Schoolgirls immersed themselves in a week of inspired, mood-enhancing activities designed to highlight the fact that it is impossible to be happy all of the time and that sometimes everyone needs a little ‘pick me up’ to get them through the day.

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls in Elstree have been marking Wellbeing Week, which kicked off with a visit from professional psychiatrist, broadcaster and author, Dr Raj Persaud, who spoke to the students about the pursuit of happiness.

The heart-felt talk focused on the ultimate secret to happiness, touching on mental health issues in the young and the ancient Greek Philosopher, Aristotle.

Lorraine Winton, deputy head at Habs Girls, said: "We’re all human and we can’t be happy all of the time, there will be days when things don’t go as planned. Of course, we might just feel sad for no apparent reason.

"The point of our Wellbeing Week was not intended to be flippant, but actually to highlight the reality and to make sure our students know that they are not alone and that it really is ok, not to be ok."

With a carefully planned timetable of break-out sessions, activities and events, the students were invited to detox from their mobile phones and from social media as part of a ‘mobile phone amnesty’ which saw many students choosing to give up their devices for a whole day and night in a bid to focus on how they feel inside and to think about what makes them feel happy.

Throughout the week, students took part in a number of activities from laughing yoga workshops and mindful colouring, to taking time out in a specially created ‘sensory room’ with soft lighting, mood-enhancing music and mindful activities such as loom bands.

Other pursuits included mindful meditation and movement sessions, creative writing, painting pebbles and making friendship bracelets, scavenger hunts, wellbeing walks, mindful eating, sing-a-long socials, games and also participating in a whole school completion of a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, which was placed in reception for anyone passing by to add a piece or sit down quietly for 10 minutes and contribute.