Featured Initiative: The Owl-Liance Program is Now Accepting Applications!
Are you passionate about wellness? Ready to make a difference in your community? Take advantage of the chance to encourage and support a healthier workplace at Rice University by becoming an Owl-Liance Leader for Employee Health and Well-Being today! Owl-Liance Leader, a peer ambassador who helps connect colleagues to wellness resources, promotes wellness programs and champions well-being in your department.
Join a network of like-minded employees committed to creating a thriving work environment! Includes training in wellness education, event planning and resource navigation.
Application Period: April 7 through May 5. For more information and to apply, use this link!
Our Last Wellness Wednesday before Summer: Hoot and Rally Pickleball!
Get ready to paddle up for an exciting Wellness Wednesday featuring the fast-growing sport of pickleball! Join Vice President and General Counsel Omar Syed and the Rice Employee Health and Well-Being team for a fun, friendly and competitive session designed for all skill levels. Whether you’ve mastered the dink or are brand new to the game, this interactive session will introduce you to the basics, improve your technique and keep you moving. Come enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie, cardio and a little friendly competition!
Date: Wednesday, May 14 Time: 8-9 a.m. Location: Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center, Gym 1 and Gym 2
We'll have a virtual Wellness Wednesday workshop in July to maintain our relationships, well-being and mobility until we're back in person this August. Stay tuned for more details!
Are you looking to bring healthy habits directly to your team? Our Health and Well-Being Team offers various on-site and virtual services, from presentations to in-person fitness classes. Our services are designed to meet your group where they are. Topics include:
Mindful Movement and Yoga
Meditation or Breathwork Sessions
Health Literacy Lunch and Learns
Functional Movement and Low-Impact Fitness Sessions
Customized support for special events
Visit our website using this link to request the outreach services that meet your department’s wellness needs and interests.
Centered on Your Well-Being
Take a Safety Moment: Psychological Safety Spotlight
At Rice, we’re committed to creating a culture where well-being is woven into everyday life physically, behaviorally, emotionally and socially. A thriving workplace starts with psychological safety. When employees feel heard, valued and supported, well-being and innovation soar. Psychological safety is essential to inclusive, resilient teams; we’re building that culture together!
A timely reminder of the importance of fostering safe, supportive and thriving work environments. Remember that showing up for ourselves and others impacts our overall well-being!
Your feedback plays a key role in shaping Rice’s workplace culture. Take a few minutes to share your voice and complete the 2025 Spring Perch Perspective Survey!
The survey is open until May 5
Participation is voluntary and confidential
A unique survey link was sent via email - use this link for more information
National Health Observances
April marks Stress Awareness Month, and although stress shows up, not all of it is always bad; how we respond makes the difference.
Quick Practice: We invite you to take a mindful pause. Close your eyes and focus on two things that bring you joy. Just 60 seconds can shift your perspective and ease tension.
Looking for more stress management tools? Use this link to access Dr. Anatolia Vick's Understanding Stress document.
Improving how you feel can give you more energy, and regular physical activity can help you feel even better. Check out Rice Recreation’s Outdoor Training Park (OTP) for all walks of life to weave exercise into your daily routine. Outside of the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center (near Field 2), the Outdoor Training Park features pull-up bars and parallel bars alongside many other pieces of stationary equipment that allow for a well-rounded workout. Each station can accommodate the needs of all abilities and fitness levels, from beginner to expert. Every minute of exercise counts!
Alcohol Awareness Month: Swap Out Your Nightcap With Something Nourishing!
Why Cut Back? Reducing alcohol can improve your sleep, mood and focus. Plus it can aid in stronger immune health.Why It Matters: Small changes equals big impact and cutting back is a great way to support long-term health goals such as:
Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Lowering the risk of hypertension, cancer, and liver disease
Improving memory
Help with weight management
Try This Mocktail: 🌿 Cucumber Mint Refresher
½ cucumber, sliced
6 mint leaves
Sparkling water
Juice of ½ lime
Mix ingredients over ice and enjoy the crisp, clean taste!
In Case You Missed It!
On March 25, Rice faculty and staff joined the Employee Health and Well-Being team, Human Resources team, and Housing & Dining Registered Dietitian Clare Rezentes, RD, LD, for an engaging seminar about mindful eating!
Participants explored the principles of mindful eating, gained insights on making intentional food choices, and discovered practical strategies for fostering a healthier relationship with meals. The seminar provided valuable tools for bringing awareness to eating habits both in the workplace and beyond, leaving attendees inspired to approach their meals with greater mindfulness.
