Healthy Body & Healthy Mind

At The Hayfield School, we believe that a student’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as their academic success. We recognise that true learning flourishes when students feel safe, supported, and valued. That’s why we are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where every student’s mental, emotional, and social health is prioritised alongside their educational journey. Wellbeing is not an add-on—it’s the foundation for success.

Your time at school is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; learning how to fuel our body correctly; exercising regularly, developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage our emotions.

At The Hayfield School we have adopted the MAGIC approach to help us think about our mental health. Let’s explore each strand in a little more detail.

M stands for Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention to something and not thinking about anything else in that moment

Mindfulness means living in the present moment. Essentially, being more aware and awake to each moment and being fully engaged in what is happening in one’s surroundings. Appreciating the small everyday moments.

A stands for Activity

We all know the positive benefits of being active. Taking part in sport, exercising or simply going for a walk can help reduce tension, anxiety, stress and mental fatigue. Physical activity can also help to calm the mind, especially when dealing with difficult emotions like anger, frustration and sadness. Participating in sport can also help to reduce loneliness by offering new ways to get together with family and friends and meet new people.

G stands for Generous

Research suggests that the act of giving can help us feel a sense of purpose, reduce our stress and depression levels and can even help us improve our self-esteem. Being generous doesn’t have to be about giving people gifts: it can be as simple as giving them your time. Volunteering can be a great way to help other people and our own mental health by giving us a different focus than just our own worries. Random acts of kindness can also be great fun! Give someone an unexpected compliment, hold a door open for someone to walk through, check in on your friends. All of these simple acts will make someone’s day and help to boost your own wellbeing.

I stands for Interested

Someone once said “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Being interested means that we have a focus other than ourselves. When we have something on our mind it can be difficult to think of anything else but being interested can be a distraction! Being interested makes us feel energetic and excited which in turn can lift our mood.

C stands for Connected

Simply put: we need human connection. Connecting with others on a physical and emotional level can improve our health and overall well-being. Connection is when two or more people interact with each other and each person feels valued, seen, and heard. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems.

Sleep

Fueling your body

Teenage years are an important time for growth and development. A healthy varied diet is essential to ensure that you receive all the energy and nutrients you need.

More information available at the following sites:

Useful Services and Websites

eClinic 11-19

Students can contact the school nurse directly using the eClinic 11-19 instant messaging app. Parents can also contact the school nurse team using a dedicated app, eClinic Parent Plus. Parents can ask health related questions and receive live support from the school nurse.

Both eClinic apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Student Text messaging service: 07917031891.

Here are more useful links. Click the ‘find out more’ button to see help available in that area.

Anxiety / Worry

Bereavement

Body Image

Drugs / Alcohol

Eating Disorder