April 2020 – Happy Schools

Find your calm to prevent reactivity

April 30, 2020

I bet you can remember from your childhood that one teacher who stayed back after the bell to talk you through a tricky question, or the sports coach who reminded you that you have what it takes or the boss who let you extend a deadline to help take the pressure off. These people were our champions, our greatest supports who went that little bit extra to make sure we succeeded or had the opportunity to learn when things were hard. They were there to help us test and expand our comfort zone and to this day we remember fondly, even if they pushed us when the situation felt too hard. I can remember Mrs Wills. My third-grade teacher, who…

Be More Positive – the 30 Day Challenge

April 23, 2020

Stevef

Resilience

In times of uncertainty it is helpful to remain positive and optimistic. Day 1 Choose a positive mantra and repeat it Day 2 Think about what you can be learning from your current challenges Day 3 For worst case scenarios, imagine the best thing that could happen Day 4 Share a great memory with a friend you haven’t seen this month Day 5 Print an inspiring quote and attach it to your bathroom mirror Day 6 Call someone to say thank you Day 7 Give a genuine compliment to three people Day 8 Cut negativity from your life by unfollowing, deleting and removing negative influences Day 9 Learn something new Day 10 Take some time outdoors Day 11 Meditate…

What To Do When Things Go Wrong

April 16, 2020

Stevef

Resilience

Despite the best planning in the world, things still go wrong. Here’s how to handle any breakdown and maintain your sanity… DECLARE Anytime anything does not turn out as you expect – or looks like it won’t – you can declare a breakdown. You might say (even to yourself): “That’s a breakdown – that’s not what I wanted or expected.” This allows you to take a moment, catch your breath and adjust course. This distances you from the challenge and allows you to stay calm in the face of any crisis. NAME To make it easier to resolve, identify what is not working. Declare a breakdown in something specific. For instance, I will be late for my meeting…

What did you achieve today?

April 9, 2020

Stevef

Efficiency

For staff in schools, managing your own well-being is a must. There are several causes of stress for staff working in schools; difficult parents and colleagues, unrealistic expectations and deadlines, report cards and unacceptable student behaviour to name a few. Having been entrusted with the well being, discipline and education of a school full of students, teachers and staff working in schools have a huge responsibility. It is vital that we get satisfaction from our work in schools. Our work is a significant component of our lives. Whilst our jobs shouldn’t define ‘who we are’, our work should contribute to a sense of satisfaction that our work is important and DOES make a difference. If it doesn’t, then it is…

20 Things Mentally Strong People Do

April 2, 2020

Stevef

Resilience

We certainly live in ‘interesting’ times! The importance of the work done by staff in schools has been highlighted in recent weeks as we deal with the Corona Virus. Whilst it can be unsettling and challenging to face unchartered conditions, it is important that staff in schools remain calm, optimistic and mentally strong. Based on the work of Amy Morin in, “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do”, I have created a list of the 20 things they actually do. 1 They move on. They don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves. They quickly come to terms with what has happened and move on to the here and now. 2 They keep control. They don’t give away their power or…