Working in a school can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding. The fast pace, high expectations, and emotional labour can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. Often, without realising it, we fall into habits that make things even harder. The good news? Small changes can have a big impact.
Here are common habits to stop today—and what to do instead—to improve your mental wellbeing.
Skipping Lunch 🕛
When the day is packed, it’s tempting to work through lunch. But skipping meals can lead to low energy, irritability, and decreased focus. Over time, it contributes to burnout. Prioritising a proper break—even just 20 minutes—can help you recharge and be more effective in the afternoon.
Try this
Schedule your lunch like an important meeting. Step away from your workspace and eat somewhere different. If time is tight, pair your break with a quick walk or a chat with a colleague to give your mind a full reset.
Taking Work Home 🏠
Many school staff feel pressure to take work home, especially marking or admin tasks. But constantly blurring the lines between work and home life can drain your mental reserves. Research shows that maintaining boundaries between work and rest is crucial for long-term wellbeing.
Try this
Set a time when you will stop working for the day. Use strategies like live marking to reduce take-home tasks, and leave work physically and mentally by creating an end-of-day ritual.
Saying Yes to Everything 👍
In schools, there are endless opportunities to volunteer for extra duties, lead initiatives, or support colleagues. While it’s great to be a team player, constantly saying yes can lead to overwhelm and exhaustion.
Try this
Practice saying “Let me think about it” instead of giving an immediate yes. This gives you time to assess your capacity before committing. Prioritise tasks that align with your goals and wellbeing.
Perfectionism ✨
Perfectionism can be particularly draining in education. The desire to create flawless lesson plans, resources, or reports often leads to overwork and stress. But striving for perfection isn’t necessary—research indicates that “good enough” can be just as effective.
Try this
Set realistic standards for yourself. Ask, “What’s the minimum effective effort I need to achieve the desired outcome?” Remind yourself that imperfection doesn’t diminish the value of your work.
Negative Self-Talk 🤬
Many of us are our own harshest critics, replaying mistakes or doubts in our minds. This negative self-talk can erode confidence and increase anxiety. Over time, it can impact both your wellbeing and performance.
Try this
Challenge negative thoughts by asking, “Would I say this to a friend?” Replace self-criticism with kinder, more supportive language. Regularly reflect on your successes, no matter how small.
Negative Self-Talk 🤬
Many of us are our own harshest critics, replaying mistakes or doubts in our minds. This negative self-talk can erode confidence and increase anxiety. Over time, it can impact both your wellbeing and performance.
Try this
Challenge negative thoughts by asking, “Would I say this to a friend?” Replace self-criticism with kinder, more supportive language. Regularly reflect on your successes, no matter how small.
Constant Multitasking 😵💫
It can feel like multitasking is the only way to stay on top of everything, but research shows it actually reduces productivity and increases stress. Constantly switching tasks drains mental energy and makes it harder to focus.
Try this
Use time blocking to focus on one task at a time. Turn off notifications during deep work periods and batch similar tasks, like emails, into designated slots.
Avoiding Rest and Downtime 😪
In high-pressure environments, rest can feel like a luxury. But downtime isn’t optional—it’s essential for maintaining mental health. Without regular rest, you’re more likely to experience burnout and reduced performance.
Try this
Schedule regular breaks throughout your day, even if they’re just a few minutes to breathe, stretch, or step outside. Protect your evenings and weekends by engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy.
Overloading Meetings 📆
Endless, unproductive meetings can leave you feeling drained and unmotivated. When meetings are poorly structured or overly frequent, they add unnecessary stress to your day.
Try this
Advocate for shorter, more focused meetings. Suggest sharing updates via email or collaborative platforms when possible. When attending a meeting, clarify the agenda and key outcomes to stay on track.
Ignoring Your Support Network🫂
It’s easy to isolate yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but staying connected to colleagues, friends, and family can help you manage stress more effectively. Sharing your experiences and seeking support can provide perspective and relief.
Try this
Reach out to a trusted colleague for a quick check-in or debrief. Consider creating a small support group within your school to share ideas and challenges regularly.
Internalising Others’ Expectations 🙃
Whether it’s pressure from parents, students, or leadership, it’s easy to take on external expectations as your own. However, constantly striving to meet everyone else’s demands can lead to feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion.
Try this
Focus on what you can control. Set priorities based on what’s most important to you and your students. Communicate boundaries clearly and remind yourself that you can’t please everyone all the time.
Improving your mental wellbeing doesn’t require huge changes. By letting go of unhelpful habits and adopting healthier alternatives, you can create a more sustainable, balanced approach to your work. Start small, choose one or two habits to focus on today, and build from there. You deserve to thrive, not just survive, in your role.
Create an Environment Where Staff Can Thrive
with the Human Kind Staff Wellbeing Award
The Human Kind Award for staff wellbeing offers you a practical framework that empowers you to create an environment where staff thrive. You’ll be supported all along the way with an experienced coach and our expert training. Plus, you’ll be able to benchmark yourself with similar schools and celebrate your progress through the assessment process.