Staff Wellbeing: Managing Stress

Stress can often be seen as a negative experience. However, we all need a bit of stress to help get us up and moving in the day.

Rather than viewing stress as either a positive or negative, it may be more helpful to consider how we respond to stress and whether we choose healthy or unhealthy responses.

Having an awareness and understanding of how our body and mind reacts to stress can prove a useful skill in how we respond to situations.

Many factors can impact feelings and experiences of stress and you can learn more about how stress can affect the mind and body and ways to cope here - NHS Get help with stress

Evidence shows practices of Mindfulness and Self Compassion can have a positive impact on lowering and managing stress and can be one source to help us navigate life's ups and downs.

There are many ways we can support our emotional health and wellbeing and we suggest also taking a look at our get moving, eat well to feel well and improve your sleep pages. All of which can support a mindful approach to managing stress.

Breathing exercises for stress
This calming breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere.

You will get the most benefit if you do it regularly, as part of your daily routine.

Breathing exercises for stress - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Headspace for Educators

A free mindfulness app for education staff - You’re here for them, we’re here for you.

Headspace offers free access to all teachers, school administrators, and supporting staff.

Headspace for Educators

Explore Self Compassion

Dr Kristen Neff shares, 'Having compassion for oneself is really no different than having compassion for others.

Self-compassion simply involves doing a U-turn and giving yourself the same compassion you’d naturally show a friend when you’re struggling or feeling badly about yourself.'

Exploring the Meaning of Self-Compassion and Its Importance