Shaping healthy habits that last a lifetime

From adolescence to adulthood, holistic wellness matters now more than ever

Growing up as a girl in today’s world can be both exciting and overwhelming. Alongside academic pressures, young women are navigating social expectations, body image concerns, and the challenges of balancing their mental, emotional, and physical health. These formative years are when lifelong habits are formed – and the presence of intentional wellbeing practices can set the stage for stronger, healthier futures.

Recognising this, schools across the globe are rethinking their role in preparing girls not only for exams but for life. One South African institution leading the way is The Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) in Makhanda, where the teaching of healthy habits has been woven into the very fabric of the school day. With a legacy of over 150 years of educating and empowering young women, DSG has taken the bold step of ensuring that wellbeing is not an optional extra, but a cornerstone of its philosophy.

The school’s pioneering Lifestyle Wellness programme, founded by Head of DSG Lifestyle, Lindsay Davy in 2016, began modestly with Pilates and step classes within the extra-curricular sports programme. Today, it has grown into a far-reaching, school-wide initiative embedded within the academic, extracurricular, and community engagement programmes of the school that touches every dimension of a girl’s development – physical, emotional, social, and mental.

“We know that many of the habits, thought patterns, and self-beliefs that young women carry into adulthood are formed during their school years,” says Davy. “At DSG, we are intentional about setting girls up for success beyond academics. Wellness is not just about moving your body – it’s about building resilience, cultivating a positive relationship with yourself, and learning how to manage stress and pressure in a healthy way.”

From yoga and Zumba to nutrition education and conversations about body diversity, the programme meets girls where they are and equips them with lifelong tools for balance. Senior pupils can even qualify as certified instructors, gaining a skill set that provides a foundation for future opportunities.

Through partnerships in the neighbouring Joza community, DSG girls extend their impact by sharing what they’ve learned with younger children – a powerful reminder that wellness can also be a form of service.

Initiatives like Food for Thought reinforce a healthy narrative around food – shifting the conversation from diet and restriction to nourishment and joy, while mindful rest practices – including a 20-minute nap during Pilates classes – normalise self-care as part of daily life. By instilling these practices early, the programme prepares pupils to enter adulthood with confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of self-awareness.

Given the immense social pressures many teenagers experience, Davy suggests, “The DSG Lifestyle programme aims to be proactive in its approach, equipping our girls with practical strategies. that support their whole selves – physically, emotionally, and socially. In turn, our hope is that they become more grounded, more confident, and better prepared for the challenges ahead.”

With its forward-thinking approach, DSG has become a model for how schools can prioritise health as much as academic success. Parents, educators, and even visiting schools have praised its efforts, recognising that when wellness is embedded into education, the result is not only well-prepared learners, but future leaders who are balanced, resilient, and ready to thrive.