New Year, New Resolutions: Reclaiming Our Wellbeing

It’s official. After four years, I am finally back. I’ve promised myself I won’t let "perfection paralysis" take over this time.

A lot has changed since my last entry. I’ve moved to the North, changed jobs, and settled into a new school. With these fresh beginnings, I finally feel ready to share my thoughts again. As we step into the New Year, I’ve been reflecting on my resolutions—not just the typical goals, but the essential practice of looking after our minds. "Wellbeing" might be the word of the hour, but it’s a concept we simply cannot afford to ignore.

Wellbeing: Beyond the Buzzword

As the year kicks off, many of us craft long lists of resolutions. For some, these are achievable; for others, they vanish into the whirlwind of the academic term. Since the pandemic, mental health has moved to the forefront of our professional conversations. With the rise of mindfulness, meditation, and a heightened awareness of burnout, we are more conscious than ever of the perils of our profession.

The reality is stark. According to the Health and Safety Executive, teaching remains one of the top five occupations most affected by work-related stress. In fact, roughly 70% of educators report that their health has suffered due to their working conditions. Stress manifests in many ways—from physical heart conditions to the "Sunday Night Dread." These aren't just minor inconveniences; they are signals that our long-term health is at risk.

With a 2022 Education Support Partnership poll suggesting that 35% of educators planned to leave the profession by 2026, the future of education feels precarious. We cannot separate workload from mental health. So, how do we manage the weight of the job while protecting our peace?

My Wellbeing Roadmap for 2026

Here are the practical steps and mental health strategies I am committing to this year:

1. Hard Boundaries are Non-Negotiable

Set a "hard stop" time. Whether it’s 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, choose a moment where the laptop shuts and the "teacher brain" turns off. Use that time for something that is purely for you—walking the dog, a gym session, or simply sitting with a book. Remind yourself: You are a person who teaches, not just a teaching machine.

2. Strategic Task Management

Don't let the "To-Do" list own you. Allocate specific days for marking and admin. As a Head of Department, I now batch my emails during quiet windows—either early morning or a set time after school—rather than reacting to notifications all day. If it’s not an emergency, it can wait until your designated admin block.

3. Don’t "Sweat the Small Stuff"

In a high-pressure environment, one bad lesson or a tense meeting can feel like a catastrophe. Practice cognitive reframing: ask yourself, "Will this matter in six months?" Usually, the answer is no. Give yourself the same grace you would give your students.

4. Prioritize "Active Rest"

Mental health isn't just about sleep; it's about variety. Engage in hobbies that require total focus, like crafting, team sports, or learning a language. This "flow state" allows your brain to fully disconnect from school-related anxiety.

5. Connection Over Isolation

Teaching can be surprisingly lonely. Make an effort to visit the staffroom—even for ten minutes—to talk about anything except work. Shared laughter is one of the most effective buffers against workplace stress.

6. Practice Radical Self-Compassion

We are often our own harshest critics. If you didn't get through your marking or your lesson plan didn't go perfectly, acknowledge the effort you put in. Your worth is not defined by your productivity.

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What about you? What is one small change you’re making this term to protect your mental health? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.