It’s all about you!

In the first in a series on wellbeing, Phil Burton, business manager at Hallbrook and Cosby Primary School, explores how you can manage your wellbeing during the school day

Read the full article below or read on page 16 in our November magazine

We are all talking about wellbeing and how we manage the workloads and expectations of both others and ourselves. This is a very challenging area as we all know funding is decreasing in real terms and there continues to be more and more to try to fit into our day to day jobs.

Over the next few editions I want to explore how we can manage and support different areas of our lives in schools; this time round it is all about how to manage our own wellbeing – hence, it’s all about you!

If you are not working at your best, you will never be able to support others so, without wanting to reiterate the message,  at this point you are the main focus! So, what can you do in school to manage your wellbeing during the school day?

• Start thinking about your workload and stop doing things for other people. You have a job to do, and you should prioritise your task ahead of others. Of course there will be things that pop up that need your attention, but learn to say ‘No’.
• Make sure you take a break – we are all guilty of working through lunch but this is not good for you. Having a break from work will ensure you come back refreshed and be more productive.
• Work your hours – we all want to do a good job but if you are continually working above your hours there has to be recognition that there is probably not enough resource allocated to the role. Of course, I assume that everyone is working to capacity when I make this statement. Have the conversation about workload and the additional time you are working.

What about at home?

If you are not looking after your wellbeing it is often the people at home that take the main brunt of your frustrations. Make sure that, when you go home, you ensure that you leave the baggage at school. Family and friends are, ultimately,more important.

Schedule time with family and friends -and make this a routine. I love the idea of a bucket list that you complete through the year and do as a family. We currently have learning to sail, attend a musical, go to Lapland and attend Harry Potter World on the list which was created by all of my family together. We have at least one thing booked so far, but we have nine months to complete the rest.

Get yourself another focus or hobby that can take your mind off the day job. This could be cooking, art or even supporting a local volunteering group. I currently volunteer as a group scout leader, looking after the largest group in the district. Crazy, you may think; however, this has provided me with some brilliant opportunities, such as the chance to go sailing on tall ships and to visit places that we would not normally get to go to. 

It is not easy to get the balance right, and it will ebb and flow, but remember you are – at least for today – the most important person. 

Next time we will look at supporting the wellbeing of your team.