Mental health has always been an important priority for Mustangs. Whether they were affected by Coronavirus lockdowns and the subsequent “return to normalcy,” or choose to stay mentally fit by mindfully exercising, Yorba Linda High School (YLHS) is filled with those elect to focus on improving their mental health.

For YLHS Mustangs, this week was filled with relaxing activities and fun dress up days. However, the intent for these initiatives proudly presented by the Associated Student Body (ASB) is for teachers, students, and staff to take some time to check in with each other. 

On Monday, students were encouraged to wear their comfiest pajamas and meditate during their third period class. Teachers played guided meditations during the third period (homeroom period) and classes took a minute to recenter themselves. 

“Tropical Tuesday” entailed Hawaiian shirts and a tropical punch stand at lunch, as well as tips for mindfulness from our counselors. Despite the cooler weather, Mustangs were able to put themselves in the mindset of living a peaceful island paradise.

To show awareness for depression, Mustangs wore green in reference to the green ribbon representing the all-too-common illness on Wednesday. Notes assembled from that day adorned the school with uplifting words of encouragement from the YLHS community. 

To remind students to “think positive thoughts,” Thursday was dedicated for everyone to wear their favorite hats. The most common were baseball caps adorned with the logos of sports teams.

Finally, Friday was a day to celebrate the Mustang family by wearing school spirit gear. The highlight of the week was the local band TI-85 (with Mustangs Fionna Tucker and Dylan Warner) who rocked the campus at lunch with oldies and original tunes while students participated in the water balloon toss and corn hole. Candies were also provided as a sweet way to take a break.

Mustang Ryan Hernandez (11) thinks “that YLHS students being part of a band is an awesome thing.”  

Sophia Cavada (10) agrees with him. She says that “Mental Health Week is such a positive way for us to raise awareness about mental health and refresh ourselves, especially as we near finals and the end of the year.” It is clear that underclassmen as well as upperclassmen appreciate the effort that staff and ASB put in to coordinate yet another important week highlighting the importance of students’ well-being.

All of these lighthearted activities are great methods to come together as a campus and lift each others’ spirits!