February may be one of the shortest months of the year, but Health Initiatives packed it full of different programs and events to keep you healthy all 28 days! Each program offers a great opportunity for you to de-stress, explore different health topics, and thrive throughout the spring semester. 

Did you know that every Monday at 4:00 p.m., Health Initiatives hosts mindful Mondays in the Student Center, Juniper Room? All students are welcome to drop in during the one-hour-long event to color or participate in guided mindfulness exercises. “Mindfulness is being awake in your current experience rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future,” said health educator Sarah Morales. “It helps alleviate the stress and anxiety you may be feeling as a college student.” No appointments or registration is needed for this event. For more information about the different resources we provide related to mindfulness, check out http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/well-being/mental/mindfulness

All are invited to the next Pet Therapy date on Feb. 5th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the GT Connector. Pet therapy is a guided interaction for all members of the Georgia Tech community with trained (and really cute) dogs. “Interacting with therapy dogs has been proven to lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and improve [your] sense of belonging,” said health educator Jocelyn Resnick. The next event is scheduled for Feb. 5th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the GT Connector. Find out more about pet therapy at http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/pet-therapy.

Celebrate your relationships during Healthy Relationships Week from Feb. 11th – 14th. Healthy Relationships Week offers everyone an opportunity to dive into subjects about sex, "situationships", consent, getting over heartbreak, and so much more. Learn more about these week-long events at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/relationships.

Register today for the Fit to Thrive, 5-week series designed to teach participants about personal fitness, nutrition, stress management, and healthy lifestyle change. This series begins Feb. 13th and runs every Wednesday through March 13th. Registration is required at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/thrive.

Learn how to "adult" during the Adulting series. This series explores finances, healthy eating, purpose, professionalism, and other life skills providing you with the essential skills and knowledge to be a successful adult. The first session is February 14th and discusses communicating online and in person for both your personal and professional life. The second session is Feb. 28th and teaches techniques to help manage and mitigate your stress and practice self-care. Both sessions take place from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the Student Center Piedmont room. Learn more about this program at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/adulting.

Once a month, the Health Initiatives' dietitians will be in the Student Center healthy space to showcase new recipes, free samples, and offer healthy tips with Flavorful Fridays. The next event is Feb 15th and will follow the theme, Winter Warm-Ups. Warm up with hearty soups featuring winter veggies. Learn more about flavorful Fridays at http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/well-being/nutrition

Don’t forget to join Health Initiatives for a viewing and discussion on topics pertinent to societal influence on health and well-being - BYOL (bring your own lunch). This month they will be discussing the popular talk, Stop Hating Your Body, Start Living Your Life by Taryn Brumfitt on Feb. 26th from 11am-12pm in the Student Center room 343.

We understand that Georgia Tech can be busy and stressful, but taking time for yourself to relax and improve your mental health and well-being is more important than any assignment (yes, we said it). Take a small chunk out of your day and stop by one (or all) of these amazing programs—you won’t regret it! For a full list of programs and events go to healthinitiatives.gatech.edu.