On January 25th, our team decided to interview different students at Lambert High School. There we asked various questions which included: 

- How does anxiety typically show up in your daily life?

- Are there specific situations or events that tend to trigger your anxiety?

- What strategies have you found helpful for managing anxiety?

-Are there people (friends, family, teachers) you feel comfortable turning to when you're anxious?

- Do you feel like schools provide enough support for students experiencing anxiety?

- How does anxiety affect your focus and performance in school?

- Are there particular subjects or tasks that make you feel more anxious?

- Do you find it challenging to ask for help when you're feeling overwhelmed?

- What changes would you suggest schools implement to support students dealing with anxiety?

Through these interviews, our team was able to gather much needed data and information on how our school communities could decrease stress/anxiety and promote healthier approaches to education and student organizations. 

On January 31st, our team decided to implement a hands on activity that involved slime and balloons to make DIY stress balls. We chose this certain anxiety relieving object, due to the rise of fidget toys among middle and high schoolers over the past 2 years. Research has shown that having access to fidgets, allows people to decrease overall stress and anxiety, making concentration much easier in loud or overly silent environments. This simple yet fun activity allowed us to engage with over 55 students throughout the school day and lunch periods. 

On January 27th, Our Unwind Your Mind team visited our local South Forsyth Middle School's healthcare classes to talk about the causes and symptoms adolescents experience. Through research our team realized one of main age groups to suffer from anxiety were kids aged 11-14, which powered us to address some of the gaps in resources, especially mindfulness tactics. These tactics included breathing exercises, simple recreational activities, and mental coaching. 

"How I Handle It" is a short film series, created by the Unwind Your Mind team, designed to bring real voices and experiences to the conversation around mental health. In these videos, students recorded themselves for 15 to 45 seconds, sharing how they handle anxiety. Whether through deep breathing, talking to someone they trust, engaging in hobbies, or simply taking a break, each clip offers a unique and relatable perspective. By showcasing a variety of coping methods, the series aims to remind students that they are not alone and that there are many healthy ways to face anxiety.

On May 13, the Unwind Your Mind team hosted a fun and relaxing volleyball & pickleball social to bring students together and promote mental well-being. We set up a food and refreshment station with snacks and drinks, along with a themed display encouraging everyone to “unwind your mind.” We are proud to say we were able to raise $246 for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Engaging in sports like volleyball and pickleball provides a powerful mental health boost. Physical activity releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and elevate mood. These games also encourage social interaction, teamwork, and laughter—key components in building emotional resilience and reducing feelings of isolation. Whether rallying with friends or enjoying a casual match, the event created a supportive space for students to stay active, bond with peers, and take a mindful break from daily stress.