In March, the daily announcements welcomed a new addition. Every morning, a positive affirmation was read to the school, and these motivating dictums ranged from manifesting success through hard work to encouraging everyone to take time for themselves. The affirmations were part of Maggie Walker’s celebration of Mindfulness Month, accompanied by relaxing events initiated by the school’s Bring Change 2 Mind Club.

Over the entirety of March, BC2M conducted several activities to help promote mindfulness and self-care for both the student body and faculty. For instance, earlier in the month, the club held a school chalk day, where they decorated the sidewalks  with positive images and words. Another popular element of Mindfulness Month was when BC2M gave out free hot chocolate and tea during lunch for an entire week. The month ended with the widely-beloved horses and therapy dogs’ visit to the school; students filled up all available slots for a chance to spend time with the adored animals. BC2M also thoroughly informed students about the importance of mindfulness and provided opportunities for practicing relaxation techniques. Nurse Shapiro led a workshop about the science behind mindfulness, while Ms. DeGroat spoke about the origins of mindfulness from a historical and cultural perspective. Additionally, all students had the opportunity to participate in coloring sessions and yoga to destress. 

The BC2M Club’s leadership remarked on their personal favorite parts of the month. Club president Norah Walsh (‘26) stated, “My favorite part has been Nurse Shapiro’s workshop because I learned a lot about the science behind mindfulness, and I also learned some new breathing tools.” Secretary Abby Lesher (‘26) commented on how the school has come together to celebrate Mindfulness Month: “I really liked chalk day… because a bunch of people came. People seemed to take pride in their drawings.” She also referenced the popularity of the free hot cocoa and tea week, mentioning that “concessions was a big hit.” Treasurer Rewa Totey (‘26) agreed, and also said that her favorite event during Mindfulness Month was the therapy dogs’ visit to the school. She elaborated, “Those two events are definitely some of our most popular, and it makes me so happy to see other people enjoy it as much as I do!” Club sponsor Ms. Ortiz also expressed her love for the therapy dog sessions, saying, “My heart fills with warmth and joy to see students and staff light up and brim with happiness when the dogs visit. Nothing like watching people you care about step into a moment in complete presence and experience pure joy!”

In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as a major tool to combat anxiety and stress. Studies have reported that practicing mindfulness and taking time to relax and calm down can help individuals pay more attention to themselves and their environment. Furthermore, anyone can apply mindfulness in their daily lives no matter their circumstances. Although mindfulness is well known for aiding mental health, especially depression and anxiety, being mindful can help individuals’ physical health as well. According to a study done by HelpGuide, mindfulness can “treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.”

The conversation about mindfulness has increased in part due to the surge of anxiety and stress in individuals, particularly teenagers, in recent years. The National Institute of Mental Health reported that “[a]n estimated 31.9% of adolescents had an anxiety disorder.” With almost 1 in 3 teenagers feeling such high rates of anxiety in their lives, experts have stressed the importance of incorporating mindfulness and stress control into aspects of daily life. Public schools have responded to the teenage mental health crisis, with 55% of schools offering support for students with mental health diagnoses. Moreover, around 245 schools have partnered with the nonprofit organization Mindful Schools to help students develop social-emotional and relaxation skills. A large number of schools also introduced mindfulness to students during the COVID-19 pandemic to help their students better manage stress during lockdown and virtual schooling. 

Maggie Walker has also integrated mindfulness practices for students and staff. Besides the popular activities run by the BC2M Club, the Mindfulness Room is also open during the school day so that students can take a moment for themselves and relax amidst the stress of classes and clubs. With the competitive environment and rigorous classes of Maggie Walker, students have expressed how mindfulness can significantly help them live a healthier lifestyle. Lesher stated that practicing mindfulness helped her navigate the challenging transition from middle school to freshman year, as well as from freshman year to sophomore year. Walsh remarked on the impact mindfulness has had on her personal life, stating, “Personally, I have a short breathing routine I do before all of my volleyball games during the National Anthem which helps prep me for the game. I have also learned many tools to ground myself in the moment whether it be to focus in on a lesson or during a game!” Ms. Ortiz added that helping each student with balancing their work and personal time can lead to a stronger, happier student body. She elaborated, “I think it is important to acknowledge the impact mindfulness practices can have on the individual, ultimately creating a positive ripple effect to their respective groups and thus larger community spheres.”

The Bring Change 2 Mind Club hopes to increase participation in their events in future years, especially due to the success of the past month. Ms. Ortiz emphasized the significance of consistency in offering mindfulness opportunities to students, saying, “It's key to remember that mindfulness is a practice, and like many other skills, you have to put in time to foster those skills.” Especially with nerve-wracking AP exams and finals this quarter,  Mindfulness Month serves as a perfect reminder that mental health should be a priority for Maggie Walker students. 

Information retrieved from National Institute of Mental Health, HelpGuide, and U.S. News.