Dear Rice Faculty and Staff,

Now is the time to focus on YOU - your personal growth, building healthy habits, financial stability, and reconnecting with what truly matters. As members of the Rice community, we commit to prioritizing our health and well-being, starting strong and finishing stronger. Whether you want to boost your wellness, enhance your professional skills, or add balance to your life, now is the perfect time to reset your goals and elevate your growth for lasting success.

To keep the momentum going and revive your energy, join us for our next Wellness Wednesday event tomorrow, [Wednesday], Jan. 29, at 3 p.m. with Amy Dittmar, Provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs and the Rice Employee Health and Well-Being team.

Join Amy Dittmar, Provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, and the Rice Employee Health and Well-Being team for a foundational strength training session focused on Olympic-style weightlifting. Guided by experts in the field of functional movement, you'll discover and improve strength and mobility in this engaging 45-minute session. Whether you're new to weightlifting or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to build strength, learn new techniques and connect with the Rice community in a fun and supportive setting.

Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 3-3:45 p.m.
Location: Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center MAC Gym

• Registration is encouraged for planning purposes
• Experience in Olympic-style weightlifting not required
• No membership required
• Locker room and shower access available
• Towels will be provided

Use this link to RSVP and to learn more about the monthly Wellness Wednesday series and view the FAQs.

Get Inspired by Focusing on One or More of These Areas of Well-Being:

1. Health & Wellness
   • Set a daily activity goal (e.g., 30 minutes of movement or 10,000 steps).
   • Drink eight glasses of water. 
   • Increase daily protein intake.
   • Avoid partially hydrogenated oils, tropical oils, and excessive calories.
   • Start being intentional about your breath and participate in regular meditation sessions.
   • Minimize sugary drinks, sweets, and ultra-processed foods.
2. Professional Development
   • Commit to a specific skill development (e.g., learn a new tool, attend a workshop, complete a course).
   • Organize peer-to-peer learning sessions or book clubs.
   • Improve time management.
3. Community & Meaningful Connection
   • Join a community group.
   • Attend a new wellness class.
   • Volunteer or contribute to university initiatives.
   • Create opportunities to mentor or connect with colleagues.
   • Have a time frame each day or week where you work without your phone in the room AND spend time with coworkers, family, or friends without your phone in sight.
4. Personal Growth
   • Set a goal related to hobbies or passions (e.g., learn an instrument, practice gratitude (try therapeutic journaling), create a monthly household budget).

Need Inspiration?

• Personal Goal Example: Take a daily 20-minute mindfulness break. 
• Community & Connection: Join a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) or Strength Training Class. 
• Professional Goal Example: Learn one new tool to enhance your teaching or administrative work.

Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! Commit to your goals and join Rice’s Fitness and Wellness community on this growth journey.

Your Wellness, Our Mission: Supporting Your Journey to Health and Success

Request a private, onsite outreach session with Christina Eldridge, our Assistant Director for Employee Well-Being, to present to your department how to set proper and sustainable goals that align with your focus on well-being! The Employee Well-Being Team provides complimentary wellness experiences to support staff and faculty in living a healthy lifestyle and working well. All department leaders are eligible to request private, onsite services that support the well-being needs of the staff and faculty within the organization. Complete this form to request the outreach services that meet your team's wellness needs and interests.

Warm regards,

- Employee Health & Well-Being Team