How to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing and Decrease Your Anxiety Levels – by a School Mental Health Champion

All I can offer is my own experience. Having worked in a primary school for the last 19 years as a teaching assistant, then special needs support and Mental Health Champion, I can truly say things have changed in that time. The demands on teachers and staff are great. Working in education is TOUGH. Anxiety and mental wellbeing are coming to the forefront of the education sector like never before.

I could go on about the time and dedication of staff, the misconceptions of people outside of education etc, but that might only increase your feelings of anxiety.

I can’t solve all of your problems or change the way you have to teach and record results, but I can offer some ideas that you can incorporate into your day which should help reduce feelings of stress. Before you all shout ‘we don’t have time for wellbeing and mindfulness.’ I know you’ll have a never-ending list of jobs to do, but taking time out of your day for you is never a waste of time.

A great and simple way to look after your wellbeing in school without having to sit in the lotus position chanting is to take your breaks. I know you might think marking those few books sat at your desk while eating will save you time later, but it won’t. You need to get away from the classroom, see colleagues, have a moan about the odd thing etc. This time away will re-energise your batteries and make you more productive.

More ideas to support your wellbeing:-

• Get outside, even five minutes can make a difference
• Talk with friends
• Mindful colouring
• Yoga
• Any form of exercise
• Journaling, three positives from your day
• Keep hydrated
• Give yourself a treat (mine is always chocolate)
•  

Another great way to include mindfulness into your life is to add it to your school timetable to do with your class. If you just say, ‘I will fit it in somewhere,’ it won’t happen. Make it fun and do things you feel comfortable with. Children can tell when you are doing something you don’t believe in. There are so many apps and videos you can use, or just do it yourself. I find children respond better to staff in school than a strange American voice telling them to feel their inner self! Start with simple breathing exercises and then try a scripted body relaxation. Get any support staff to join in, you could even take it in turns to lead the activity. Children love to see the adults joining in and you will also benefit from the session. I love a win, win situation.

I do not claim to have all the answers or that I can always follow everything I tell others to do (no one’s perfect). What I can say is be kind to yourself. If you don’t look after you, how can you be expected to look after others?

Sally Leng

Mental Health Champion at a primary school in Bradford