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Blue Monday…….😪😓😖😭😨 

Last Monday was “Blue Monday” but ironically, it was not in St. Nathy’s! 

Blue Monday, a day that is often referred to as the most “Depressing Day of the Year” occurs every year on the THIRD Monday of January. It has well-earned its name due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, Red-Weather alerts, and the stress of unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions! Plus, there can sometimes be the odd box of ‘Roses’ or ‘Heroes’ left and …. it was a shame to waste them….so OUT THE WINDOW GOES THE “Non-chocolate January!!!!!”  While the concept of Blue Monday may be based on a mix of science and marketing, it does, however, provide a valuable opportunity to focus on our Mental Health and Wellbeing. This year, we took a proactive approach to combat the “blues” and brighten up the day for our students and staff alike, because; we are all Human. Through a series of Wellbeing activities, the school helped students feel more positive, more connected, and more motivated during what is often a very challenging time of the year. 

Physical activity is well known for its positive effects on mental health, so we included a “Walk for Wellbeing” as part of our “Blue Monday” activities. Teachers accompanied their students on a walk around the school grounds at a designated time, where they set the challenge of counting how many steps that they could take during the walk….no pressure on the teachers, but some of our classes were very, very competitive!!!! 

The idea behind this initiative was very simple: physical movement is a great way to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall “Wellbeing”. By encouraging students to get outside, move, chat and interact, we promoted a healthy, active lifestyle while also providing a refreshing break from the classroom and it allowed students to have a few minutes of “Freedom” from the constraints and sometimes the monotony of the norm, the classroom. The walk not only gave students an opportunity to stretch their legs but also it helped them to just chat to their peers, as teachers and students walked together simultaneously, chatting and enjoying each other’s company.  

As part of the walk, students were encouraged to reflect on their feelings and share positive thoughts with their classmates. They were also encouraged to “look out” for anyone who was “left out” or “alone”. This mindful approach to physical activity allowed students to take a moment to ground themselves and focus on the present. It was a small yet meaningful way to boost mental wellbeing and remind students that taking care of their physical health can be and IS as important as their academic Wellbeing/health.

Last Monday, the final class (but, unfortunately not necessarily for all our Exam classes) was dedicated to allowing students to begin their homework during school time!  Teachers provided a quiet and supportive environment where students could work on assignments, ask questions, and clarify doubts. This gave students the opportunity to get a head start on their homework, reducing the burden they would typically feel in the evening. By finishing a portion of their homework before they left school, the students were hopefully able to enjoy a more relaxing and stress-free evening at home. 

Finally, to conclude, “Blue Monday” was also a great opportunity to allow us all to think about the importance of mental health in the Community. As part of our commitment to raising awareness about mental health, St. Nathy’s College organised a fundraiser to support Pieta House. 

A sincere “Thank You” to St. Nathy’s  “Amber School Team” who continuously arrange such initiatives for the greater good of the whole school Community.