This week we have taken part in activities as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which, this year, focused on stress. Research has shown that two-thirds of us experience a problem with our mental health in our lifetimes, and stress is a key factor in this.
This week we have looked at tackling stress in order to help improve our mental health. Stress-reducing activities have included:
- A collaborative art mural organised by our Peer Mentors as well as pottery, photography and CDT sessions
- Circus skills workshops for Junior and Senior School students
- Additional sport and exercise opportunities including yoga on the field; archery; tennis; rounders; Kwik Cricket and cricket net practice; athletics; swimming and a walk around the field during morning Company time
- Music making including a ukulele jam session during lunch, gospel singing in the Courtyard as well as jazz band and orchestra sessions
- Cooking – making and baking cookies in the Vege Centre – Lunchtime Book Club and our weekly Be Green meeting, planning and building the St Chris Zen Garden
- Observing our traditional silence in Company time and lessons
We have had a number of Morning Talks on the subject of stress and how it affects mental health. A representative from local addiction charity The Living Room spoke to students on Monday and, on Friday, we organised a cake sale, with funds raised going to the charity.
Students have also worn a green ribbon in support of the week, and have spent time with their teachers and advisors discussing some of the issues that can increase stress and ways to reduce it.
Circus Skills in the Junior School
