Our well-being, and that of our students, can be nourished when we reflect upon and act within our realm of control. So, what can we do??
- Adjust our attitude. When things go wrong, we can choose to step forward with our head high, shoulders back, and face determined. We can choose to take a breath and reset. We can choose to smile, even when we don’t feel like it. This triggers neurotransmitters in our brains, making us more positive, focused, and productive.?
- Disrupt dysregulation. Dysregulation begets dysregulation. To create a sense of calm for ourselves and our students, we can actively disrupt our dysregulated thoughts and behaviors by engaging in centering rituals like greeting every student, every day, using their name, and offering a handshake, high five, or compliment. These intentional efforts disrupt dysregulation and boost mental health.?
- Practice gratitude. We can choose to be appreciative. We can appreciate people, places, and experiences. We can choose to sincerely say “thank you” or write appreciation notes. Genuine gratitude soothes our souls and creates joy.??
- Invest in others. Begin by learning and using people’s names. We can ask “how are you?” and listen to the answer.? We can stop texting and start talking. We can seek to understand and choose to thank students for showing up, instead of demeaning them for being late. When we experience authentic connection, our well-being is nurtured and our community is strengthened.?
- Seek support. Needing support does not make us weak. Seeking support makes us proactive and wise. We can give ourselves grace and know that it is okay to rely on a friend, to set boundaries, or to consult a mental health professional when experiencing significant adversity. You can use this Educator Well-Being Check-in to identify your strengths and needs for support. ??
John Wooden said, “The little things make the big things happen.” Choose one idea from above and act today. It starts with you and just one little thing.
