Staying Grounded This Autumn Term

In her latest article, Laura Williams shares some practical strategies to help educators stay grounded, productive and maintain their well-being as the busy Autumn term progresses

Now that we’re well into the depths of Autumn term, I know it can start to feel like the days are flying by and the workload is endless. With the school year in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind. That’s why it’s so important to take a step back, recalibrate and focus on what will help you stay grounded, productive and feeling your best.

The truth is, we’re at a point in the term where you might be running on autopilot. The back-to-school excitement has worn off, and you’re dealing with the reality of deadlines, meetings, and an overflowing to-do list. But before things feel too overwhelming, I want to encourage you to think about a few ways to help you not only stay afloat but also maintain your focus and protect your well-being.

Here are a few reminders that could make all the difference as the term moves on:

Give Yourself Permission to Pause
It’s tempting to keep pushing through, but taking short breaks can do wonders for your focus and mental clarity. Whether it’s stepping away from your desk for a quick walk or enjoying five minutes of quiet with your favourite drink, make it a point to pause during your day.

Prioritise Your To-do List
Not everything has to be done immediately. It’s important to focus on what really needs your attention and not just what’s loudest. Consider using my State of the Nation approach to help prioritise and manage your tasks more effectively.

Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
It’s okay to close your door, ask for more information before committing, or even say no. Protecting your time and energy is vital, especially as demands increase. The more you set clear boundaries, the more control you’ll feel over your day.

Build in Moments of Joy
Take the time to do something small that makes you happy every day. Whether it’s enjoying your morning coffee without interruptions, listening to your favourite podcast on your commute, or starting a fun end-of-day routine, these little pockets of joy can help lift your spirits.

Stay Connected With Your Support Network
Don’t underestimate the power of a quick chat or check-in with your peers. Sharing the load, bouncing ideas, or just having a laugh with someone who understands your world can be incredibly refreshing.

Remember, you’re doing an amazing job – but you don’t have to do it all at once. By weaving in some simple strategies, you’ll create space for yourself to breathe, think, and reset throughout the term. And that, in turn, will make everything feel just a little more manageable

I’d love to hear what strategies you’re using to stay on top of things and what’s helping you stay grounded – share them with me! We’re all in this together!