By Abigail Bender
The University of Maryland’s Counseling Center hosted its annual Scale Smash event at McKeldin Mall on March 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. in collaboration with RecWell and the University Health Center to smash the stigma around diet culture and mental health.
The Scale Smash promotes body positivity and fights the idea that a number on a scale defines one’s self-worth, according to the Counseling Center’s description of the event. The event contained a variety of activities, and students were encouraged to complete each one until they reached their final destination: smashing the scale.
The first table was set up with snacks and information about resources the Counseling Center offers. The first activities students could complete were writing on paper what they love about themselves and creating bracelets where each color represents a different personal affirmation.
Allison Asarch, the coordinator for outreach and consultation services at the Counseling Center, said that creating bracelets to promote self-acceptance is a new table at the event.
“We wanted to do something creative that was a little more nonverbal,” Asarch said.
With a wide range of activities at the event, Asarch hopes that each student can feel supported and comfortable in their own skin.
“I hope that students come out and participate in whatever way that they want and really recognize how much value they have as people,” Asarch said.
With a successful turnout at Scale Smash for the past three years, the Counseling Center was pleased to set up the event this year.
Kate Pohner, a senior psychology and human development major, is an intern at the Counseling Center and assisted with the bracelet-making activity. Although Pohner now helps with the event, she has also experienced the Scale Smash as a student.
“I signed up,” Pohner said. “I was like, ‘This sounds like a fun event.’”
Another activity involved writing down an insecurity on a piece of paper, attaching it to a balloon and then letting it soar into the air. Through this activity, students can let go of their self-doubts and embrace vulnerability, Asarch said.
UMD’s Health Center co-sponsored and ran this activity. The Health Center staff attended the event to support the counseling center with their initiative to spread body positivity across campus.
“Whether it’s related to body image or stress, whatever is holding people down that they want to let go,” said Lauren Moller-Seat, a registered dietitian nutritionist and staff member at UMD’s Health Center.
Following this activity, students could write something positive or affirming on a scale, such as “you don’t own me” and “you are beautiful.” They then put the scale on a tarp, put on goggles and smashed it.
Smashing the scales aims to help students alleviate their anxieties and feel a better sense of confidence. Many students fostered the courage to step out of their comfort zone and smash the scale.
“It’s not about our size, our weight that makes us valuable, but that we all have value in who we are,” Asarch said.
Featured Image: Tables with information, snacks, resources about the Health Center and bracelet-making at the Scale Smash on McKeldin Mall. Photo by Abigail Bender.