Wellbeing
Creativity for Wellbeing
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming—whether it's school stress, friendship drama, tension at home or just going through a rough time. When things get tough, it’s important to have a variety of tools to look after your mental health. One of the tools the Wellbeing Team and the whole school uses regularly is creativity. Creativity for wellbeing means using art, music, writing, movement, or other creative activities as a way to cope with emotional stress and boost your mental wellbeing. It’s not about being “good” at art or music—it’s about expression, release and feeling better through creativity. The Wellbeing Team provides opportunities for creativity at our lunchtime groups (Chill Space on Thursday, LEGO club on Friday), in our small groups, by having mindful colouring and drawing supplies available and through one-off experiences such as activities led by Bunnings. The Hands on Learning Program employs creativity on a larger scale with bigger projects that contribute to the school. When we create, we shift our focus away from stress and into the present moment. Creativity can:
Help process emotions that are hard to talk about
Provide a sense of control during uncertain times
Improve mood and self-esteem
Activate the brain’s reward system and reduce anxiety
Creative Ideas to Try
Doodle Your Mood – Draw abstract shapes, characters, or patterns that reflect how you feel right now.
Make a Feel-Good Playlist – Choose songs that lift your spirits and keep them ready for tough moments.
Journaling – Write about your day, your worries, or even a fictional story to express your thoughts.
Movement or Dance – Put on a song and move freely. It’s not about choreography—it’s about expression.
Craft or Build Something – Use your hands to create—paint, knit, collage, or even build with LEGO!
Photography Walk – Take your phone, go for a walk, and take photos of anything that catches your eye.
Spoken Word or Poetry – Write a short poem about what you’re feeling or what you wish for.
Creative First Aid isn't about perfection. You don’t need expensive materials or expert skills. It’s about giving your mind and heart space to breathe, play and heal. Next time you feel low, bored or anxious, try reaching for a pencil, your phone camera or your favourite playlist. You might be surprised at how much better you feel afterwards.
Eat Well, Drink Well, Clean Well.
The Smile Squad has been visiting Lilydale Heights College this week, to provide free dental care to our students (with consent). Regular dental check-ups are important through life as they help spot and treat dental problems early. Tooth decay can get in the way of learning as it can be painful and effect sleep and concentration. As a helpful reminder for us all to take care of our oral health, please see the information below for tips on eating, drinking and cleaning well. For more information about how adolescents can care for their oral health, see Oral health for children and teenagers | Better Health Channel *image sourced eat-well-drink-well-clean-well-2025 (1).pdf
HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICES/CONTACTS -
KNOX, MAROONDAH, YARRA RANGES
