LAKELAND – On April 27 and 28, staff and students from across Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) were encouraged to head outdoors and take a 15-minute walk.
Why? To reflect on their own personal wellness, and to consider what mental wellness means to them.
“The purpose of the Mental Health Matters Campaign Wellness Walk is to encourage our staff and students to take a moment, be present, and consider what mental personal wellness means to them,” stated Meagan MacEachern, chair of the LCSD’s Mental Health Matters Committee.
The division-wide walking event also wraps up April's theme – Spring into a Healthy Mindset.
After the walk, follow-up discussions took place in the classroom where students discussed how the walk made them feel, how it impacted their mood, and how it might affect the rest of their day.
“Personally, taking the time to check-in, no matter how brief, can change my attitude towards the rest of the day,” continued MacEachern.
“I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle any task or challenge I am presented with. Our hope with the Wellness Walk is for our staff and students to walk away with that same feeling.”
The Wellness Walk was one of many activities organized by LCSD’s Mental Health Matters Campaign.
“The Mental Health Matters Campaign wouldn’t be possible without the support of Imperial Cold Lake. This campaign is truly making a difference in our students lives through the creation of Wellness Groups, sharing of resources, and events like the Wellness Walk and our Poster Design Contest that took place earlier this year,” she noted.
“It’s reminding our students it’s okay to need help, while reminding them of the resources in their own communities.”
The outdoor walk, which was initially set for April 27, was spread over two days due to poor weather conditions.
