Students win seal of approval for long-term wellbeing
A range of activities created by pupils to revive, relax and refresh the mind have won a thumbs up in a school competition.
Youngsters at Stafford Grammar hit on innovative ways to boost their mental and physical health during lockdown, are urging their peers to put their ideas into practice for the long haul.
Students between the ages of 11 and 16 were tasked with preparing a physical or creative activity to coax them away from their laptops and mobile screens, with prizes up for grabs in each year group.
While some cooked meals for their families, others devised quizzes or learnt a new craft.
Lottie Sayers, 14, won the Year 9 prize with her guided meditation recording.
She said: “I’ve been doing meditation for a few years. I sometimes get stressed and it calms me and helps me to focus.
"When we are not in a good state of mind I think it’s important to know there is something that can be done to help.
"I meditate once a day, but I think a few times a week would be a good thing for everyone to do, even after the pandemic."
Arabella Bostock and Summer Wardle came first in Year 8 with a seven-day fitness programme and recipe booklet for fellow pupils and their families.
The 13-year-olds created a combination of dance routines, gymnastics, skipping, weights and yoga, with suggestions for meals.
Arabella added: “This is something we can all continue to do as we move forward out of lockdown.
"Of course we should eat healthily and we need to exercise, but it’s a question of tackling both aspects together and getting the right balance.
Emma Ayirebi, SGS teacher and competition organiser, said: “The pandemic has encouraged us all to focus more on what we can do to look after our own mental health and emotional wellbeing, as well as looking out for one another.
"The competition has encouraged students to think about what they can do to help promote both their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others too."
