UC San Diego introduces Bright Breaks, a free online wellness program that provides faculty and staff with hundreds of live and on-demand seven-minute sessions aimed at relaxation and recharging during the workday. The program emerged from requests for accessible, physical wellness options and includes diverse activities from yoga to high-intensity workouts, with the added element of community through wellness challenges. The initiative seeks to enhance employee well-being by making wellness convenient and engaging.
Take a pause in your busy workday and immerse yourself in a moment of tranquility with UC San Diego’s new initiative, Bright Breaks. This innovative online wellness program invites faculty and staff to engage in rejuvenating seven-minute sessions designed to revitalize both mind and body. Imagine accessing hundreds of live and on-demand sessions, thoughtfully crafted to provide a much-needed escape, available with just a click, whenever you need it most. With Bright Breaks, participants can experience a delightful variety of activities, from calming face yoga to invigorating high-intensity workouts. Designed with accessibility in mind, this program is completely free for all campus and Health Sciences faculty and employees, allowing you to partake in wellness amid your busy schedule through single sign-on access. Teresa Guglielmo, the Employee Wellness Program Manager, explains that the inspiration behind this initiative came directly from the voices of employees. “A majority of those who responded to our first employee wellness survey requested free physical wellness programs, and it was also important the offerings were both live and on-demand,” Guglielmo emphasizes. The Bright Breaks sessions can be enjoyed virtually anywhere; from your desk to your living room, offering flexibility and ease. Pilot testers of the program have already expressed enthusiasm, especially praising the diverse range of formats and instructors, as well as the seamless navigation of the website that integrates with Outlook calendars for effortless planning. Most sessions are live and offered Monday through Friday between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., complemented by a vast library of recorded sessions available at any time. Moreover, for those looking to enhance their motivation through community support, Bright Breaks includes exciting wellness challenges that can be tackled solo or as part of a team, fostering a spirit of camaraderie amidst healthy competition. Guglielmo shares her optimistic vision for the program, stating, “We believe this program is a great fit to satisfy what employees are asking for in terms of wellness programs, and I think it could have significant impact.” The message is clear: taking breaks, moving, and embracing wellness challenges are stepping stones towards a healthier lifestyle.
In an increasingly demanding work environment, employee wellness has become a focal point for organizations striving to support their staff. UC San Diego recognizes the need for effective and engaging wellness programs that cater to the diverse preferences of faculty and staff. The Bright Breaks program is a response to this need, providing quick and accessible wellness options that encourage movement, mindfulness, and community interaction. By focusing on short, manageable sessions, the program taps into the desire for flexibility and convenience, allowing employees to incorporate self-care seamlessly into their work routine.
The launch of Bright Breaks marks a pivotal step towards enhancing employee wellness at UC San Diego. By offering a wide array of short wellness sessions tailored to various interests and schedules, the program aims to foster a culture of health and balance among staff. The positive feedback from initial users reinforces the potential impact of the initiative, encouraging more employees to embrace moments of mindfulness and vitality in their daily lives. Sign up is open, and the invitation is clear: take a break, recharge, and explore the wealth of wellness opportunities available!
Original Source: today.ucsd.edu
