From Stress to Success: How Journaling and Planning Can Transform Your School Leadership
Remember that week? You know the one – the endless tasks buzzing in your head like a relentless swarm, the pressure a constant weight on your shoulders. I've been there! I was stressed, overwhelmed, and heading for burnout. School leadership often demands superhuman focus, but sometimes the key to success lies in simple tools that can make a big difference.
We're so passionate about what we do to look after others, we often forget to look after our own wellbeing
We school leaders are a dedicated bunch. But our passion comes at a price. Long hours, weighty responsibilities, and the emotionally charged nature of our work make us particularly vulnerable to stress. The research speaks volumes about the toll this takes on our well-being.
How Stress Wreaks Havoc
Stress isn't just about feeling overwhelmed. It's a cascade of physiological reactions. When we perceive a threat (a looming deadline, a difficult conversation), our bodies pump out cortisol and adrenaline. This "fight or flight" reaction might have helped our ancestors escape predators, but for us, chronic stress leads to:
- Headaches and exhaustion
- Weakened immunity
- Digestive problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
How a Planner Saved My Sanity!
Back in the day, I wore many hats: phonics lead, early years lead, Reception teacher, community lead, assessment coordinator, curriculum developer... the list goes on! To manage everything, I relied on a cumbersome system – a separate notebook for each area. These notebooks multiplied, and soon, I was lugging around a trolley overflowing with paper!
Imagine the chaos – flipping through endless pages, struggling to find specific information. The mental load was crippling. It wasn't just about physical clutter; the constant worry of missing something important gnawed at my well-being.
That's when I rediscovered the power of the planner. Here's how it changed everything:
- My All-In-One Tool: My planner became my central command center. Lesson plans, meeting notes, to-do lists – everything went in one place. The constant "mental juggling" stopped, replaced by a sense of calm clarity.
- Prioritisation Power: Planners help you identify what's genuinely urgent vs. what can wait, preventing overwhelm. I could now see the big picture, schedule tasks strategically, and feel more in control.
- Brain Dump & Focus: The planner became my "brain dump" – a place to capture swirling thoughts, worries, and fleeting ideas. This offloading allowed me to concentrate fully on the present task.
- Accomplishment Tracker: The satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks reinforces a sense of progress and combats stress.
- Self-Reflection Zone: Your planner can become a mini-journal, allowing you to track stress triggers and coping strategies.
The Planner as a Well-Being Tool
A planner might seem like a simple tool, but it offers remarkable benefits for managing stress and boosting well-being. This shift from scattered notebooks to one planner was a game-changer. It wasn't just about organisation; it was about reclaiming my mental space and well-being.
A School Leader's Stress Toolkit
Along with using your planner, here are other powerful tools for managing stress:
- Movement: Exercise of any kind is a natural mood-booster and stress-reliever.
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep for optimal mental and physical health.
- Mindfulness: Apps or simple breathing techniques can help you stay grounded.
- Nature: Time spent outdoors lowers cortisol and boosts your mood.
- Delegation & Support: Share the load and lean on your team.
- The Art of "No": Set healthy boundaries to protect your well-being.
Let's Make A Change
Our work as school leaders is vital. To be our best, we must care for ourselves first. A planner is your ever-present ally on this journey. My challenge for you: try incorporating a planner into your routine this week. Notice the difference! Let's commit to a new way of leading, one that prioritises well-being and sets a sustainable example for our students, teams, and communities.