Healthy IU serves over 37,000 individuals including IU faculty, staff, spouses on an IU medical plan, IU medical and optometry residents, student academic appointees, and IU retirees. When it comes to health and wellness, every situation, every person, and every IU campus is unique. Learn more about what’s happening university-wide and on your campus.
University-Wide Spring 2024 Programs
4-Week Online Challenge Sign up ANYTIME before March 18 All are welcome to join!
Purpose The U.S. Surgeon General Advisory Report has declared loneliness and social isolation an epidemic. Social connections are a fundamental human need and directly impact well-being. When positive social connections improve on an individual level, it also has a positive effect in our workplace and communities. Join the IU Culture of Connection challenge and improve your wellbeing while also making the world a little brighter!
Mondays, January 8-April 29, 2024 (skipping MLK Day, the week of Spring break March 11th and April 8th) 12:30-1:00 p.m. (ET) / 11:30-Noon (CT) Live online at: https://iu.zoom.us/j/4827247576
Facilitator: Leslie Flowers
These sessions practice the relaxation tools of conscious breathing, meditation, and chair yoga. Relax, renew, and refresh for your work week.
Facilitator: Linda F. Brown, PhD, HSPP; clinical health psychologist and certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor
You are warmly welcome to participate in these 30-minute sessions that include 15 to 20 minutes of guided mindfulness meditation practice plus a short reading about mindfulness. This is offered on a drop-in basis; you can join us whenever it fits your needs and/or circumstances, no advance notice required. We hope you will benefit from this span of stillness to relax and refocus in the midst of your workday. Participants are muted throughout the session; we encourage you to have cameras on to create a sense of community.
Join Registered Dietitian Steven Lalevich on Tuesdays for a nutrition conversation via Zoom. Each week, we’ll explore a nutrition topic and open up the dialogue for Q&A. No need to attend every session; join us when you can.
We are all good at attending to the needs of those around us, but we are often very hard on ourselves. And that is a set up for things like burnout, stress, and resentment. Research shows that people who adopt self-compassion practices have less depression and anxiety and are more likely to experience positive mind states like happiness and life satisfaction. Mindful Self-Compassion is a training developed by Kristen Neff, Ph.D., of the University of Texas at Austin, and Christopher Germer, Ph.D., of Harvard. Please join us for this chance to re-learn how to include yourself in your own circle of caring.
The course provides a number of ways to bring self-compassion into even the most stressful moments. Here is a breakdown of the sessions:
Session 1: Exploring what self-compassion is and seeing how it does or does not show up for us, and then looking at ways to cultivate it.
Session 2: Seeing how to bring more self-compassion into our lives with simple, easy to implement practices that can be done in the moment.
Session 3: Looking at ways to work with the inner critic and to find our inner compassionate voice.
Session 4: Using self-compassion to work with difficult emotions.
Session 5: Investigating caregiver fatigue and burnout, and how self-compassion can remind us to offer care to ourselves as we attend to the needs of others.
Session 6: Exploring the importance of our core values, and how self-compassion can help when we can’t completely live in alignment with those values. We will also look at the resources available to maintain a self-compassion practice.
Facilitator: Jonathan Walker, MD; Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine, Fort Wayne; Certified Mindfulness Facilitator, International Mindfulness Teacher's Association
Thursday, January 25, 2024
10:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m. (ET)
Online
This class is full.
Join us for an interactive session where we explore improvisation techniques, borrowed from the world of acting and comedy, to enhance social connections in both work and life.
Meet new people, practice active listening, build community—all while having fun! No performance pressure; just authentic connections and a chance to hone valuable people skills in a supportive environment. Come and cultivate connections with us!
Instructor:
Dawn Wisher is a Senior Lecturer in Business Communication for the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington. She teaches Business Presentations in the undergraduate program and an Applied Improvisation class in IU’s Hutton Honors College. Dawn is a member of the Association of Business Communicators and the Applied Improvisation Network.
Thursdays, January 25 – May 9, 2024
11:00 a.m. – Noon (ET)
Online
This class is currently full. For more information or to be added to the waitlist, please email Betty Klein bkklein@iupui.edu.
"Prevent Type 2 Diabetes" is a proven program to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. If you're looking for guidance and support with making small lifestyle changes to prevent Type 2 diabetes, this program is for you!
In this program, you will learn strategies that fit YOUR life in an expert-led, confidential, small-group setting. Examples of sessions in this 16-week program:
Simple lifestyle changes resulting in a healthy you
Food choices that energize you and meet your goals
Group motivation and individual mentoring
Note: This program is intended for those with pre-diabetes or those at high risk. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, learn more about the diabetes management program available through IU's prescription benefit. Find additional resources for living with diabetes on the CDC website.
A growing body of research has shown that mindfulness meditation practice improves concentration and focus and may lead to greater well-being, less reactivity to stress, and fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
IU staff and faculty who attended this class have said:
“The class is absolutely wonderful—and for me, life-changing.”
“I can find inner peace through the techniques learned in this class that brings me a renewed sense of energy!”
“This course has helped me realize what is most important and foremost in my life. All the other things are very small in comparison.”
“I am so grateful for this opportunity—expert guidance, supportive work environmentWhat I am learning extends way beyond my work at IU; this class is giving me the tools I need to be a calmer, more focused and aware wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend—a calmer, more focused and aware me.”
This program focuses on:
Recognizing and addressing stressful situations effectively “on the spot”
Managing chronic stress
Improving focus and communication
Enhancing mind-body wellness
Employees are invited to the orientation, which is the first session, to assess if this class meets their needs. The class is free to IU employees committed to attending the weekly sessions and participating on-screen. The class is an adaptation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, the program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and the Center for Mindfulness, University of Massachusetts.
Facilitator: Leslie Flowers, NBC-HWC, board certified health and well-being coach and qualified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
For many parents, thinking through how and when to talk with their children about puberty, bodies, and sexuality can feel daunting especially in today’s world, when so much has changed in terms of technology, sexuality, and gender. Fortunately, we can all learn to be askable, approachable parents/caregivers when it comes to these conversations even if our own parents did not talk with us about sexuality.
This virtual training shares strategies and resources for building an emotionally safe workplace and a resilient team. Leaders will learn how to spot rising anxiety levels among their team members; ease the concerns of employees who are overwhelmed or worried about the future and engage in effective conversations about emotions in uncertain times. This training will also illustrate how team members at all levels can work together to build an environment that fosters camaraderie, productivity, and calm. Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of the book, "Anxiety in the Workplace," by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton. NOTE: To attend this 3-hour training, please select ONE scheduled date when registering.
Presented by: Betty Klein, CCWS, Health & Wellness Specialist, Healthy IU &
Catherine Matthews, JD, Ph.D., Sr. Consultant, Talent and Organization Development, IU Human Resources
*Note this is a partnership for an IU research program.
Gratitude is positively associated with better physical health, improved relationships, and greater life satisfaction. Although most people believe that it’s important to be grateful, practicing gratitude consistently is considerably harder for many of us.
The Gratitude Group Program was developed by Dr. Joel Wong, an IU professor of counseling psychology, to address the how of gratitude – practical strategies to cultivate gratitude in our lives. The program is conducted entirely via Zoom in small groups of about 8-10 members. Group activities include brief lectures, experiential activities, group sharing, and journaling. Each group consists of about 8-10 members. Homework includes daily gratitude journaling. Groups will be facilitated by graduate students from the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology.
Guidelines for participation:
Open to IU staff and student academic appointees. (Note that IU undergraduate and graduate students may also be invited to participate in these groups.)
Commit to attending all 8 group sessions.
Commit to online group-based daily gratitude journaling homework.
We encourage participants to keep their video cameras on during the duration of the meetings.
Research participation: Dr. Wong and his research team will be conducting research on the group program: this will involve completing a few brief online surveys before the first group meeting and after each group session.
Given that space is limited, we encourage participants to register only if they can commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 group sessions.
In addition, all sessions will be video recorded. Group members will need to consent to participating in this research study (completing the brief surveys and video recording) to join the Gratitude Group Program.
We tend to think that making changes to how we eat or move requires a lot of motivation. So when we’re not feeling motivated … what are we supposed to do? Are we just stuck until we somehow “find” motivation?
This webinar will introduce a new way to think about making changes: rather than relying on motivation, we should focus on building momentum. Join us to learn more!
Hosted by WW Weight Watchers
No one sets out to become addicted. Using a drug or alcohol may be voluntary at first, and not everybody who misuses a substance develops a dependence, but when addiction takes over, self-control is reduced and mental health suffers. With the right resources, finding support and working toward recovery is possible. This EAP training will help you understand the ways can get support for yourself, a colleague, or a loved one in need.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
What will you learn?
How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal
How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
The common causes of suicidal behavior
The warning signs of suicide
How to get help for someone in crisis
This training is offered by IU Prevention Insights.
What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)? MHFA is an 8-hour course that provides information on how to assist someone experiencing a mental health concern and practices how to approach a crisis in the appropriate manner until professional help can arrive.
What will you learn?
Signs and symptoms of mental health disorders. How to reduce stigma
The impact of trauma and addiction
How to support a person with a mental health disorder and connect them to care
How to recognize, react and respond to mental health issues and crisis
Who should attend? This training is tailored for individuals that live or work in Allen, Boone, Carroll, Clinton, Fayette, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Scott, Tippecanoe, and/ or White County and interacts with adults in the general population.
This training is a live, virtual Zoom session. Prior to attending the live training, participants must complete a two – hour, online, self-paced course.
This training is provided by IU Prevention Insights.
Join us for this interactive self-defense class! Learn how you can protect yourself and others around you. This class will focus on mindset, situational awareness, as well as how to avoid being a victim by using physical tactics to defend yourself if attacked. Please wear comfortable shoes for practice.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (ET) (1/2 hour lunch break included) Ott Building, 992 Indiana Ave, Room
This class is Full
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Much like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving training, MHFA training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
This training is provided by IU Public Safety and Institutional Assurance (PSIA).
Instructors: Laury Flint and James Vastag
Questions: Please contact PSIA at 812-855-2004.
Year Round Programs
SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP), administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, is a confidential resource that provides 24/7 access to professional counseling and referrals. SupportLinc’s licensed counselors can provide short-term assistance with issues such as:
grief and loss
substance abuse
marriage and relationship problems
depression
work-related pressures
stress and anxiety
Eligibility:Services are provided at no cost to all employees, IU Residents, Graduate Appointees, Fellowship Recipients, and their household members.
Services include:
Unlimited 24/7/365 telephonic counseling with a professionally licensed counselor
Up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, per year at no cost (sessions are held in-person or over secure video)
Access to comprehensive content and tools through SupportLinc’s website and eConnect® mobile app (Case sensitive username: iu)
WW delivers programming in two ways to fit your lifestyle:
Core — Digital Only (e-Tools): an easy-to-use app and website to track your food, movement, and weight goals; barcode scanner, restaurant items, and over 5,000 recipes; and expert chat available 24/7.
Premium — Workshops + Digital: offers access to workshops in the community (check WW Studio locations) and online, with guidance from a trained WW Coach and motivation from members who are on the same path. Additionally, this option provides access to all the digital tools.
Attend a Private Virtual Workshop Exclusively for You and Your IU Colleagues
Gather your fellow IU WW members and join a Coach for your healthy dose of guidance, inspiration, and support.
Offered throughout the year, excluding June & July Sessions last approx. 1 hour E-mailaskanrd@indiana.edu to schedule an appointment
If you have questions about food, we have answers. Our wonderful registered dietitian (RD) can help you develop a plan to achieve your health goals. Sessions include personalized nutrition education on any topic of interest, including weight loss, heart-healthy eating, digestive health, and more. One-on-one nutritional counseling is available at no charge for all IU employees, their spouses on an IU-sponsored medical plan, and IU retirees by appointment.
IU-sponsored medical plan members with Type 1 or 2 diabetes have access to a diabetes management program. This voluntary program utilizes advanced technology from Livongo to help participants manage their diabetes and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Benefits of the program include access to no-cost tools, expert support, advanced monitoring with a connected Livongo glucometer, unlimited test strips/lancets, and more. All program costs are covered by the university. Program provided through IU Benefits.
Livongo, available at no cost to IU medical plan members, helps you manage hypertension using a smart blood pressure monitor, personalized action plan, and expert coaching.
Eligibility: Full-time academic and staff employees and spouses who are enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan
The Quit For Life Program offers an integrated mix of support tools to help stop using tobacco products. The program is telephone based and accessible across all IU campuses. Participants have access to:
Five coaching calls with a “Quit Coach” to work with and set and reach a quit date
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan
IU employee medical plans cover 100 percent of the cost of tobacco cessation prescription and over-the-counter tobacco replacement products. Coverage is limited to a 180-day supply per covered individual per year. Covered prescriptions drugs include Chantix, Zyban (bupropion), and Nicotrol. Over-the-counter products require a prescription in order to be covered under the employee’s medical plan.
These tobacco cessation resources are offered through Human Resources.
IU Human Resources Calendar
Check out what’s coming up from Healthy IU and University Human Resources on the Events Calendar.