As the light shifts to lower intensity and the weather begins to ebb and flow, we are invited to more skillfully engage with daily life. In the past, human beings were much more attuned to the rhythm and patterns of the natural world, whereas today, while we are still affected by these same natural currents, [...]

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Vitamin D has many functions in the body. It helps us to absorb calcium from our diets and maintains the health and strength of our bones. It can affect our immune health and our muscle health. Newer research has even suggested that vitamin D may help to prevent some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart [...]

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I don’t have to convince you of the benefits of exercise and physical activity. It’s practically the only thing that has positive benefits for almost every system in the body from cognition to digestion. But along with this grand solution to many issues often comes much confusion. Fads, trends, and personal fitness gurus all seem [...]

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The next time you go out in nature—whether that’s a walk in the woods or a wheel around your neighborhood—listen to any one of the following five “on-the-move” meditations by Danny Arguetty, manager of the Mindfulness Program at UW Recreation, to access and explore the capacity for calm, centeredness, and reflection we all carry within. [...]

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During this challenging time, The Whole U is here to help the University of Washington community stay healthy and connected as we continue to support one another and adjust to life and work during COVID-19. As we all strive to establish a new sense of order and organization in our lives, The Whole U’s list [...]

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Spring is a season for change. But over these final few weeks of winter, things have been changing drastically for everyone in our community as the University of Washington responds to the COVID-19 outbreak. While critical staff continue to work tirelessly, courageously, and creatively on behalf of everyone’s health, many faculty and staff are now [...]

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A snack by definition is a small amount of food eaten between meals. When most people talk about snack foods, they are often referring to packaged foods like chips, cookies, crackers, or popcorn that you would find in the “snack foods” aisle at most grocery stores. Planned snacks can actually be a great opportunity to [...]

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If you’re like me, you’ve made a few New Year’s resolutions you’d really like to transform into lasting, long-term habits in 2020. As a start, I’ve registered to participate in The Whole U’s 6-week Dare to Do challenge—a great way to help anyone (yes, anyone!) stay true to those resolutions with support and fun activities [...]

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“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” —Dalai Lama One of the surest ways to foster happiness in our lives and in the world we inhabit is to look at what we can do by ourselves, for ourselves. If you’re feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed at this or any [...]

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We’ve known for the greater part of a century that commercial tobacco is lethal; cigarette smoking exacts a toll of approximately 480,000 lives each year in the United States, leading all causes of preventable death and cancer mortality. The vast majority of people who smoke in the US – about 70% who do – want [...]

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And just like that, it’s fall again—the season of stepping on crispy leaves, drinking pumpkin spice beverages, and soaking in the last bits of sunshine. And while The Whole U has whipped up a new list of September events that provide plentiful opportunities to better your physical, mental, and financial health, we wanted to share [...]

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The University of Washington’s wellness resources for employees are extensive. We’ve already detailed some key tool in our Guide to Living Well. For another great way to navigate the competing priorities in life while finding time to care for your well-being, try making the most of the wellness benefits offered through the Public Employees Benefits [...]

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