with short practices facilitated by Meg Krejci, Mindfulness Consultant.
WashU offers resources to enhance your well-being journey:
- Join or form a Go Gold team by August 2
Don’t miss out on your chance to join or create a team before team formation closes on Friday, August 2. Teaming up with others who share your goals keeps you accountable and doubles your likelihood of success. Log in to create or join a team. - Move into Mindfulness mini-series
Reduce stress, increase focus and learn practical coping skills through this 3-week mindfulness mini-series, Tuesdays in August. Register online here. - Support your mental health
Our mental well-being can affect our daily lives, relationships and goals. Check out the variety of mental health resources available to WashU employees.
Spice up your diet | Bite into something new
Eating a variety of foods keeps meals exciting and provides essential nutrients for your well-being. Challenge yourself today to try a new fruit, vegetable, whole grain or cuisine you’ve never had before. Exploring diverse cuisines and flavors makes eating healthier more enjoyable.
Try it Tuesday activity: Incorporate a new food or recipe into your meal plan this week. It could be a unique ingredient, a dish from a different culture, or a twist on a familiar recipe.
WashU offers resources to enhance your well-being journey:
- Conquer Busy Weeknights with Meal Prep | MyWay to Health Wellness Workshop
August 14, 2024, from 12 – 1 p.m.
Make the ‘back-to-school transition’ a little smoother this year by planning healthy, delicious meals. Our MyWay to Health Wellness Workshop teaches you essential meal planning and cooking skills. Register today to join us for a hybrid cooking demonstration, offered in person or via Zoom. - MyWay to Health walking groups
Looking for an opportunity to boost your daily step count and take a mid-day wellness break? Join the MyWay to Health in-person walking groups to increase physical activity, improve stress management, and connect with other wellness-minded WashU employees. Contact mywaytohealth@wustl.edu with questions.- Danforth Campus | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Meet in front of Brown Hall, by the stairs and garden - School of Medicine Campus | Fridays at noon
Meet at Kaldi’s in the Mid Campus Center (MCC)
- Danforth Campus | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
- Eat Well, Support Local | Farmers Market and Crop Box CSA Pick-up Program
Experience the difference of local, sustainable agriculture! Fuel your well-being with fresh, seasonal produce from local vendors. WashU offers two ways to enjoy the benefits of local agriculture. View details for both programs.- Shop at the Farmers Market: Every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit our Farmers Market on the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Quad at the WUSM campus. Browse a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and artisan goods.
- Crop Box CSA Program: Join our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and receive a weekly or bi-weekly curated box filled with locally grown items.
Feeling stressed? Time to play
Having fun and being playful is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood. Today, take a break from your responsibilities and reconnect with your inner child by engaging in playful activities. Whether it’s playing a game, coloring, dancing, or anything else that brings you joy, playful pursuits can boost your creativity and overall well-being.
Try it Tuesday activity: Do an activity just for fun like playing a game, coloring, blowing bubbles, dancing, or anything else that brings you joy.
WashU offers resources to enhance your well-being journey:
- Find Your Fun at WashU! Culture & Community hub
Visit the Culture & Community hub to explore upcoming signature events like WashU Night at the Ballpark or a performance at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Bring your family and friends to connect with WashU culture.- The Department of Anesthesiology has fully embraced WashU’s community engagement opportunities by participating in our signature events. Check out the spotlight article to learn how they strengthen interpersonal relationships and cultivate a more supportive work environment by fostering camaraderie and connection outside the workplace.
- Don’t miss Music at the Intersection (MATI), September 14-15! This vibrant festival celebrates St. Louis’s rich musical heritage. WashU employees get 50% off tickets with promo code “MATIU”. Visit the MATI website for details and purchase discounted tickets here.
- Get Fit Your Way with One Pass Select
WashU employees on the university health plan can enjoy the convenience and flexibility of One Pass Select. This program offers tiered membership options to fit your budget and fitness goals. Access a wide network of fitness locations, allowing you to find a gym that fits your routine and preferences. Work out close to home, work or anywhere else that’s convenient for you. Contact our UHC Nurse Advocates for more details and enrollment questions. - MyWay to Health walking groups
Looking for an opportunity to boost your daily step count and take a mid-day wellness break? Join the MyWay to Health in-person walking groups to increase physical activity, improve stress management, and connect with other wellness-minded WashU employees. Contact mywaytohealth@wustl.edu with questions.- Danforth Campus | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Meet in front of Brown Hall, by the stairs and garden - School of Medicine Campus | Fridays at noon
Meet at Kaldi’s in the Mid Campus Center (MCC)
- Danforth Campus | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Brainpower boost: Improve memory, focus and more
Keeping your brain sharp is essential for overall well-being. Engaging in brain teasers for just 5 minutes a day can significantly improve your memory, concentration and cognitive abilities. Give Sudoku, crossword puzzles or online memory games a try! Looking for more ways to challenge your brain? Shake up your routine! Brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or taking a new route to work can stimulate your brain in unexpected ways.
Try it Tuesday activity: Challenge yourself with a new brain teaser today. Explore puzzle apps, online games or tackle a mentally stimulating task. Share your favorite way to give your brain a workout on the wellness wall.
WashU resources to enhance your well-being journey:
- Empower Your Well-Being with Enrich
Financial stress can weigh heavily on our minds and bodies. Enrich, WashU’s interactive financial well-being platform, can help. Explore resources like the article “Money Psychology: Decision Fatigue” to learn how to manage your finances effectively. By gaining greater control over your money, you can reduce stress, improve your overall well-being and feel more empowered. - Keep Your Brain Sharp
Lifelong learning can be a powerful way to keep your brain active, improve cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of age-related decline. Invest in your brain health with the resources offered by HR Develop, Learn, and Lead hub and WashU’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies. Explore a variety of courses and resources designed to support ongoing learning and cognitive development. Start your learning journey today! - MyWay to Health walking groups
Looking for an opportunity to boost your daily step count and take a mid-day wellness break? Join the MyWay to Health in-person walking groups to increase physical activity, improve stress management, and connect with other wellness-minded WashU employees. Contact mywaytohealth@wustl.edu with questions.- Danforth Campus | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Meet in front of Brown Hall, by the stairs and garden - School of Medicine Campus | Fridays at noon
Meet at Kaldi’s in the Mid Campus Center (MCC)
- Danforth Campus | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Additional Support
For easy access to WashU well-being resources, consider bookmarking these pages:
- Go Gold homepage | Find challenge details, FAQs, reward information and more.
- Well-Being hub | Resources tailored to every stage of the employee life cycle.
Participation in employee well-being programs is a benefit to employees and there are opportunities to earn rewards when you complete certain activities. There is no requirement for you to participate, but your privacy is protected when you do.