When it comes to teacher wellbeing, there is no ‘one size fits all,’ you need to be able to pick and choose what works or doesn’t work for you this summer.

Some people may be excited about the break, others dreading it. Everyone has their own individual and perfectly valid feelings. It has been a seriously challenging year for all of us and some respite is much needed.

You may fit one of these profiles completely, or a few parts of each, or none of them and that is ok. Whichever method you choose to focus on, your wellbeing is personal to you. I have often looked at wellbeing suggestions and considered that they were not for me, as juggling work, children and looking after myself was not feasible – something has to give and that something is inevitably my own wellbeing!

Now my children are a little older, I am starting to claw back some small respites but ultimately, my time is not my own until the kids are asleep. This is why I stay up later than I should, relishing the child free time with the remote, cruising social media and brandishing a glass of something (everything in moderation!). On the other side of it, children bring love, fun and time is filled more easily. I remember before children, a tremendous sense of time standing still in the holidays. When I was younger I was even bored with apathy setting in around week three. These issues are also not good for wellbeing. There must be some middle ground somewhere but it’s a very fine line between too busy and not busy enough.

Whatever your circumstances, the basics of wellbeing still stand for all people:

• Eating well
• Sleeping well
• Exercising well

If you have concerns with any of these areas, perhaps delve a little deeper into the causes. Once you have alighted this years’ teaching hamster wheel, some reflection time regarding these 3 areas, work life balance and sustainably of your pace of life would be a good place to start.

You also may already be considering colleagues who you know might be lonely over the break. I certainly need a bit of structure and routine to keep me motivated. Remember to reach out and support others over the 6 weeks even if your own wellbeing is fully intact. Pay it forward.

If you are concerned about your teacher wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone else this summer, communicate this in order to avoid the issue getting bigger.

Mental Health May: 5 Ways To Reach Out

The following is the information displayed on the accompanying infographic with ideas of things you may or may not wish to consider over the break:

For the teacher with children:

• Make a list of things with your children that you all enjoy doing, or arrange for individual children to help pick activities on some days so everyone has a say.
• Make the most of what is currently open and don’t forget the great outdoors – explore local rope swings, splash in streams and go for walks or bike rides.
• If you are able, arrange to have some ‘one to one’ time with each child. This will really help to secure your relationship when siblings are not about.
• If you can, take advantage of child care options and holiday clubs to get a bit of time to yourself.
• Arrange to meet with other parents, perhaps sharing childcare.
• Remember, the TV and tablet computers are your friend. Use them (just not 24/7!).

For the teacher with no dependants at home:

• Switch off from work emails, only checking them once a week at a set time or not until the end of the holidays.
• Create a list of those things that will make your living space lovelier that you didn’t achieve over lockdown and start those projects!
• Plan catch ups with friends and family, space them throughout the break so that you always have something to look forward to.
• Plan in some ‘me time’, you could go to the cinema, read more or get artistic – whatever you fancy.
• Use this time to reflect on the past term and then put it to one side to concentrate on recharging your batteries.
• Remember, achieving little, sleeping in and being on social media more than you think you should, is ok. It’s your time to use how you want. 

For the teacher who needs to keep working:

• Try and avoid work emails and certainly don’t send any until the end of the holidays. If you must write them, store them in drafts.
• If you are like me and want to go to school in the holidays, limit it to one day a week (I always get a coffee after).
• Use the time to focus on light CPD e.g. non-fiction or fictional education related books, webinars or blogs – not too many though!
• Catch up with ex-colleagues and find out how they do things at their schools – meet in the park or woods for added exercise.
• Eat well, sleep well and exercise so that you are recharged. Go through your work wardrobe so you are looking good next term!
• Remember, colleagues may not share your passion for working in the holidays so don’t badger them unless they are happy about it!

For any support during the holidays or at any time during the year visit: https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/

Educational Support Partnership telephone support & counselling

No matter what you’re going through, we’re always here for you, day or night, all the time. Call us. You’ll feel better. 

In these unprecedented times we are here for you. No matter what you’re feeling, our free, confidential helpline is always here 24/7. Night or day, our trained counsellors are here to listen to you without judgement and help you find a way forward, whatever your worries or concerns and feel better.

UK-wide: 08000 562 561 day or night 
Txt: 07909 341229 (answered within 24 hours)

Our helpline is free and available to all teachers, lecturers and staff in education (primary, secondary, further or higher education) in England, Wales and Scotland 24/7, 365 days a year.

Educational support partnership

Thanks for reading,

Lynn

This post was featured by Twinkl in their Teacher Wellbeing Blog

Let’s Stop Calling it Teacher ‘Burnout’ (via Nexus)