Teacher Wellbeing

Ever feel like a slave to your email inbox or to those little red notification numbers on your social media apps? I do, and it's something I've been working hard to improve over the last year and a half. In this episode, I share with you the digital boundaries I've been setting up and how they've made a difference in my life, helping improve my productivity, my relationships and my sleep. Social media and email is here to stay, and it's a wonderful thing that we can connect to each other through these mediums at all hours and across huge distances. It's not about removing them from your life altogether, nor is it about implementing the exactly list of things that I've tried in exactly the order I share them. I invite you to simply reflect on your experience of the impact of email and social media on your life and wellbeing, and consider approaching these platforms with more intention and less mindless scrolling. I'm confident that when you do, you'll find more enjoyment in the platforms and your life!At the s

In this episode I speak with Meg Durham from Open Mind Education (openmindeducation.com). Meg was a little girl who always wanted to be a teacher and she grew up to be a Science and PE secondary school teacher. However, despite being extremely excited to begin her teaching career, she describes her first year as an "avalanche". The only way she survived was by napping, and putting her personal life on hold until the holidays. It was an unexpected conversation with a student in crisis that put Meg on the path to a Master’s of Student Wellbeing. After a move from Melbourne, VIC to Toowoomba, QLD and from full-time to a 0.7 (or 70%) teaching load, she experienced a marked change to her quality of life, quality of teaching, and life/job satisfaction. One thing led to another and she eventually began Open Mind Education.In this episode, Meg shares about the work she now does with schools, and how she’s found there is no one-size-fits all approach. She then goes on to explain why school wellbeing is like a farm and

Are you striving for balance or you do you think it's a dirty word? In this episode, I share what I've learned from my Exercise Physiologist husband about the importance of balance in preventing falls for older adults, and why I think it applies to teachers when preventing burnout. I personally feel that work-life balance is not a myth but that the way balance is often spoken about is unhelpful and set it up to be unattainable.At the start of this episode I also make a few announcements and reminders, including about the free webinar I'm running on April 5th 2018 at 6pm AEST called 'Preventing Burnout: The Missing Link'. You can sign up at www.selfcareforteachers.com.au/webinarAlso, a word of warning: this episode is marked 'Explicit' due to a couple of spots of strong language. Just in case you're listening with kiddies around...For full show notes, see www.selfcareforteachers.com.au/podcastThis episode is brought to you by Daniela Falecki's Teacher Wellbeing Cards. These 52 card give you simple daily remind

In this episode, I interview Trudy from Teachers Thriving Magazine (www.teachersthriving.com). Trudy is a former Teacher and Principal who now works in a regional support role in Queensland, and has a lot of wisdom to share from her many years in the education system across a variety of roles. In this interview, Trudy shares her own wellbeing journey, including the juggling act of having a family and a career, and what she did to deal with her working mother guilt. We also touch on the problem many teachers face of having trouble sleeping, as well as why Trudy is seeking work-life satisfaction rather than work-life balance. Of course, we also explore the beautiful Teachers Thriving Magazine, which is not like your standard teacher's journal or professional publication that you might find littering the tables in the staff common room. It's a beautiful and very inspiring read and if you're looking for some holiday reading, I highly recommend it.At the start of this episode I also make a few announcements and re

One of the things a lot of teachers tell me is a challenge for them in their personal and workplace wellbeing is having to work with a difficult person. It might be a colleague, a parent of one of the students you teach, or one of the leadership team at your school. If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out, your ability to respond rather than react will be even more limited. So what can you do about it? In this episode, I share a personal story as well as some concepts from author Harriet Lerner (www.harrietlerner.com) about the way interpersonal relationships are like dances made up of predictable patterns of steps. As frustrating as it is, all you can control is your next step in the dance."There is nothing wrong with wanting to change another person. The problem is that it usually doesn't work." ~ Harriet Lerner in 'The Dance of Anger'At the start of this episode I also make a few announcements and reminders, including about the free webinar I'm running on April 5th 2018 at 6pm AEST called 'Pre

This is the first Teacher Story episode of Season 3, where I interview early childhood and primary school teacher Katie, who shares her journey from health challenges to wellbeing. We talk about the occupational hazard for teachers around our voice, her experience of moving to a new place for school transfer and the impact that had on her personal and professional wellbeing. She shares some wonderful wellbeing tips, and I think the most interesting part of her story is how teaching wellbeing practices to the students in her class is what transformed Katie's personal wellbeing. Katie also runs See Me, Know Me, Teach Me (https://seemeknowmeteachme.com), which she is setting up in order to share wellbeing tips and strategies for students and children. She wants to support children in their school and home lives, and I highly recommend following her on Facebook too.At the start of this episode I also make a few announcements and reminders, including about the free webinar I'm running on April 5th 2018 at 6pm AEST

In this episode of the Teacher Wellbeing Podcast, I interview Daniela from teacher-wellbeing.com.au about all things Teacher Wellbeing! Daniela works specifically with schools and teachers to improve both whole-school organisational wellbeing as well as personal wellbeing for individual teachers. I really enjoyed this conversation because Daniela and I are very aligned in our approaches. We both agree that it's important to be proactive about wellbeing and that tiny habits done regularly make more of a difference than one-off events. We discuss the difference between taking personal responsibility for our lives (which moves us forwards) and sitting in self-blame (which keeps us stuck). Daniela shares a number of really practical action steps we can all take to be proactive (instead of reactive) about our wellbeing, and how to work on wellbeing from the inside out first. In the end, it's about being kinder to ourselves and understanding that student wellbeing starts with teacher wellbeing. For full show notes

The Teacher Wellbeing Podcast has just turned 1, and I'm celebrating! In this episode, I share with you what to expect for the podcast and Self-Care for Teachers this year, as well as a number of updates and announcements. First, a big shoutout to my Patreon supporter Kirsty! Second, an update on my book about teacher wellbeing, and how you can be a part of the process. Third, a bit about ways you can work with me this year through my Accountability or Life and Wellbeing Coaching. And finally, an excerpt from one of my favourite books about self-care that will have you reflecting on the way you might be depriving yourself of the care you are really craving. Full show notes for this episode can be found at selfcareforteachers.com.au/podcast

Wow, it's the final episode of Season 2 and 2017 is almost over! How do you feel about New Year's Resolutions? I generally love them, but I know some people hate them. I get it, and this year I'm feeling rather tired of constant goal setting, so I'm not going to do as much intention setting this New Year as I have in the past. However, I have decided on a motto for 2018 and a theme word for the year. I share a little bit about them in this episode, and explain why it helps me make decisions and set priorities throughout the year. Have you ever chosen a theme word for your year? I'd love to know! Thank you for being along for this podcast journey in 2017 and I hope you have a very happy start to 2018! Whether you're a resolutions fan or not, Happy New Year! And remember: you are enough, already and always <3Season 3 will be coming in Term 1, 2018 but until then, to stay up to date with me between podcast seasons, sign up for the newsletter at http://eepurl.com/cljncLThis episode is sponsored by Katrina Bour

In this episode I talk to Melissa Smith about nourishing your body and mind to prevent burnout. Melissa is the creator of the Energy Mastery Method and she specialises in nutritional therapy for energy, fatigue and burnout. She has an experience of burnout herself, which she talks about this episode. We also cover the symptoms of physical burnout, and the way thyroid, adrenal and reproductive hormones impact that. We talk about chronic stress, and why it's really important to address the feelings of shame and guilt that so many people experience when they feel they aren't coping. In her work, Melissa helps women clear out the clutter in their pantries, minds and bodies, nourish themselves from cell to soul, so they can perform at their best every day while having the energy to enjoy their life outside of making their mark on the world. Check out her website at www.melissasmith.pro to find out more and download her free guide to boosting your energy! "Burnout has such a far reaching effect on the body." This e

The guest today is Andrew McCormack, Senior Associate and Accredited Family Law Specialist at Best Wilson Buckley Family Law (https://bwbfamilylaw.com.au). We talk about legal considerations for teachers, like mandatory reporting obligations and the protocols that differ between schools, as well as some things you might need to know about teachers becoming involved in family law court proceedings. Andrew also covers some things around legal self-care, such as the ways teachers can protect themselves online. Andrew, although he is not a teacher and has never been a teacher, he gets it. He understands the impact of long hours, inflexible deadlines and sometimes highly emotional and complex human situations that arise, and how that can impact on a person's mental health. Unfortunately, there are high rates of burnout in the legal profession just like in teaching, so he understands. Andrew's advice is to remember that you are not alone, that there is a whole structure and framework supporting you, so ask for help

In this episode, I interview Lisa Murray, author of the new book "Living Beyond Burnout." Lisa and I discuss the lessons she's learned from having burnout 3 times and the stories she told herself before she knew what burnout was. We also explore why it's vital that more people talk about burnout so it stops being a shameful secret and as a community we can notice the warning signs and focus on prevention. Lisa shares the number one symptom to be on the lookout for and some wonderful tips for how be creative in your approach to work so as to increase energy and vitality. As often happens, one of the central messages is to experiment on yourself and figure out what works for you, because there is no one size fits all! You can find more about Lisa Murray at www.creativealchemi.com or get the book at www.livingbeyondburnout.comThis episode is sponsored by Katrina Bourke Coaching, helping caring professions create a life of balance and flow. Find out more at www.katrinabourkecoaching.com.au and evolve, transform,

The guest today is Maria Doyle from mariadoyle.com and we have a fantastic conversation about burnout and the importance of self-care. Remember, to be eligible the Christmas prize draw, go to www.patreon.com/selfcareforteachers In this episode, I interview Maria about her experiences with burnout, the lessons she learned after suffering multiple organ failure and the power of personal growth. We discuss the way teaching attracts nurturers and carers who just want to serve, but end up over-giving, and the way that approach undermines effectiveness and our ability to serve in the long run. Maria shares how she has moved from being a workaholic and perfectionist to somebody who prioritises self-care and serves from a full cup."Being exhausted as a teacher is the status quo." This episode is sponsored by Katrina Bourke Coaching, helping caring professions create a life of balance and flow. Find out more at www.katrinabourkecoaching.com.au and evolve, transform, thrive.

In this episode I share a snipper from the book I'm writing about teacher wellbeing. I also announce some updates to the Self-Care for Teachers Patreon Page. To be eligible the Christmas prize draw, go to www.patreon.com/selfcareforteachers"What got you here, won’t get you there. This is fitting for this conversation about teacher self-care on both an individual and collective level. What got us and our education system to this point of mass teacher burnout and attrition will not get us to mass teacher wellbeing and retention. If we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll keep getting the results we’re getting. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We cannot wait any longer for the powers that be to fix our education system. The only person I have control over in my life is me. The only person you have control over is you. It would be great if we all felt confident and worthy enough to be practising radical, differentiated self-care already, but the fact is that our culture doesn’t encourage it. Apart from the s

If you've ever experienced anxiety, then this episode is for you! I speak with Neurologic Music Therapist Allison Davis (www.allisondavies.com.au) about the way brains work, the causes of anxiety and how we can apply small, simple strategies consistently to help our brains work at their best. We also discuss the value of singing and reading out loud, not just for the kiddos in our lives but for us too! It's a wonderful conversation about brain care as self-care. Take a brain break and enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Katrina Bourke Coaching. Katrina helps caring professions create a life of balance and flow. She has a range of programs available for teachers and school leaders. To find out more visit katrinabourkecoaching.com.au

In this episode, I share dive a little deeper into some ways you can think about self-care, including the difference between resourceful and unresourceful self-care and the importance of being really honest and self-aware when working out what self-care activities you want to prioritise. I share an activity you can do to help identify the best self-care practices for you so that you can differentiate wellbeing strategies to meet your needs, instead of 'should'-ing all over yourself. This episode is sponsored by Katrina Bourke Coaching, helping caring professions create a life of balance and flow. Katrina has a range of programs available for teachers and school leaders, for more information go to katrinabourkecoaching.com.au Katrina Bourke Coaching, Evolve, Transform, Thrive!

I interview Vanessa, who teaches at a special school in Queensland. We have a great conversation about how things shift when returning to work post-maternity leave, why boundary setting is so important and the power of structure and routine (it's just as important for us grown ups as it is for the kids in our classes!). Vanessa's advice is relevant to all teachers, and her practical tips to prevent decision fatigue and prioritise self-care even in busy times are extremely valuable. "Choose 1 non-negotiable and stick to it." Remember to check out patreon.com/selfcareforteachers to help support the podcast.

This is a great conversation with Katrina Bourke, an ex-teacher and Deputy Principal who now coaches caring professionals out of their overwhelm and stress, and into balance and flow. After decades of constant busy-ness, self-judgment, comparison and feeling never-quite-good-enough, she has learned to accept and manage all of that and make long-lasting change. Katrina shares her story of overcoming unhelpful patterns and wellbeing challenges, as well as some fantastic advice for teachers to thrive in the classroom and in life. Find her at www.katrinabourkecoaching.com.au "Come to terms with the fact that you will never get through your to-do list."

I interview my sister, Naomi, about her experiences as a primary school teacher in Queensland, Australia and in London, England. We also talk about the importance of the community aspects of teaching and the pros and cons of being married to a teacher. Naomi has some great ideas about work-life balance and what that looks like for teachers compared with other professions, as well as some excellent self-care and wellbeing tips for fellow teachers. "It's good to take a step back and think 'this is only half an hour out of the whole year with these kids.'" Remember, if you would like to help support the podcast through donations and sponsorship, go to www.patreon.com/selfcareforteachers

It's been a while between drinks but I'm back with the first episode of Season 2! In this episode I share where I've been, why I took such an unexpectedly big break between seasons and what to expect from the second season of the podcast. I also cover some of the insidious symptoms of burnout and why I believe the teacher burnout conversation needs to shift focus going forwards. Plus, I am introducing a new way to support the show. Would you like to be the first sponsor of the Teacher Wellbeing podcast? Head on over to https://patreon.com/selfcareforteachers