Well-being Starts Here
At Syracuse University, we believe a thriving community starts with thriving people. The Wellness Initiative invests in you—our faculty and staff—through hands-on workshops, live virtual sessions and self-guided content designed to meet you wherever you are on your wellness journey.
Fireside Chat: Finding Focus in a Distracted World
Friday, May 1
8-9:30 a.m.
National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building
Join neuroscientist and author Amishi Jha in conversation with retired Lieutenant General Walt Piatt for an engaging fireside chat inspired by Jha’s groundbreaking book, “Peak Mind”.
Drawing on her pioneering research in attention and mindfulness, Jha will explore how we can reclaim our focus in an age of constant distraction—and why it matters more than ever for performance, well-being and resilience.
General Piatt brings a unique perspective, reflecting on how attention training shaped decision-making and leadership under the most demanding conditions imaginable. Together, they’ll unpack what it means to build a “peak mind”—not just for elite performers, but for all of us navigating stress, overload and uncertainty in our daily lives.
This conversation is an invitation to understand your own attention, learn practical strategies to strengthen it, and discover how a few minutes a day can meaningfully change how you think, lead and thrive.
The chat will be facilitated by Alex Dietrich, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer.
Register for Finding Focus in a Distracted World
StepUp Syracuse – Annual Steps Challenge
Monday, April 6 through Thursday, April 30
Step into action and join the Wellness Initiative’s annual department Steps Challenge! This is all about fun and a little bit of friendly competition. Get your team together, step it up and let’s see which department will take the lead.
Getting started: choose your team captain and register your team today. Detailed instructions will be shared with your team captain to set up your team.
In the meantime, download the StepUp app (free app) and get ready for the competition to begin. StepUp works with your smart phone and you can sync your wearables.
Training Tips Kickoff Session
Join an energizing kickoff virtual session designed to help you train smarter. Plus, receive a 5K training plan (PDF).
Led by Syracuse University Coach Raynee Revard
Monday, April 6, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Virtual (Teams)
Register for Hit the Ground Running
Stride Together: Walk/Run Training Meetups
Wednesdays, April 15, 22 and 29
12:15-12:45 p.m.
Outdoor Track (South Campus)
Put your training into action! Join us for three guided walk/run meetups. Each session offers a supportive, energizing environment to build endurance, stay motivated and connect with fellow faculty and staff on the move. All paces and experiences are welcome. Just show up and go! Sessions led by Syracuse University Coach Raynee Revard.
Spring Planting Event
With Right Mind Syracuse
Tuesday, April 7
Noon-1 p.m. at 201 ABC Goldstein Student Center (South Campus)
OR
Wednesday, April 8
Noon-1 p.m. at 228 Schine Student Center (North Campus)
Spring is here, and there is no better time to dig in—literally. Join Right Mind Syracuse for a community planting event and take a mindful break in the middle of your day. You are invited to design your own planter, get your hands in the soil, connect with colleagues and cultivate a little calm. Note: live or faux plant options will be available.
Choose which session works best for you.
Register for Tuesday, April 7 or Register for Wednesday, April 8
Thrive! April Session
Slowing Down to Speed Up
Practices like mindfulness, meditation and savoring give our busy minds a break and expand our perception of time, helping us feel less rushed. These techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, providing powerful protection against overwhelm while enhancing overall well-being.
Participants will explore and practice three “slowing down strategies” and gain insight into the biochemical benefits of slowing down.
A light lunch will be provided, choose one of the following April sessions!
Wednesday, April 15
Noon-1 p.m. at 201 ABC Goldstein (South Campus)
Thursday, April 16
Noon-1 p.m. at 500 Hall of Languages (North Campus)
Thrive! is a monthly series by Northbound with positive psychology expert, Jaime Weisberg.
Financial Wellness Three-Part Series
Build Your Financial Know-How
A practical financial wellness workshop series for faculty and staff offered through AllOne Health in April. Wherever you are in your financial journey, these sessions will give you tools to take control and build confidence. The series will be facilitated by Lou Leyes, principal of a private firm that specializes in comprehensive financial planning. Attend all three or choose the one that fits your needs.
For over 23 years, Louis Leyes has been helping individuals and families make smart choices about their money. From debt elimination to college planning to asset protection strategies to retirement, Louis has helped hundreds of people move closer to their goals through sound financial management strategies.
Session 1: Managing Your Personal Finances Tuesday, April 21, 3-4 p.m., Virtual
Managing your finances can feel complicated, but it starts with finding an approach that works for you. Learn how to create and maintain a budget plan that fits your lifestyle—and build the money management skills to feel more in control and less caught off guard.
Session 2: Gaining Control of Debt Wednesday, April 22, 3-4 p.m., Virtual
Debt can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Get practical tools for evaluating what you owe, exploring consolidation options, and working with creditors—so you can move forward with a clearer path and less stress.
Session 3: Developing a Savings Strategy
Thursday, April 23, 3-4 p.m., Virtual
Whether you’re just starting to save or looking to make your money work harder, this session helps you build a spending plan aligned with your goals—and explore investing basics so you can make choices that feel right for your future.
Register for Financial Wellness
Join the Syracuse University Workforce Run Team
The Workforce Run—or walk—is back Tuesday, June 9.
Join hundreds of faculty and staff as we reclaim our title as the largest team at the event. The University will cover the registration fee for all faculty and staff.
Register by May 15 to receive the Syracuse University team T-shirt.
If prompted, use code: SYRACUSE2026
Multidimensional Wellness Quiz
This 10-question quiz explores the concept of multidimensional wellness the idea that true health isn’t just about exercise and nutrition, but about how physical, emotional, social, occupational and other dimensions of life work together as an interconnected system.
Hint: Read the ounce of knowledge in the April Wellness Initiative email in advance of taking the quiz!
Complete the quiz by Thursday, April 30, to be entered for a chance to win a nourishing snack pack.
Workshop and Webinar Lineup
Join us for workshops and webinars from experts at AllOne Health, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and more! Plus, check out the “In Case You Missed It!” section below for on-demand webinars from the archive.
Presenter AllOne Health Expert
Wednesday, April 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
This seminar offers practical guidance on creating a more collaborative, family-centered approach to caregiving. Join to learn how to share caregiving responsibilities and build stronger, more supportive family connections.
Register for Caring for Aging Loved Ones.
Presenter AllOne Health Expert
Thursday, April 16, Noon-12:45 p.m.
Join this webinar to navigate technology overload, understand the social impact and learn how you can investigate your habits and set boundaries to effectively balance time of connectedness.
Register for Digital Detox.
Presenter Tamara Prull, M.D., Excellus BlueCross BlueShield medical director
Thursday, April 30, Noon-12:45 p.m.
This session will explore how improving your sleep habits can positively impact your long-term health, productivity and overall quality of life.
Register for Rest to Be Your Best.
AllOne Health Webinars
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield YouTube Page (Source: Excellus)
Let’s Chat Immunizations (Source: Excellus)
Navigating Menopause: Empowering Women Through Change (Source: Excellus)
Support for Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Source: Excellus)
The Miracle of Movement (Source: Excellus)