What’s one step you’ll take to care for yourself in 2025?
Every journey begins with a small step forward. At WashU, taking care of ourselves isn’t just a resolution — it’s a path we’re traveling together. Whether you focus on financial wellness, family support, mindfulness or something else, we have resources to help you move forward. Ready to take that first step?
Making Progress | WashU community stories
Everyone’s well-being journey looks different. See how your colleagues are progressing in 2025, and share your story to inspire others.
Finding your path: Resources for every step of the way
WashU is here to support you wherever you are on your wellness journey. From financial education to family planning, here are the resources available to help you make 2025 your year of well-being:
Financial Wellness Made Simple with Enrich
Through Enrich, our interactive financial education platform, you can assess your financial health and develop strategies to reach your goals.
Take action now: Complete two qualifying activities in 2025 and be entered into a monthly drawing to win a $15 Visa gift card.
Navigate Family-Friendly Benefits with BenefitBump
Planning to grow your family? BenefitBump provides comprehensive support for you, your spouse/domestic partner and eligible dependents. Whether you’re pursuing pregnancy, fertility treatments, fostering or adoption, our dedicated resources help navigate your path to parenthood.
Connect at the Take Care Fair
Mark your calendar for March 11, 2025! Join us at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) for the WashU Medicine Take Care Fair. Meet with WashU vendor partners and discover resources available to support you and your family’s well-being. Can’t make it? Don’t worry – a Danforth Campus event is planned for fall 2025.
Take Time for Self-Care Through Our Mindfulness Audio Library
Need a moment of calm in your day? Explore our Mindfulness Audio Library, featuring guided practices from WashU Mindfulness Consultant Meg Krejci. These brief audio and video sessions are perfect for reducing stress and enhancing your overall well-being.
Prepare for Retirement with these Upcoming TIAA Pre-Retiree Workshops
Learn the basic rules that govern the most common types of retirement accounts while gaining perspective on when you may want to tap into different assets.
- Wednesday, April 16, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WashU Medicine, Moore Auditorium in North Medical Bldg.
Register to attend this in-person session. - Thursday, April 17, from 12 -12:30 p.m.
Register to attend this virtual session.
Additional Resources to Support Your Well-Being Journey
- Work-life balance support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Annual health screenings are now available – schedule yours today to learn valuable health information and earn a $50 Visa gift card
- Planning for retirement? Schedule complimentary sessions with TIAA financial consultants to plan for the future you want
- Get moving with wellness challenges! The spring 2025 challenge, Star Trak, launches in March
- Important reminder: Fall 2025 dependent tuition deadline approaching
- Discover additional mindfulness resources and offerings through Move into Mindfulness
Ready to move forward? Visit our Well-Being hub to explore all our well-being initiatives.
Finding Your Way
WashU Community Stories
Curious about what others in our WashU community are doing to prioritize their well-being? Read how your colleagues are approaching their 2025 wellness goals.
Jen V.
“I want to be more mindful of my spending habits. To achieve my financial goals, I have decided to stop shopping on Amazon.”
Joshua K.
“I purchased a standing desk over the holidays and plan to stand during all my meetings so I don’t sit as much.”
Nelly M.
“Appreciate people more. Most importantly, letting them know.”
“For me, self-care is anything that lifts your spirit and becomes a sustainable habit. Recently, I’ve found that through running. After completing the STL GO! marathon and Forest Park Frostbite Series half marathon, I’m training for my next race in Mesa. Running brings me power and peace – but the key is finding what brings YOU those same feelings!”
“This year, I want to use my mindfulness training (thanks, Meg and Diana!) to practice radical empathy.”
“There’s nothing quite like being in nature: the beauty of the natural world is magical. Spirituality is a walk through the woods. It’s the sound of streaming water, song of birds or whistling branches in the wind. It’s moving clouds and warm sun beams on my skin. It’s kicking leaves in the fall and sneezing in the spring. My goal is to be present and not miss any of these things.”
“I want to be able to enjoy life fully by spending time with my family, building more friendships and hiking in the national parks this year. I’m choosing to work out consistently in group fitness classes to build friendships and allow me to be more able to play with my kids and hike or take long walks on our national park vacation later this year.”
“I joined the WashU Concert Choir! I have always loved to sing in a choir, and it brings me so much joy to be surrounded by beautiful music. Any WashU faculty or staff can join too!”
“This year, I am committed to being more financially responsible. I aim to take charge of my retirement planning and focus on paying off my debt.”
“I purchased an elliptical machine so that I won’t have any excuses for not working out.”
“I’ve started meal prepping with my friend and colleague, Evelyn. To avoid eating out, we prepare meals together that we split for the week.”
“Eating a more natural diet and stepping away from processed food consumption.”
“Experimenting with cycle syncing by adjusting my nutrition and movement to support my body’s natural hormonal fluctuations.”
“Run a 5K each month this year.”
“Continuing with my personal trainer, which has been the best decision ever! She creates a program tailored to fit my needs, and everything is assigned through an app, so accountability is essential!”
“This year, I am focusing on creativity. I am diving deeper into embroidery, watercolor and sewing. I love the joy of fully immersing myself in each new project.”
“This year, I’ve set aside one day each month for self-care, planning activities like home facials, chair massages and pedicures.”
“I want to start saying yes when asked to be social instead of just staying home!”
“Reduce alcohol consumption.”
“I plan to take breaks.”
“This year, I plan to continue my journey into yoga. It started as a New Year’s Resolution, and so far, I’ve stuck with and enjoyed it. I’ve always wanted to practice yoga and realized nobody is going to do it FOR me, so I’d better make it happen!”
“The main step I am taking to care for myself is setting aside at least one day each month to take a break from my caregiving duties and engage in activities that I enjoy.”
“I plan to limit my time spent mindlessly scrolling on my phone while watching TV. Instead, I’ll engage in other activities like knitting and beading.”