World Mental Health Day takes place annually on the 10th October. The theme for 2024, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.’ To explore this theme in schools, it’s important to first understand what mental health means and how the wellbeing of school staff directly affects pupil welfare and fosters a school-wide culture that supports mental health.
So, how can your school promote mental health on this year’s World Mental Health Day? In this blog, we'll share practical ideas to help your school make this day meaningful and impactful for all.
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Mental Health Awareness Week offers a valuable opportunity to check in with yourself, your pupils and your colleagues while considering how to promote good mental health across your school community.
The week encourages individuals, schools, workplaces and communities to engage in activities that promote mental health awareness and support, fostering conversations about mental health and offering practical strategies to improve wellbeing. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health, support those who may be struggling and advocate for better mental health services and policies.
Here are some easy-to-implement wellbeing activities for your staff team, designed to raise awareness and encourage positive mental health. These activities are also perfect for a staff wellbeing INSET day.
Start with a Mindful Minute
Begin the day by encouraging everyone to take a minute to sit quietly and focus on their breathing. This quick mindfulness exercise helps ground us and sets a calm, positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a simple yet effective way to start any mental health-focused day. It can also be helpful to kick-off staff briefings with before the madness of the school day begins.
Encourage Proper Breaks
Make sure staff take a genuine break for lunch, ideally away from their desks. Eating well and staying hydrated are key for maintaining mental wellbeing, so encourage healthy eating habits. Providing healthy snacks can also be a nice way to support your team throughout the day.
Incorporate Movement
Physical activity is great for mental health. Encourage some gentle exercise, whether it’s ten minutes of stretching, a quick walk or even a short ‘virtual’ fitness class at the end of the day. There are plenty of accessible options available online.
Embrace Nature
If your school has outdoor space, make use of it. Spending time outside in fresh air and nature can have a calming effect. If you have space, make an outdoor place for staff to sit at lunch time. If outdoor time isn’t possible, consider bringing nature indoors with plants or flowers to create a more serene environment.
Check In with Each Other
At the end of the day, set aside time for a team check-in. Discuss how everyone is feeling, what challenges were faced and what went well. If you are a large school, this could be done in teams or key stages. This creates a space for staff to share any concerns or stresses, offering mutual support. Regular check-ins like this help prevent burnout by addressing issues before they escalate and providing staff who need it with guidance, training and support.
Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement. It's an excellent practice for enhancing mental wellbeing and can benefit everyone, regardless of age or experience. Mindfulness is increasingly popular in schools because it helps improve focus, reduce stress and promote a sense of calm in the classroom environment.
Here are some simple mindfulness and wellbeing activities you can use with your pupils to help them relax and stay grounded in the present moment:
Mindful Colouring
Provide students with intricate colouring sheets and allow them time to focus on colouring quietly. This activity encourages relaxation, creativity and focus, while also giving pupils a break from their usual classroom tasks. Why not try playing some calm nature or meditation music at the same time?
Body Scan
Guide pupils through a body scan meditation where they mentally check in with different parts of their body, starting from the toes and working up to the head. This helps them become aware of any tension or discomfort and promotes relaxation. It's also great for learning about body parts for younger children.
Mindful Walking
If you have access to outdoor space, take pupils on a mindful walk. Ask them to walk slowly, paying attention to how their feet feel on the ground, the sounds around them or the feeling of the breeze. This outdoor connection can calm their minds and refresh their energy. It can be a great exercise to do before a focused task.
Help pupils boost their self-esteem by reflecting on their strengths. Ask them to list 3 things they're good at, 3 things they're proud of and 3 things that make them happy. This promotes confidence and a positive outlook, both essential for mental health.
Teaching pupils about mental health empowers them to care for their own wellbeing and support others too. Here are a few strategies to consider:
These practices help pupils develop a greater understanding of mental health while also providing them with practical tools for self-care. Further tips for supporting pupil mental health and wellbeing can be found in this blog.
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