Managing Workload 5
I recently read The Managing Workload Pocketbook from the brilliant Teachers’ Pocketbooks series. The book was written by Will Thomas. This is the final post in a series about my learning from the book. The book includes some really practical advice for how to stay healthy and avoid stress.
REST
Refuel – eat and drink properly for maximum performance
Exercise – take regular exercise for posture, health and stamina
Stop – take stimulus-free time
Time to reflect on your successes and plan your next steps to aid work-life balance
How to minimise stress:
- Plan ahead for the long, medium and short term
- Block out planning and relaxation time each week and take it
- Be realistic with your plans
- Be flexible towards your plans and build in enough margin for coping with unexepected demands – a teacher will always have them!
Make lists and tick off things you achieve – praise yourself! - Take time out during the day – even a few seconds without stimulus can help psychologically
- Eat and drink healthily, especially water
- Create time for exercise and mental space
- Do something for you each week, something you enjoy and look forward to
- As a teacher, manage your stress because it affects your students too
- Seek help from others if you feel you are suffering from too much stress.
I can honestly recommend this book. I think it’s rare to find a book about working and productivity which is specifically for teachers. The fact that it’s in an easy to digest pocketbook makes it even more impressive. I’d recommend that you take a look!
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