Breathe

Today as I walked I pondered the notion of what it means to ‘breathe’ as an educator. For the first time, I have taken long service leave. Initially, this was to support my eldest child as they embark upon their HSC journey, which I am doing. But during my walk, I heard magpies warble, watched the waves crash into the beach, and sidled around the abundant kangaroo population so as not to disturb them. Then, I stopped at the top of the hill looking out across the vast ocean, and took in a big breath. It was at this point that I had the realisation that this is time for me too... and that is okay.

In the fast-paced world of education, we teachers often find ourselves immersed in a whirlwind of responsibilities, demands, and expectations. With an ever-evolving curriculum, diverse student needs, administrative duties, and the pursuit of professional development, the educational sector can sometimes feel like a relentless race. In this frenetic environment, it is crucial for us as educators to remember the importance of taking a breath. So, what does it mean to breathe in the busy educational sector? And, how I am trying to refocus my priorities as an educator and to reeducate myself around the fact that well-being should be a priority?

Yes, teaching is a noble and rewarding profession, but I know you agree that it can also be incredibly demanding. Modern educators are tasked with more than just delivering lessons; we are expected to be mentors, counselors, advisers, first-aiders and sometimes surrogate parents to our students. The pressure to meet academic standards, engage students, and manage classroom behavior can be overwhelming, leaving little time for self-care. This is something we all need to take stock of if we want to continue in this vocation. I include myself in this 'we'.

One of the most significant risks in the educational sector is teacher burnout. Burnout is characterised by physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from work, and reduced professional efficacy. When teachers experience burnout, not only does it impact their own well-being, but it can also have a detrimental effect on their families, peers and students. Burnout can lead to decreased job satisfaction, decreased performance, and even attrition from the profession.?

I think one of the most profound books I have ever read ‘Teacher’ (Stroud, 2018) addresses this eloquently. Gabbie’s writing really pulled at my heart, and challenged me intellectually and emotionally. As I read this powerful and personal memoir, I could hear the voices of many people I know within the educational sector; their various stories were represented on some level. And whilst the novel strives to narrate a story that is impossible to truly capture, it certainly highlights the powerful need for educators to continue to do what they do whilst honoring themselves, despite the institutional challenges.

I’m guilty of deep diving, or perhaps it is free-falling?? I get inspired or I want to know more about something, and down I venture like Alice into the unknown quest of Wonderland. This does bring me joy, but sometimes I need to push back into my creative side or disconnect from the chaos of learning into nature.??

In the midst of our busy schedules, we teachers must prioritise self-care to maintain our physical and mental health. Self-care doesn't mean neglecting responsibilities; rather, it involves finding a balance between work and personal life. These are some of the points that I am trying to draw upon to help me breathe easier:

• Set Boundaries: establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designating specific times for work-related tasks and stick to them as much as possible.?I also have a set space where I can close the door and leave 'learning land' behind.
• Practice Stress Management: incorporating stress-reduction techniques into my daily routine. Mindfulness and calm breathing techniques, meditation, and journaling. I'm walking and going to the gym, which both help my stress levels.
• Take Regular Breaks: during the school day I try to take short breaks to recharge; a few minutes of relaxation can make a big difference in your energy levels. I might sit at my desk rather than go to the staff room, or sometimes I walk to a quiet place in the school and sit and just listen.?
• Seek Support: I am getting better at seeking support from colleagues, and I have mentors with whom I can connect with. I would urge anyone who is feeling alone to seek the support of counselors or psychologists when needed. Sharing your challenges and seeking advice can be immensely helpful, and it is not something to be ashamed of.
• Professional Development: I frequently invest in my own professional development, but I do so at a pace that is manageable for me. Continuous learning is essential. It should not become overwhelming. It is important that it ignites curiosity and empowers you to be a better version of yourself.
• Hobbies and Interests: beyond school, I try to maintain a life outside of teaching. I have an array of hobbies and interests that bring me happiness and help me disconnect from work, and what’s even better they provide a great way for me to use my creative side.

When we as teachers prioritise our well-being and practice self-care, the benefits extend beyond our own lives, because happy, healthy teachers are better equipped to create positive learning environments for their students. They are more patient, empathetic, and creative in their teaching methods. Be honest. There has been that day where you have responded or reacted in a way that was not within your usual flow> These days are okay, we all have them but they are a great litmus test as to how we are doing overall and a catalyst for reflection and change.? It is when we elicit this change, that we serve as role models for students, demonstrating the importance of balance and self-care in a busy world. Incidental and teachable moment … check!?

There is a magnificent opportunity for educational institutions to grow their recognition and action towards acknowledging the importance of teacher well-being. If we consider this through a business lens, teachers are certainly the biggest asset in this field. System administrators can play a crucial role in promoting a healthy work environment by providing resources, professional development opportunities, and support for teachers. This includes initiatives to reduce excessive administrative burdens and create a culture that values the well-being of educators, or access to professional services as required. These service-based provisions are key to base occupational and health protocol, but imagine if they leveled up. Could this go deeper? Let’s look at some of the innovative ways in which Google and Canva consider the human resource aspect of their business model. Now that’s thinking! I’m not suggesting sleep pods, or am I? I feel that sometimes our world is so full of little people and their needs, that it would be wonderful to just be able to fill our cup a little whilst at work, with a little more than just coffee. A colleague and I have recently started walking meetings once a week after school ends. These meetings ebb and flow as we walk we generate a plan of attack, debrief, and sometimes we just disconnect from all things school. I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a first step to changing professional routines.

In the whirlwind of the educational sector, we educators must remember to take a breath. Prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support are not signs of weakness but rather essential practices for maintaining well-being in a demanding occupation. By doing so, we as a profession can find renewed energy and enthusiasm, benefiting ourselves, family, colleagues, and our students. So just breathe … we’ve got this!