St. Mary’s High School Celebrates Stress Awareness Month
This April, St Mary’s CE High School participated in Stress Awareness Month, an annual initiative observed every April since 1992. This month-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about the causes and solutions to stress. Its mission is to encourage individuals and organisations to recognise and reduce stress, promoting a happier, healthier, and more resilient world. It serves as a timely reminder for all of us to take charge of our mental and emotional well-being and explore practical ways to manage stress.
In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, our school organised a variety of workshops aimed at helping students understand and adopt effective self-care strategies during challenging times. These workshops not only provided valuable insights into managing stress but also encouraged students to think proactively about their mental health.
One of the standout events was the Yoga Workshop, which offered students a powerful tool for stress relief. Yoga is well known for its numerous benefits, both mentally and physically. By incorporating yoga into daily routines, students can reduce stress levels, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall well-being.
The Stress Ball Workshop introduced students to the simple yet effective method of creating a homemade stress ball from just a balloon. Squeezing and releasing the stress ball is a proven way to relieve tension and anxiety. Additionally, it helps strengthen hand and forearm muscles, improves circulation, and provides a healthy outlet for nervous energy.
We were also thrilled to welcome back Godfrey, the Therapy Dog. Godfrey’s visits are always a highlight, offering both students and staff a calming presence that helps ease stress. Research shows that interacting with dogs can lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin, promoting a sense of calm and happiness.
Our staff members also participated in activities, receiving Stress Relief Adult Colouring Books, Staff Wellbeing Toolkits, and other resources to help manage stress both at work and at home.
The Stress Awareness Month initiative was a resounding success, providing students and staff with practical tools to manage stress while promoting a supportive, engaging, and wellbeing-focused environment. It also encouraged the development of lifelong practices that can contribute to overall mental health and resilience.
We look forward to continuing to support our students and staff in fostering a culture of wellness and balance.
