Take A Minute Challenge
A 30-Day Mental Wellness Initiative for Schools
Introduction
The Take A Minute Challenge is a 30-day school-based mental wellness initiative created to give students a few intentional minutes each day to pause, breathe, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and one another.
Led by the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, this initiative brings simple, meaningful wellness practices into school communities through daily three-minute moments of care. Rooted in emotional wellness, creative expression, and human connection, the challenge is designed to help students build resilience, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of support in their everyday lives.
Beginning May 1st, participating schools will guide students through 30 days of brief but meaningful wellness practices that encourage reflection, connection, and care.
Register for the Arts & Wellness Educator Training
Why This Matters
At BLHF, we know that even a few intentional minutes can make a real difference in a young person’s day.
For many students, school is not only a place of learning, but also a place where they carry stress, uncertainty, pressure, and emotion. The Take A Minute Challenge creates space for students to slow down, check in with themselves, and experience care in a way that feels accessible, grounding, and consistent.
This is about more than a challenge. It is about helping schools build a culture where mental wellness is supported, prioritized, and woven into everyday life.
How It Works
The Take A Minute Challenge begins with the Arts & Wellness Educator Training, a compensated professional development experience for teachers, schools, and partners.
During the training, participants will:
- learn the vision and structure of the Take A Minute Challenge
- experience the wellness practices firsthand
- receive tools to lead daily three-minute wellness moments with students
- prepare to bring the challenge into their school communities with care and confidence
Arts & Wellness Educator Training
To participate in the Take A Minute Challenge, registration for the training is required.
Training Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
This training is designed for educators, school staff, and partners who are ready to support student wellness in intentional and practical ways.
Sign Up for the Teacher Training
Please note: Only those who register for and participate in the training will be eligible to participate in the Take A Minute Challenge.
What Students Will Experience
Throughout the challenge, students will engage in short daily wellness moments that may include:
- movement
- breathwork
- journaling
- sound therapy
- creative expression
- reflection prompts
These practices are meant to be simple, supportive, and easy to integrate into the school day while creating meaningful moments of pause and connection.
Wellness Day + Storytelling
At the conclusion of the challenge, six participating schools will host a Wellness Day to reflect, celebrate, and continue building a culture of care.
Students and staff will also respond to HRU (How are You)? prompts, with select stories captured in partnership with Octet Film Productions. These moments of storytelling will help amplify student voices and shine a light on the power of feeling seen, heard, and supported.
Join Us
The Take A Minute Challenge is an invitation to create more space for care, connection, and wellness in our schools.
We are proud to partner with educators, schools, and communities who believe that supporting young people’s mental wellness is not extra, it is essential.
Made possible in part through funding provided by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County and the Pull Up Fund.