On Tuesday, students from all grades spent many of their classes outside in the fresh air. Known popularly as “Breathe Out Day”, this mental health day was created by the HHS Breathe Out Club in order to promote the importance of mental wellness and healthy breaks throughout the school day. 

Throughout the school, both students and teachers were invited to spend time outdoors on the HHS fields to enjoy games, crafts or simply relax in the nice weather with their peers. Students engaged in games of volleyball, badminton, and frisbee to relieve stress from the pressures of academics. Bracelet making supplies and sidewalk chalk were also provided to students to promote creativity as a de-stressing strategy.  

The Breathe Out Club honors the importance of emotional and physical wellbeing of all students and staff alike. These healthy breaks throughout the school day bring awareness to the importance of relaxation and physical outdoor activity, especially for high school students under high academic pressure. The fall offers a perfect time to remind students of this tactic of stress management. Whether it’s seniors navigating the college application process or freshmen newly entering the high school environment, all students benefit from this event. 

Senior Lily Bastis reflects on her time at Breathe Out Day as she reveals, “I look forward to Breathe Out Day because it gives me the chance to take a break from school. This week was especially good because of all of the work I have had to get done for my classes and college applications.”

Many seniors relate to Lily in regards to the intense and stress inducing nature of the college application process, so encouraging breaks is especially beneficial to upperclassmen. Providing students with healthy coping skills starting at a young age is favorable so they can grow this peace of mind throughout their time in high school.

Freshman Julia McLellan explains her reasons for enjoying the event by sharing “I love Breathe Out Day because it gives me the opportunity to see my friends who I normally don’t see during the school day because of our different class schedules.”

School wide events prioritizing student wellbeing and connection contributes to a healthy environment and the unification of our school. Breathe Out Day is a perfect opportunity for the students and staff of HHS to take a deep breath and appreciate their school community.