School Psychologist (Lauren Dragon)

Staff Wellbeing

With ESTs, NAPLAN, school reporting and the ongoing challenges the pandemic has thrown at us with staffing and illness this term, many of us may be feeling fatigued or stressed, thinking that the holidays can’t come quick enough!

While you're putting your energy into creating a positive environment for young people, it’s also important to focus on your wellbeing and that of your colleagues.

Reducing and managing your stress levels, maintaining positive social interactions and asking for help when needed are all helpful actions.

Some signs of stress you may be experiencing may include; headaches, sleep disturbance, digestion issues, anxiety, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Learning to handle stress in healthy ways is very important. These include identifying early warning signs in your body that tell you when you are getting stressed and identifying triggers which raise our stress levels. Triggers might include late nights, deadlines, seeing particular people, hunger or over-tired children.

Some ideas to utilise as the term ends and during the school holidays to help you look after your mind and body, and reduce stress and its impact on your health include:

• Establishing routines: regular times for exercise, relaxation, meals and sleep
• Spend time with people who care: share your thoughts and feelings with others
• Look after your health: eating healthy and regular exercise, calming activities like listening to music or going for walks
• Notice your ‘self-talk’: instead of thinking ‘I can’t cope’ or, ‘It’s not fair’, try, ‘I am coping well given the circumstances’, or, ‘Calm Down’

For more information on wellbeing, visit the following websites, https://www.headsup.org.au/home or https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Hope you all have a restful and relaxing holiday break.