New Year, New You

It’s a cliché that we’ve heard so many times.  At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, resolutions are made, and, more often than not, broken. The busiest times for gyms are in January, when fitness intentions are at their best after the gluttony of Christmas, the same goes for Dry January, as some sort of penance for overdoing it over the festive period. Gyms get quieter in February, and bottles are opening and corks popping again, it’s just human nature.

But what about September? When the Aperol Spritz on the beach is a distant memory and the drive home from school is getting noticeably darker. The summer holidays can be a bit of a double-edged sword, as the extended break can make it harder to get into the swing of the new term.

Start as you mean to go on

As far as cliché’s go, what can you take onboard to soften the blow, and help you approach and continue the new academic year in the best possible way, for both you and your school community?

We’re all in the same boat

Checking in with colleagues is great, not just online, but over the phone or in person. The same goes for new members of staff, see how their summer went, and how they’re feeling about embracing the new term.

The pen is mightier than the sword

How did the last year go? Review what worked, what didn’t, and what you might do differently. A good idea for this is to use a new handwritten journal to get these points down initially, reviewing and looking back throughout the year. Also, use a page per day for ongoing thoughts and to do lists.

Shiny shoes, shiny mind

Avoid that Sunday night feeling when you used to leave your homework until the last minute by preparing at least a week ahead before term starts. What unofficial prep do you need to do, both in and out of the classroom; has your car had a rest over the summer and is it all in working order? Do you need to refresh your wardrobe? Could your footwear do with a buff?

It all starts with you

A positive mindset goes a long way in all aspects of life, and none more so than in the classroom. Being around a positive person is the most effective method of ensuring a positive attitude amongst your pupils, so make sure that person is you.

My happy place

Remind yourself why you started a career in teaching in the first place; was it to be inspire, influence, or to make a difference? Keep whatever that reason is front of mind.

A healthy body equals a healthy mind

Ensure that you schedule some time in for yourself during the week, whether this be going to the gym or just getting out in nature.  And don’t forget, all of our Staff Absence policies come with access to our Health and Wellbeing Hub including an enhanced set of wellbeing tools as well as supporting you through our Employee Assistance Programme. This includes specialist face-to-face or remote counselling (eight sessions per issue) and a 24/7 confidential helpline with qualified specialist advisers.

And finally, it’ll soon be Christmas

Before you know it, pumpkins will be in the shops, leaves will be on the ground and half term will be upon us, followed by a flurry of festive adverts and thoughts of good intentions for the new year  just round the corner. Just ensure that the above tips last all academic year long.

 
The Education Broker is a trading name of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited. Registered in England Company No. 4043759, Registered Office: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD.  Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.