While the month of February and Valentine’s Day are typically associated with showing love and affection toward others, people should also not forget to love themselves first.
That was the main message from the Month of Love campaign launched by the Student Health and Counseling Center at Fresno State —a monthlong campaign that hosts several events and workshops covering topics such as health and fitness.
“Our goal for this campaign is for students to be able to identify at least two ways that they can better love themselves and also increase the awareness of the campus resources that are available to encourage self-love,” said Melissa Norris, special projects coordinator for the health center.
February began with the I Love Me Information Fair and has workshops throughout the month.
Workshops taking place this week will focus on “fitness on the go” today, “eating well on a budget” Tuesday, and “eating disorder awareness and screening day” Thursday.
The I Love Me Information fair gave students an opportunity to visit community resources such as the Women’s Resource Center, Student Health and Counseling Center and the Student Cupboard.
“We want students to be aware and be familiar with the campus resources so that they could benefit from it,” Norris said.
Today’s workshop will be Love Yourself Healthy where it will be focusing on fitness on the go. Students will be able to learn how to achieve a healthy lifestyle despite their busy schedules and discover tips by using technology to enhance their life and burn extra calories.
Rachel Kauffman, fitness and promotions coordinator, will be hosting the workshop. Kauffman said that being fit is not as hard as it sounds.
“Students think that it is hard to stay fit because of time and money,” Kauffman said. “But, if they can see that they don’t need to spend six hours in the gym or wake up early in the morning to be fit, I think it would break down a lot of barriers and help students achieve a healthier lifestyle that fits their schedule.”
The workshop Tuesday on eating well on a budget, will help students to plan, purchase and prepare healthy meals and snacks without spending a fortune.
With Thursday’s focus on eating disorder awareness and screening day, where students can learn more about eating disorders and ways to overcome as well as prevent it. Students also have the opportunity to speak to a counselor about any questions or problems.
Carly Grote, a senior interior design major, said that this campaign is very beneficial to students.
“I think it’s really good that Fresno State is offering these events, especially around the time of Valentine’s Day,” Grote said. “In order to love other people, we need to learn to love ourselves first and foremost.”