YOUR WELLBEING TIPS LIAN EDUCATION REPORTER

While the onus is also on Government, individual schools, principals and leaders to improve working conditions, we asked what tips and tricks you have for dealing with the day-to-day.

Talk to a trusted expert colleague, phone a help line, or access DOE Teacher Wellbeing resources. Primary School Principal, NSW

Speak to your line managers early if you are under pressure. Quite often they can help in many ways. “How do you eat an elephant?” Very slowly, one little piece at a time. Primary School Principal, WA

Talk to colleagues, leave weekends for other activities, and learn to switch off emails after hours. Secondary School Deputy Principal, WA

Speak up. Develop deep and trusting relationships with people (including supervisors). Be open and honest about your struggles and needs. Use everyone you can (forums, Facebook groups, etc.) and don’t forget that we have EAPS through the Departments (free counselling service). Primary School Teacher, NSW

Talk with one another. Provide space to just talk through issues. Secondary School Head of Department, SA

Put your hand up and ask for help, or say if something is too much! Primary School Teacher, TAS

By planning with like year levels you can share the workload, planning, and resource creation. Primary School Teacher, WA

Be organised. Have a plan of things to do every day. Accept that you will never finish your job list. Remind yourself that the job we do as educators is so important. Secondary School Principal, WA

Ensure you prioritise what you need to do each day. Be kind to yourself and don’t feel guilty about going home at reasonable hour. Primary School Deputy Principal, QLD

Know when to say no! Set boundaries. Set limits on your time and work to prevent school taking over your personal life. Balance is key. Secondary School Teacher, NSW

Access your employer’s wellbeing program. Plan small breaks for yourself in each day. Give yourself permission to stop work - ‘close your files’. Primary School Teacher, VIC Join an online network for support outside of your school. Primary School Assistant Principal, VIC

Use the resources available to you. Recognise the warning signs early and act. Don’t leave it too late. There are always people willing to assist and point you in the right direction. Secondary School Head of Department, NSW

Teaching is a long term strategy game, aim for small, constant and never-ending improvements steps (Small CANI steps) rather than great lessons. And talk to other staff about their strategies for managing. Secondary School Teacher, SA

Look for the positive in the many wonderful children we teach. Ignore the unrealistic demands of parents. We only see our students for a short time each day, try to make the most of it! Secondary School Deputy Principal, NSW

Try to keep your focus on your class and try not to worry about other people and what their classes are doing. Primary School Teacher, VIC

Regular exercise, especially Yoga. Don’t try to change the world, just make small adjustments. Secondary School Head of Department, SA

Don’t be afraid to take a ‘mental health’ day if you need it. Sometimes, you have to take care of your own wellbeing before being able to take care of others. Secondary School Head of Department, VIC

Download mindfulness app, try hard to make time for yourself, get some sleep! Primary School Principal, WA

Get involved in staff wellbeing activities and social activities. Secondary School Head of Department, WA

Breathe. Go for a walk. Find someone to talk to. Secondary School Head of Department, QLD

Practice breathing exercises stress is inevitable. It is important that you have tools to be able to deal with the stress and possible anxiety when it hits. Secondary School Teacher, NSW