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Prioritising your mental health
10th October 2024
Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked, especially in professions where the focus is largely on supporting others. For teachers and school staff, the demands of the job can be both emotionally and mentally taxing, with the responsibility of shaping young minds combined with the pressures of managing workloads, deadlines, and personal expectations. It’s easy for your mental health to take a back seat, but prioritising it is essential for long-term well-being and professional sustainability.
One of the most important steps in protecting your mental health is recognising when you need a break. Regular short breaks throughout the day can provide moments to recharge, even if it’s just a walk around the playground or a few minutes of mindfulness.
Talking about mental health is key, whether with a colleague, a friend, or a mental health professional, having someone to talk to can alleviate stress and offer new perspectives. Hopefully colleagues feel that they can speak up when they are struggling and that your workplace has a culture of open conversation. We should all be aware of our colleagues’ well-being and be embracing kindness and understanding.
Self-care plays a key role in maintaining mental health. Finding time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, exercise, listening to music, watching tv or spending time with loved ones, can help you stay balanced and take your mind off work pressures.. Equally, prioritising rest is essential. Sleep, relaxation, and time away from work contribute to a clearer, more focused mind-set when you return.
Children and young adults face their own mental health challenges. One of our trust values is “Guided by Integrity”; we are role models and it is therefore important to create a supportive environment in schools where students feel safe to talk about their feelings and struggles. If students see that we look after each other and ourselves, they are more likely to do the same. The pressures they experience are immense, from academic performance to social media influences, from family dynamics to personal development, from global issues to body image and from peer relationships to social pressures. It can be extremely overwhelming and so regular check-ins, promoting healthy habits, and developing a culture of kindness and understanding can make a significant difference to their emotional well-being and our own.
Encouraging students to seek help early, either by talking to trusted adults or using mental health resources, can equip them with the tools they need to navigate difficult times. As their role models, being aware of these challenges and offering guidance can play a vital role in a young person’s mental health journey.
In a profession that relies so heavily on your energy, passion, and commitment, taking care of your mental health isn’t just important – it’s essential. By prioritising yourself, you will be in a better position to support the mental well-being of students and colleagues.
Let's look after each other!
Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked, especially in professions where the focus is largely on supporting others. For teachers and school staff, the demands of the job can be both emotionally and mentally taxing, with the responsibility of shaping young minds combined with the pressures of managing workloads, deadlines, and personal expectations. It’s easy for your mental health to take a back seat, but prioritising it is essential for long-term well-being and professional sustainability.
One of the most important steps in protecting your mental health is recognising when you need a break. Regular short breaks throughout the day can provide moments to recharge, even if it’s just a walk around the playground or a few minutes of mindfulness.
Talking about mental health is key, whether with a colleague, a friend, or a mental health professional, having someone to talk to can alleviate stress and offer new perspectives. Hopefully colleagues feel that they can speak up when they are struggling and that your workplace has a culture of open conversation. We should all be aware of our colleagues’ well-being and be embracing kindness and understanding.
Self-care plays a key role in maintaining mental health. Finding time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, exercise, listening to music, watching tv or spending time with loved ones, can help you stay balanced and take your mind off work pressures.. Equally, prioritising rest is essential. Sleep, relaxation, and time away from work contribute to a clearer, more focused mind-set when you return.
Children and young adults face their own mental health challenges. One of our trust values is “Guided by Integrity”; we are role models and it is therefore important to create a supportive environment in schools where students feel safe to talk about their feelings and struggles. If students see that we look after each other and ourselves, they are more likely to do the same. The pressures they experience are immense, from academic performance to social media influences, from family dynamics to personal development, from global issues to body image and from peer relationships to social pressures. It can be extremely overwhelming and so regular check-ins, promoting healthy habits, and developing a culture of kindness and understanding can make a significant difference to their emotional well-being and our own.
Encouraging students to seek help early, either by talking to trusted adults or using mental health resources, can equip them with the tools they need to navigate difficult times. As their role models, being aware of these challenges and offering guidance can play a vital role in a young person’s mental health journey.
In a profession that relies so heavily on your energy, passion, and commitment, taking care of your mental health isn’t just important – it’s essential. By prioritising yourself, you will be in a better position to support the mental well-being of students and colleagues.
Let's look after each other!
