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Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health day is celebrated. The theme set for the same in 2024 by the Word Mental Foundation Of Mental Health was ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’. What mental Health really means is feeling and functioning well in day to day life and overall as well which is also known as flourishing.
The growing increase in mental health issues among young people, especially school-going students is a huge concern. Teachers often seem to neglect or even dismiss their student’s mental health. To promote student well-being, teachers can conduct Mental Health activities while also promoting inclusivity, allowing students to participate at their own comfort level. Students should also be accompanied by open discussions about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed. Mental Health Day activities can go a long way in nurturing a supportive and mentally healthy school environment for students. Read this blog to find out the best World Mental Health Day activities to conduct for your students.
Table of Contents
History
World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992 on 10th October. The initiative originated from the recognition that mental health issues were often neglected in discussions about overall health and well-being. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, involving individuals, communities, and organizations in over 150 countries.
Check out Top 10 Quotes on Mental Health Day
Significance
World Mental Health Day holds a huge significance in today’s world, where the pressures of modern life can often take a toll on mental well-being. By providing a platform for open communication, it encourages individuals to share their experiences, seek help, and offer support to others facing similar challenges. It also serves as a reminder to policymakers and healthcare professionals to prioritize mental health in public health agendas.
Theme 2023
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental Health is a universal human right”.
This is a great opportunity for people to gain knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
Play the Ultimate World Mental Health Day Quiz now!
7 World Mental Health Day Activities for Students
Here are 7 Best World Mental Health Day activities for students:
Mindful Meditation Session
Mindful meditation is a powerful mechanism for reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. It helps students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation.
You can organize a guided meditation session where students can practice deep breathing, body scan, and focused awareness. Encourage them to find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and let go of any racing thoughts that might be bothering them.
Check out Effective Meditation Techniques to Manage Anxiety
Expressive Arts Workshop
Engaging in creative activities allows students to express their emotions and thoughts in a non-verbal way. This can be incredibly therapeutic. Try to set up decorated stations for painting, drawing, poetry writing, or crafting. Provide the required materials and encourage students to create something that reflects their feelings or experiences. Share and discuss their creations afterward. If a student is not comfortable sharing, you may try conducting an individual counseling session with the student. Don’t force the student to share rather create a comfortable space where the student can enjoy and let go of the negative thoughts.
Check out 10 Tips for Students to Improve Your Mental Health
Positive Affirmations Exercise
Positive affirmations help reframe negative thoughts and promote a positive self-image. This activity boosts self-esteem and fosters a more optimistic outlook on life. You can provide students with a list of affirmations or have them create their own. Encourage them to repeat these affirmations daily, especially during moments of self-doubt or stress. Discuss the impact of positive self-talk weekly.
Check out these Positive Qualities to stay motivated in life
Interactive Mental Health Workshop
A workshop led by mental health professionals or educators can provide students with practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Invite a mental health expert to conduct a workshop covering topics like stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, and resources for seeking help. Encourage students to ask questions and share their own experiences. If a student is having difficulty asking questions or sharing, try conducting this workshop personally along with the mental health expert.
How Does Physical Health Affect Mental Health?– Read this blog and find out!
Community Building and Support Groups
Creating a safe space for students to connect, share, and support one another can be extremely beneficial for their mental well-being. Establish small support groups where students can meet regularly to discuss their challenges and successes. Encourage active listening, empathy, and the sharing of coping strategies. This can be facilitated by a teacher or counselor. Another way to build a supportive community can be established through student help services. The school can create a committee solely dedicated to helping students with their mental well-being.
Connecting With Nature
You can organise a mindful walk in a park or any outdoor location which takes people to a place where they get refreshed. The colours of nature have a real positive impact on an individual as well as the mental health. Taking a mindful walk in the nature can help a lot with one’s mental health as it automatically promotes positivity. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, the babbling brook all will make any feel at peace, and calm. They will be in the present and hence, will have a better mental well being.
Deep Breathing Exercises
One way of having a good mental health is bringing your focus to your breathing and hence to the present moment. Certain techniques such as the 4-7-8 breathing can do wonders for mental health. What you have to in this is you have breathe in for 4 counts, hold your breathe for 7 counts and the breathe out for 8 counts. Another such exercise is belly breathing. In this exercise, you have to place one hand on your stomach and breathe so that your hand rises and falls with your breath.
Find out How Schools Can Prioritize Mental Health
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FAQs
Ans: World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10th October every year.
Ans: The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental Health is a universal human right”.
Ans: World Mental Health Day holds a huge significance in today’s world, where the pressures of modern life can often take a toll on mental well-being. By providing a platform for open communication, it encourages individuals to share their experiences, seek help, and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
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