Want to learn more about caring for your body, mindfulness, or how petting cute dogs can reduce your stress level? Look no further! Health Initiatives is offering lots of exciting programs throughout the month of November, including intuitive eating, pet therapy, and mindful moments.

Intuitive eating workshops focus on improving students’ relationship with food. It rejects the diet mentality, encouraging us to honor our hunger, feelings, bodies, and overall health. “There is a common perception that weight is the sole measurement of our health,” said Leah Galante, a Health Initiatives dietician. “The concept of intuitive eating and the 10 principles it is based upon help us wade through the myths and misinformation in order to honor our own health and individual physical and emotional needs.” The next intuitive eating workshop, “honoring your health” is November 8th in the Student Center Piedmont Room at 4:00 p.m. You can honor your health by recognizing that progress—not perfection—is what counts. Learn more about the intuitive eating approach and how you can register for the workshop at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/ intuitive-eating.

Pet therapy is a guided interaction for all members of the Georgia Tech community with trained (and really cute) dogs. This program helps individuals cope with daily stressors from work, school, and relationships. It’s also proven to improve self-esteem and focus interactions with peers, colleagues, and professors. “Pet therapy is an excellent way for students to reduce stress as midterms and finals approach,” said health educator Jocelyn Resnick. “Interacting with therapy dogs has been proven to lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and improve [your] sense of belonging.” The next event is November 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the College of Computing. Find out more about pet therapy at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/pet-therapy.

Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., Health Initiatives hosts mindful moments in the Student Center Cypress Room. Students are welcome to drop in during the 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.” For more information about mindfulness, check out healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/mindfulness.

Georgia Tech can be busy and stressful, but making 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. ​​​​​​