How not to lose your marbles as school returns

Too much to do … Not enough resources to do it!?

This is the common statement we say and hear in schools. While it can be argued this is true at times, let’s begin the year with a new narrative. Let’s unpack this in a more constructive way to understand wellbeing at work better and set ourselves for success as the new school year begins?

Firstly, imagine a see-saw where the demands of teaching teeter-totter on one side and the resources available to meet these demands on the other. This is known as Job Demands-Resource (JD-R) theory. Every day, we find ourselves precariously balancing on this educational see-saw, juggling marbles, attempting to keep both ends from crashing to the ground. It's a daily performance that would make even the most seasoned circus performer marvel.

The JD-R model is a dual dance designed to save us from the clutches of burnout and elevate us to the heights of engagement. On one side, we have the demands - be they physical, social, organizational, or psychological. On the other side, we have the resources – the magical elements that stimulate growth, learning, and development, making us feel like teaching superheroes.?

As we juggle the demands of lesson planning, classroom management, and the occasional student meltdown, we also need to explore resources. These internal and external resources are our trusty sidekicks to help us buffer the impact of high demands. This could include a supportive colleague, personal boundaries, a well-organized classroom, or a self-care routine that involves Tim Tam biscuits. Either way, we have resources available to us, and we need to strengthen them throughout the year as our secret weapon to exhaustion and fatigue.?

So, as the new school year begins, let the balancing act begin!??

When thinking about wellbeing at work, consider this language;?

1. Embrace the demands - if you are not a first-year teacher, you have done it all before, so you more or less know what to expect. Plan ahead, be realistic about what is achievable and enjoy the ride. Pace yourself.

2. Access and build your resources -??build your inner resources with continual learning about how you think, feel and respond. Access your outer resources, such as peer networks and school-based systems.?

• What demands are you facing this week?
• What resources will you use to balance this?

So, as the term begins, may your days be filled with joy, may your marbles remain securely in place, and may you move through the term feeling engaged, empowered and energised knowing that what you do matters!

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