Simple techniques to look after your wellbeing.

As a school staff member, managing wellbeing can be challenging. The demands of teaching and supporting students, alongside administrative tasks and personal responsibilities, can leave little time for self-care. However, taking care of your own wellbeing is crucial to ensure you are in the best possible position to support others.

Here are some top tips for managing your wellbeing:

Set boundaries and prioritise self-care
It's important to set boundaries between work and personal life. This means scheduling time for self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with family and friends. Prioritising self-care can help to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation practices can help to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional regulation. There are many apps, websites, and resources available to support the development of mindfulness skills.
Stay connected with colleagues
Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues is crucial for staff wellbeing. Regularly checking in with colleagues can provide a sense of social support and help to reduce feelings of isolation.
Seek support when needed
It's important to recognise when you need support and reach out for help when necessary. This could be through speaking with a trusted colleague, seeking support from a supervisor or seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor.
Take breaks throughout the day
Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help to prevent burnout and improve productivity. This could involve taking short walks, practising breathing exercises or simply taking a few minutes to relax.
Create a positive work environment
Creating a positive work environment can help to improve staff wellbeing. This could involve creating a positive culture that supports staff wellbeing, providing opportunities for professional development and creating a sense of community within the workplace.
Practise self-compassion
Practising self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding. This can help to reduce negative self-talk and improve overall wellbeing.

Overall, managing wellbeing is crucial to ensure you are in the best possible position to support others. By setting boundaries, practising self-care, seeking support when needed, and creating a positive work environment, you can improve your overall wellbeing and enhance your ability to support students and colleagues.