We asked for your wellbeing tips this World Mental Health Day and you delivered...
Why wellbeing matters in education:
In busy school environments, it can be easy to put wellbeing at the bottom of the priority list. But looking after mental health is essential, not just for staff individually, but also for creating a supportive and positive environment for students. Small changes, from taking regular breaks to staying connected with colleagues, can make a big difference.
Here are some of the fantastic tips you’ve shared with us:
"Put my phone on silent and away. Finding space for yourself can be difficult but being accessible 24/7 (as an introvert) can be exhausting. People are perfectly capable of waiting to hear from me."
"Boot up a video game that I enjoy playing or read a book. Losing myself in another world can allow today's worries to fade into the background somewhat."
"Put on some nice background music. I prefer something chill like Lord of the Rings music (Yes, I love my fantasy settings)."
"I stay off all social media when it's a particularly bad day for me. I also like to put on my favourite music or put on my favourite programmes to get lost in. Surround myself with my dearest friends and family, the worst thing I can do is isolate myself."
"I think my favourite thing to do is drive. When I need time alone and music, the car is a great place for this. One woman show."
"At work and life in general do not involve yourself in matters where you have no influence or responsibility to affect the outcome. Take a step back and think before involving yourself in such matters and avoid unnecessary stress. Put simply let those that are paid to make decisions do so even if it’s the wrong one... it’s unlikely you could change their decision-making process anyway. Remember, you are only selling your labour."
"During Covid I started taking a daily walk around our local park and grew attached to the local wildlife. I still continue to this day. I also took up miniature painting again after about 20+ years and really find it a great way to relax and shift focus onto something creative that you can make slow and steady progress with."
"At work I will sometimes wear my loops earbuds if it's getting a bit too much. They help me focus on my breathing which in turn calms me down. At home I'll put on a Studio Ghibli movie on in the background and curl up with some snacks and do something artsy. No big lights allowed!"
"Exercise - cardio, weights, yoga, walking, swimming. Anything. It just all makes me feel better. (Re)watching some comfort TV. Jigsaws - my mind literally thinks of nothing else. Ringing my mum and having a good rant/gossip/laugh. Avoidance - whether it be news, social media, horrible people, uncomfortable situations. Maybe not great for pushing myself out of my comfort zone but sometimes protecting your peace is more important."
"Long walks are good (as is geocaching as it encourages you to get out and it’s very mindful, you tend to forget your problems when looking for Tupperware boxes in woodland...) Eating well. Not drinking too much alcohol, I'm convinced there is an inverse relationship between my mood and the number of units of alcohol I’ve drunk in the last week... actually letting people know your mental health is suffering if it is suffering rather than letting things build up to the point you snap."
Thank you for sharing!
We’d like to thank everyone who contributed their tips. By opening up about what works for you, you’re helping others find new ways to look after themselves at work and beyond.
Connect with us on social media to keep the conversation going.