Date of update

4th January 2023

Reframing

In this brief video, Rachel Cooper introduces reframing and how we can shift our mindset.

Below are the resources that Rachel discusses in the video:

• Cable, D. M. (2020) Exceptional: Build Your Personal Highlight Reel and Unlock Your Potential. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Prism.
• The power of yet | Carol S Dweck | TEDxNorrköping: https://youtu.be/J-swZaKN2Ic
• Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet: https://youtu.be/XLeUvZvuvAsLink opens in a new window
• James Dyson, Taking about Failing: https://youtu.be/-SI6IpceuVILink opens in a new window
• Cognitive Reframing ActivityLink opens in a new window

11th January 2023

Positive mindset

Our mindsets are sometimes our worst enemies - check out this 10 minute video to learn a few simple tricks to make yours into an ally.

• Alison Ledgerwood: A simple trick to improve positive thinking

18th January 2023

Responding to Feedback

Sometimes our feelings just get in the way of feedback and it leaves us feeling angry, deflated or like what we're doing is futile. Why not test out this model called the OK Corral when you get or give feedback.  

When you're OK and the person you're talking to is OK, you'll find the feedback much easier to take. If not, identify any issues that make it not OK and deal with them first. THEN schedule the feedback and see how much better it goes. 

25th January 2023

Physical Wellbeing - let's focus on sleep

Read:

• https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/MHF-Sleep-Report-2011.pdfLink opens in a new window
• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/sleep-problems/about-sleep-and-mental-health/Link opens in a new window
• https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/#top-tipsLink opens in a new window
• Habits for happiness (Sharp) Audible Episode 6 Sleep Your Way to the TopLink opens in a new window
  

Watch:

Apps to support sleep:  

• CalmLink opens in a new window
• HeadspaceLink opens in a new window

Podcasts: 

• BBC 3 Slow RadioLink opens in a new window
• Get SleepyLink opens in a new window
• Sleep WhispersLink opens in a new window
• Sleep Meditation PodcastLink opens in a new window

1st February 2023

Relational Wellbeing - let's focus on human connection

Relationships are the centre of the classroom atmosphere for Sherwood (2008) and the main hurdle to wellbeing in school communities is negative or faulty relationships according to Morris (1995). A more relational approach to wellbeing opens the door to kinds of well-being that are more peaceful, cooperative, spontaneous and less calculative and competitive. As Miller and Stiver (1997, p.22) suggest: In creating mutually enhancing connections, we can transform all the institutions in our lives, from school to workplace to home. For this reason I suggest we should be placing relational wellbeing in school communities at the centre of our concern (Burrows, 2011).

Here’s a short index to the themes on this talk:

1. Don't multitask. (4:27)
2. Don't pontificate. (4:50Link opens in a new window)
3. Use open ended questions. (6:02Link opens in a new window)
4. Go with the flow. (6:39Link opens in a new window)
5. If you don't know, say that you don't know. (7:26Link opens in a new window)
6. Don't equate your experience with theirs. (7:46Link opens in a new window)
7. Try not to repeat yourself. (8:26Link opens in a new window)
8. Stay out of the weeds. (8:46Link opens in a new window)
9. Listen. (9:08Link opens in a new window)
10. Be brief. (10:29Link opens in a new window) Listen.

Be prepared to be amazed!

Connections can bring joy – on a global scale...

• Placing relational wellbeing at the centre of our concernLink opens in a new window

8th February 2023

Vocational Wellbeing

• Mental health: Calendar
• Reducing mental health stigmaLink opens in a new window
• Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing: Tips to create the physical environmentLink opens in a new window
• Setting boundaries: A guide for staff in schoolsLink opens in a new window

15th February 2023

Emotional Wellbeing

Take a look at the video to explore what emotional resilience is and what we can do to cultivate it.

Click here to explore some strategies for developing your own emotional resilience so that you can bounce back like Tigger.

Further resources

• Just laugh - Habits for happiness (audible)Link opens in a new window
• Can school make you happy?: https://smileymovement.org/organisations/teachappy-ltd#Link opens in a new window

1st March 2023

Financial Wellbeing

Financial security is fundamental to wellbeing. But almost 1 in 3 workers are concerned about their level of personal debt. In unpredictable times, money becomes an even greater cause of stress and anxiety so why not take a look at these resources to see what help is available.

• http://ukcitizensdebtadvice.org/
• https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-consolidation-calculator.aspxLink opens in a new window
• https://www.stepchange.org/debt-test.aspxLink opens in a new window
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/Link opens in a new window
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/how-to-cope-with-financial-worries/Link opens in a new window

For your ongoing career in education, take a look at Budget Planner Financial SupportLink opens in a new window and budgeting tips from Education Support, the charity that supports all educators.

8th March 2023

The importance of movement

Research tells us that for most people movement and exercise support and improve our mental wellbeing. It can be difficult to find the time or the desire to exercise when we are busy but it has a range of benefits.

Click here for the link to Warwick Sport to see what exercise opportunities are available on campus. For further information on the benefits of exercise on wellbeing click hereLink opens in a new window.

15th March 2023

Compare and Despair

When we're learning something new, like how to teach, we are surrounded by others who may appear to be making more progress, getting better results or having an easier time of it than us. The seemingly fabulous results or progress of others can make us feel inadequate. But don’t worry! Today we will learn how to understand and deal with jealousy, while making sure we feel joy for others.

For me, the very best bit is in minute two of this recording!

A great two minute video from Brene Brown on how to be a great friend, using empathy:

A podcast (4 min) on authentic relationships: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7Drdbai/Link opens in a new window

A 4 minute listen on social comparison called “I’m happy for you”: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrdNFJ/Link opens in a new window

A longer read/listen: The Compassion Cure by Lucy SheridanLink opens in a new window

22nd March 2023

Get moving

We know that there is a connection between our physical health and our mental wellbeing. Exercise doesn't have to be punishing though. In fact, if we move our bodies in a way that feels good and is enjoyable we are more likely to continue to exercise and reap the benefits. Listen to the podcast below that explores the link between lifestyle and mood.

• The Food MedicLink opens in a new window

29th March 2023

Emotional Wellbeing

We all experience a range of emotions every day and that is an important part of being human. Being able to recognise our emotions is a big part of managing our own emotional health and helps us build resilience and self-awareness. It also helps us support children who are struggling with their own emotional health. Here's a look at some common examples of good emotional health and the impact it can have:

• Noticing upsetting emotions when they arise. This enables you to name them and process them in healthy ways
• Catching your own self-judgments.
• Curiosity.

What is emotional intelligence? This YouTube video gives a simple explanation:

How can I help develop my/my children’s emotional Intelligence? Have a look at this video for some ideas:

The RULER model can help:

The mood meter is a useful tool for identifying and understanding emotions.

This talk, by Mark Bracken, author of “Permission to Feel” helps us understand how Emotional Intelligence can transform students’ experience of school. If you only have time to watch 3 minutes, go straight to 14m 45 seconds.