Use the long break to get ready for the new challenges of the next academic year
The phrase ‘we’re all in the same boat’ is used a lot these days to reassure us during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. But it’s one that could lead to us undervaluing our emotional needs and playing down those of others. We are certainly all in the same storm – but we’re in different boats; and looking at it this way helps us to have compassion for ourselves and others.
In the new academic year, our ‘new normal’ will be uncharted waters. For teachers, it will mean change and disruption to our working lives which can cause stress and anxiety. More than ever, your first responsibility should be your own well-being. You can’t support anyone if your own boat is sinking.
Get your boat shipshape
Your physical and emotional health are priorities. Take any opportunity you can to rest. The article ‘Hurrah! It’s the holidays’ will give you some ideas of ways to wind down over the summer. If you need to work during the break, limit it to a set time so you get the chance to switch off. We know this year is going to present significant challenges, so if you have any concerns about returning to school, talk to your colleagues, your line manager, or, if you have serious anxiety, your GP.
Your physical and emotional health are priorities. Take any opportunity you can to rest. The article, ‘Hurrah! It’s the holidays’ (rsc.li/2MGtlys) will give you some ideas of ways to wind down over the summer. If you need to work during the break, limit it to a set time so you get the chance to switch off. We know this year is going to present significant challenges, so if you have any concerns about returning to school, talk to your colleagues, your line manager, or, if you have serious anxiety, your GP.
Setting a course
Remember this academic year will be different. Your normal ambitions may need to be adjusted so that you can accommodate the demands of new ways of working.
While you have time to think over the summer break, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I have to do to keep myself healthy, physically and mentally?
- What are the important things to maintain in my home life?
- What do I need to achieve this academic year?
Your answers will give you a baseline of what is important to you, to help you focus on the essentials. As circumstances change, you can reflect upon these aims and change course if you need to.
Preparing for changes
The future is difficult to predict right now, but there are some potential changes that we can prepare for. For example, you or someone you live with could develop symptoms, school may partially or completely close due to an outbreak or there may be a second peak and another lockdown.
To prepare for these possible scenarios, agree ‘what ifs’ with family and colleagues. If you are unwell, how will your work be covered? How will your home responsibilities be covered? Who will look after you? Making a plan means you won’t have to make tricky decisions when you’re under stress.
Helpful techniques
To move from judgement to compassion for yourself, try reframing these thoughts:
- ‘I shouldn’t feel like this, others have it way worse.’
→ ‘My feelings are valid and it is important to process them.’ - ‘She’s coping better than me.’
→ ‘I’m doing my best, we all cope in different ways.’
To move from judgement to compassion for other people, try these mental shifts:
- ‘Why is he being so snappy?’
→ ‘There may be things going on I don’t know about.’ - ‘They won’t think I’m working hard enough.’
→ ‘I’m doing the best I can in my situation.’
Maintaining your course
Accept that you may be less productive in these times. Try not to make up for it by working longer hours, but instead allow yourself to work sensible hours and make time to rest. Identify your priorities and set boundaries – for example, only working until a certain time, or not working on Sundays – so you can achieve them without compromising yourself and your health. You might find it helpful to make a default plan.
Accept that you may be less productive in these times. Try not to make up for it by working longer hours, but instead allow yourself to work sensible hours and make time to rest. Identify your priorities and set boundaries – for example, only working until a certain time, or not working on Sundays – so you can achieve them without compromising yourself and your health. You might find it helpful to make a default plan (rsc.li/30hECND).
Fill in the following list as a guide to help you maintain your work-life balance:
- My priorities for my life are …
- My priorities for my work are …
- My boundaries on my life are …
- My boundaries for my work are …
Accept that we are in different boats
This year we may be more reactive and easily agitated. Keeping in mind that our colleagues are in the same storm, but in different boats, may help us move from being judgemental to being compassionate. We are not always aware what is happening ‘below deck’ with others, and it’s important to show compassion to ourselves, too.
No comments yet