Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Sarah Janus of Parking and Transportation Services

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have worked at UC Davis for 9 years.

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness to me is how we actively think and do things that will assist us in finding and maintaining health. Healthy bodies, minds, and spirits! Wellness is remembering that what we put in our body can change the way we feel. Wellness is creating spaces for activity as well as for peace and balance in our own lives and those in our community.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

After a push to "get health" myself close to five years ago, I realized how often we humans push wellness to the side. The steps I had taken in my personal wellness journey had brought around very real and noticeable health changes in how my body and my mind felt. And I saw a need within my work community! So, when I came across the opportunity to become a Wellness Ambassador, I jumped at it!

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

Over 4 years I think.

What has been the most rewarding or positive part about your experience thus far?

I love to build community, and through the Wellness Ambassador program, I feel our internal community has been strengthened. I have been able to bring health and wellness programing and education to my co-workers. It's rewarding when we can get a good conversation going around a topic, like sleep. We learn from each other and can see how others have made small changes to get big benefits!

What are some challenges you face as a wellness ambassador, especially through the pandemic?

There were in person yoga classes we wanted to host, but were unable to because of Covid. We find timing to be the hardest part - how to involve all our staff, who work such different hours doing such very different things. While many are able to attend weekly meetings and get Wellness updates - some of our staff is not on site when these can be scheduled. We have looked into weekends or after hours programing, but with other "life" complications it can just be very difficult to bring us all together. We are looking at ways to bring in programing that individuals would be able to use alone or with a smaller group of co-workers, when they have the time available.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new wellness ambassadors?

Keep talking about WELLNESS. All wellness! I was surprised at the interest my co-workers had in all the different types of wellness, including financial wellbeing. There are so many programs and classes - workshops and trainings - available here at UCDH, start by simply by sharing what is available! It will start dialogs! And then - keep talking!

Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being aims to build an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier one, while providing staff and faculty with the required support to make UC Davis the healthiest community. How do you feel you have contributed to our mission?

I think I have been able to get my co-workers thinking about wellness in a much larger way then they had before! And that will directly support making UC Davis the healthiest community!

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I am happiest in nature with my son and husband. Add in a book and a picnic - and you've just given me the best day ever! While there is not much spare time these days - the bit I get is often spent in just that way.