Recess for Resilience: Building Good Habits Early

In this episode of the Running for Resilience Podcast, Ben Alexander sits down with Steph O’Neill and Mark Nicholson from Torrens Primary School, and Adam Hall from Canberra Grammar School, to explore the first year of Recess for Resilience.Recess for Resilience is a simple school-based wellbeing initiative helping students build healthy habits through movement, friendship, emotional literacy and regular check-ins. Inspired by Running for Resilience, the program gives primary school students a chance to walk, talk, connect and practise the skills that support mental health before crisis point.Together, the group discusses how Recess for Resilience began, why schools need practical wellbeing programs, and how something as simple as walking with friends during recess can help students feel more connected, confident and supported.Steph and Mark share powerful stories from Torrens Primary School, including students who have found belonging, built confidence and learned to check in with others. Adam shares how Canberra Grammar School has adapted the program, the importance of action-based wellbeing education, and why building habits early can help create healthier communities.This conversation is about prevention, connection and the small moments that can make a lifelong difference.