Did you know that almost two-thirds of children between the ages of 5 and 16 felt stressed or anxious because of school?
In a world filled with high expectations, social media influences, and growing mental health concerns, prioritising the wellbeing of students has never been more critical. By creating environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive, teachers have the power to make a big, positive difference.
Introducing fun, engaging wellbeing ideas for schools can help students build resilience, reduce stress, and develop positive habits that last a lifetime. Here, we’ll share creative and effective ideas that you can easily incorporate into your school to help your students thrive.
The importance of wellbeing in schools
In the UK, wellbeing in schools has become a top priority in recent years. Research shows that 60% of teachers agree that children’s wellbeing should be measured in school at least once a year. Looking at these statistics, it’s clear that schools must implement strategies that support mental, emotional, and physical health.
The benefits of student wellbeing activities
Student wellbeing activities can lead to numerous positive outcomes. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved mental health: Wellbeing activities help students cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, reducing the risk of burnout and depression.
- Academic performance: When students are mentally and emotionally balanced, they are more likely to focus and perform better in school.
- Enhanced social skills: Many wellbeing activities foster collaboration and communication, helping students build stronger relationships and emotional intelligence.
- Physical health: Participating in physical activities such as team sports like football, individual exercises, or movement-based practices, helps students develop both a strong body and a balanced mind.
- Increased resilience: By practising self-care, students learn how to manage setbacks and challenges, helping them become more resilient individuals.
6 Fun wellbeing activities for school students
Here are six fun wellbeing activities for school students that can boost their mental health, enhance social connections, and much more:
1. Mindfulness sessions
Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help students manage stress and improve focus. Setting up regular mindfulness sessions, whether during class or as an extracurricular activity, can be a great way to teach students relaxation techniques. Start with simple breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds), to calm their minds. Meditation is also effective at enabling students to develop a deeper connection to their physical sensations and gain better control over their emotions.
2. Start a yoga club
Yoga is another excellent wellbeing activity. This ancient practice not only improves flexibility, strength, and posture but also helps students manage their bodies and emotions through movement and breathwork, effectively reducing stress and anxiety. Plus, classes can be tailored to different skill levels, making them accessible to all students.
3. Gratitude wall
One of the simplest and most effective wellbeing ideas for schools is to create a Gratitude wall in a communal area. This is a place where students and staff can post notes about the things they’re grateful for—whether it’s a kind gesture, a positive experience, or something they appreciate about their school community. Practising gratitude regularly allows everyone to reflect on the good in their lives, even on the most challenging days.
4. Random acts of kindness
Starting a random acts of kindness initiative is a great way to engage students in wellbeing activities. Encourage them to perform kind gestures for others—whether it’s holding the door for someone, helping a peer with their homework, or volunteering to clean up after class. These small acts of kindness not only brighten someone’s day but also promote a sense of community and empathy.
5. Creative workshops
Creativity is a wonderful outlet for self-expression. Offering workshops like art, music, drama, or writing allows students to express their feelings in a fun and supportive environment. These wellbeing activities for school students provide a mental break from work and help students channel their emotions into something positive.
6. Outdoor physical activities
Physical activity is a key component of student wellbeing. Regular exercise helps release endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators and can help combat stress and anxiety. Consider organising sports’ days, environmental clean-up projects, or even regular lunchtime walks to get students moving and connecting with nature.
Help your students thrive at PGL!
If you’re looking for a way to combine wellbeing activities with a fun and adventurous experience, why not book a residential school trip with PGL?
Our THRIVE! programme offers a fantastic opportunity for secondary students to participate in wellness-focused sessions, from team-building challenges to forest bathing. A trip like this can help students build resilience, increase confidence, and develop vital social skills—all in a supportive, relaxing environment!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch today to see how we can help!
