This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

In honor of the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, UCF will be hosting a week of events that promote body-positivity and self-love. Whether you enjoy engaging in thought-provoking conversations, empowering yourself through movement, cooking, or being creative, there is something for everyone.

On Monday, the week’s kickoff event will be held in the Student Union Atrium from 11am-2pm. There will be therapy puppies, a photo booth, and more.

Britani Jurkowski, one of the leaders of Project HEAL Central Florida, will be volunteering at the photo booth. She explained that:

“Project HEAL is a national organization committed to raising eating disorder awareness, promoting body positivity, and fundraising for eating disorder treatment grants. We’ll have a #MakeupFreeMonday table with makeup removal supplies, encouraging all to embrace their natural beauty. For those interested in joining our cause- visit us and pick up a flyer on Monday!”

Photo from @thebeautybean

Monday afternoon there will be a Body Scan Meditation session at 4:15pm at the Knights Plaza Recreation and Wellness Center to allow you to relax and experience your body in a new way, rather than worry about how it looks.

Monday evening at 8:15pm in the main RWC there will be a special Zumba class.

On Tuesday, bring your old or ill-fitting jeans to the Blue Jeans for True Genes drop-off center at Counseling and Psychological Services any time between 12 and 2pm. When you stop blaming your body for not fitting into clothes and start getting rid of the clothes themselves, getting dressed won’t be a constant struggle, and you’ll feel a whole lot better.

Also on Tuesday from 12 to 1pm, Student Health Services is hosting the Purple Ribbon Training Program to help educate students and faculty on how to recognize signs of eating disorders in students and how they can help.

If your New Year’s Resolution was to cook more and eat out less, Wednesday’s Healthy Eating 101 cooking demo at the RWC from 12-1pm is the event for you. You will learn the basics and have the opportunity to ask nutrition experts any burning questions you may have.

Photo from @cookinglight

On Wednesday evening from 4-5pm, join Counseling and Psychology Services for a Body Image Workshop to explore how culture, society, and psychology affect your body image.

Visit Pride Commons on Thursday afternoon from 3:30-4:30pm to discover more on how body image issues and eating disorders impact the LGBTQ+ community through the ‘Love Not Labels’ presentation.

Love to express yourself through writing? Get your creative juices flowing in a self-guided, ‘Journal to Discovery’ workshop Thursday evening from 6:30-8pm in the Student Union’s Garden Key Meeting Room where you can create your own journal to use in practicing mindfulness.

Finally, end your week on a relaxing note by attending the Knights Plaza RWC’s yoga session from 6:30-7:30pm on Thursday.

Photo from @yoga_girl

To boost your mood, build a more positive relationship with your body, and pump some positive vibes into your week, consider attending one of these incredible events!

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, call the National Eating Disorder Helpline anytime at: (800) 931-2237.

UCF Loves EveryBODY: The Body-Positive Week We’ve Been Waiting For

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