On Thursday, October 22, Riverdale High School students took a break from the regular routine to focus on mental health activities. Between keeping up with assignments, studying for tests, and balancing extracurriculars, school can feel nonstop; that is why Riverdale hosts Wellness Day once a year. Wellness Day is a day when students participate in a variety of fun activities to slow down and take a mental reset. 

Throughout the day, a typical classroom is used to host an activity for students to enjoy. Just a few of this year's activities included bedazzling, cake decorating, pancake making, video games, and an escape room. Sadie Endresak shared, “I really enjoyed Wellness Day! My favorite parts about Wellness Day would probably be bedazzling, cake decorating, and keychains. I enjoy Wellness Day because it is fun and relaxing at the same time.” 

  Nurse Powers said, “Hosting an activity was fun because I was able to see students in a different setting, and it gave me an opportunity to connect with students outside of the nurse's office. As a school nurse, I spend so much time seeing students when they aren't feeling their best, so it was especially rewarding to see them in a different light and build connections beyond their health needs.”

Beyond the wide variety of activities, the day provided a way to connect with classmates and teachers in a low-pressure environment. Taking the time and opportunity to set a day aside to refresh our minds helps us continue the school year with a clearer mindset.