Join various departments in the Division of Student Life to celebrate Body Appreciation Week. The objectives of Body Appreciation Week are to raise awareness about eating disorders, provide available resources, help promote positive body image across all gender identities, encourage constructive dialogue about these issues and help prevent the development of eating-disordered behaviors and attitudes.
Monday, February 19 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Gorgas Library Yellow Hammer Room
Join Tuscaloosa-based therapist Christie Gibson and the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness as we explore the start and prevalence of diet culture, the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders and the common risk factors for developing an eating disorder.
Tuesday, February 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | UA Student Center Room 2408
Relationships with our bodies can be complicated for everyone, however they can be especially difficult for folks identifying as non-binary, gender non-conforming and LGBTQIA+. Come learn and share ways to engage with and love your queer body in safe and affirming space with the Women and Gender Resource Center and the Counseling Center.
Tuesday, February 20 from 12—1 p.m. | Zoom
Created specifically with UA parents and families in mind, this event features Jessica Chafer, (MS, AMFT) a therapist and Regional Director of Clinical Partnerships for Odyssey Eating Disorder Network as well, alongside representatives from UA’s Counseling Center, Student Care and Well-Being, Women and Gender Resource Center, Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services and the Student Health Center. Attendees will be provided with an overview of eating disorders and disordered eating and will learn practical ways to support their student in recovery, including helpful language to use and creating a support environment when a student returns home from campus. Attendees will also learn about eating disorder resources available at UA and will be able to submit questions anonymously to the panel during the program.
Register hereTuesday, February 20 from 2—3 p.m. | Virtual
Do you struggle with body image? Do you feel like exercise/movement is only for changing the way your body looks? How do we incorporate nutritional knowledge while eating intuitively? This session takes a deeper dive in how to respect our bodies and how to view movement and eating nutritiously as a positive experience for our overall health without tying these activities to weight loss. Presented by the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness.
Wednesday, February 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | UA Student Center Great Hall
Loving yourself is the greatest revolution! Join University Programs in partnership with the Counseling Center for our “treat yo self” event to celebrate Body Appreciation Week! We’ll have FREE snacks, a photo booth and body positivity activities to help you love and take care of yourself this semester.
Wednesday, February 21 from 5 – 6 p.m. | UA Student Center Room 2408
Pour a mug of your favorite warm drink and settle in to create your own body-positive digital collage, or follow one of the preset templates made by the Women and Gender Resource Center and CHAARG.
Thursday, February 22 from 12—1 p.m. | Zoom
Are you mindful while you eat, or is your mind full with other thoughts and tasks while sitting down for a meal? Join Health Promotion and Wellness’s registered dietitian Sheena Gregg as she shares the benefits of mindful eating and how to implement it in your busy schedule. Hop on Zoom with your own lunch or snack of choice and experience being in a guided, mindful eating experience.
Thursday, February 22 from 2 – 3 p.m. | Zoom
This virtual event features Lacey Vogel, LMHC, therapist and clinical training specialist for The Renfrew Center as she discusses orthorexia, the obsession with eating healthy. Learn from Lacey as she explains signs and symptoms and how to help a friend or yourself with these issues.
Register hereThursday, February 22 from 3—4 p.m. | Multiple locations
In celebration of Body Appreciation Week, the Women and Gender Resource Center is currently looking for individuals who would be interested in having their photos taken for the inclusion in the University stock photo catalog on Feb. 22 from 3 to 4 p.m. We invite students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Location(s) will be confirmed after registration.
Friday, February 23 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Student Recreation Center
Join us for a yoga session and learn that joyful movement is for everyone! Led by UREC’s Michela Snell, attendees will enjoy a yoga session and learn that every body can enjoy the benefits of yoga. Please note that the max number of participants for this event is 30 people and requires advanced registration. It is recommended to bring your own yoga mat, but not required. An active University Recreation membership is not required to attend.
Register here
