Wellness 360
As an institution, we value the overall health and wellness of all members of our campus community. Research shows that having a Workplace Wellness program for employees provides multiple benefits including building upon the human need for connection and community. The Wellness 360 program for Employees was created to provide tips, resources, and programming that is designed to offer guidance and support in a variety of health and wellness areas while fostering a culture of value and pride in our community.
**As you consider participating in the Walk this Way program or other University Wellness Initiatives, please remember it is always best to consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise program. We want everyone to have a safe, positive, and beneficial experience. Physical exercise carries inherent risk including, but not limited to, muscle strains, sprains, the risk of falling, and other potential issues. Thinking about and preparing for these possible scenarios should allow you to have more fun.
If you are interested in joining the Wellness 360 team, please contact us at Wellness360@newahevn.edu.
If you have a wellness theme you’d like us to highlight, please contact us at Wellness360@newahevn.edu. 
Celebrating Sleep Hygiene
What is “sleep hygiene”? This is the term used when describing both habits and practices that increase your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Healthy sleep is crucial for both your physical and mental health, increasing productivity, and improving your overall quality of life. According to sleepfoundation.org, “crafting sustainable and beneficial routines makes healthy behaviors feel almost automatic, creating an ongoing process of positive reinforcement. On the flip side, bad habits can become engrained even as they can cause negative consequences.”
Now the question is, how do you practice good sleep hygiene? Prioritizing a pre-bedtime routine will help with healthy sleep on a daily basis. Some actions and behaviors to practice sleep hygiene include:
- Set Your Sleep Schedule: A consistent sleep schedule normalizes regular sleep and allows your brain to get accustomed to having a full night of sleep.
- Follow a Nightly Routine: How you prepare for bed is likely to determine how easily you’ll be able to fall asleep.
- Cultivate Healthy Daily Habits: Positive routines throughout your day can support your circadian rhythm and support positive sleep health.
- Optimize Your Sleep Space: Having a calm, disruption-free environment plays a major role in sleep quality.
For a more detailed list of sleep hygiene-related habits, click here!
| 0.75 Mile Loop | 1.0 Mile Loop | 1.25 Mile Loop | Orange Campus 0.5 Mile Loop | Orange Campus 1.0 Mile Loop |
Walk This Way, Wednesdays, 12:00pm-12:30pm
Take a break from your computer, relieve stress, boost your energy, and build community with a walk around campus with colleagues! Meet at Charlie Charger statue in front of the Beckerman REC Center for the starting point Wednesdays each week. The average distance is approx. 1 mile and an average walking time of 20 minutes.
West Haven Campus: 0.75 Mile Loop 1.0 Mile Loop 1.25 Mile Loop
Orange Campus: 0.5 Mile Loop 1.0 Mile Loop
Basic Strength Bootcamp, Mondays, 12:15pm-1:00pm
This class is offered FREE for non-members on the first Monday of each month and weekly for members of Charger REC. The class combines strength exercises and cardio drills in a quick, total body workout. No experience necessary — get in, get out, get fit! Email chargerrec@newhaven.edu to register for this month’s class.
POWER-ON movement break
Utilize a brief YouTube video (or two) to provide a mini movement session right at your desk to combat office fatigue and re-energize your day! No equipment needed. Click on the video links below:
5 Minute Refresh (5 minutes standing)
5 Minute Posture Refresh (5 minutes seated)
Workday Full Body Stretch (6 minutes seated and standing)
Click on the following links to access these sleep health facts and care tips:
- Click here to learn more about the importance of regulating your Circadian Rhythm.
- Click here to learn more about the correlation between electronics and poor sleep hygiene.
- Click here to see how much sleep you need based on your age group/range.
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| Did you know that a ChargerREC membership is only $12 per month? Please click here for more information or email ChargerREC@newhaven.edu for membership inquiries. | Visit the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) page to connect with a counselor or for additional resources. |
LIVING WELL Nutritional, Mental & Social Wellness
Self-care is taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. We will focus on the three areas listed below:
Nutritional –
Mental – tips and advice
- Self-care habits for busy people
- Small amounts of exercise counts
- Make sleep a priority
- Practice gratitude daily
- Focus on positivity
Social – make connections:
- Join a book club
- Meet other dog owners at a local dog parks
- Attend Trivia Night at local bar / restaurant
- Fina a local BINGO hall
FINANCIAL FITNESS (Sponsored by Fidelity)
To be updated soon.
ACTIVE CAMPUS Physical & Social Wellness
ChargerREC
University faculty, staff, and alumni are eligible to purchase memberships providing access to Beckerman Center including weight and cardio equipment, GroupX classes, the wood courts and elevated jog/walk track.
Local parks & hiking trails CTParks.com:
- Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)
- Devil’s Hopyard State Park (East Haddam)
- Kent Falls State Park (Kent)
- West Rock Ridge State Park (Hamden/New Haven)
- Indian Well State Park (Shelton)
- Long Wharf Nature Preserve
- Barnard Nature Center at West River
West Haven Campus Walking: 0.75 Mile Loop
Orange Campus Walking: 0.5 Mile Loop
VOLUNTEERISM OPPORTUNITIES Mental & Social Wellness
WHEAT – West Haven based advocacy group providing support to community members with food insecurity.
West Haven Community House – Encourages healthy relationships, promote inclusion, and advocate for positive social change.
United Way – Using a holistic approach to meet community challenges and create long-term change in Greater NH. The site provides information on volunteer opportunities with UWGNH as well as those with other local organizations.
Habitat for Humanity – Non-profit dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing through creating home ownership opportunities for low-income working families.
Don’t see something here or looking outside of the greater New Haven area, dial 211 for more volunteer opportunities in CT.