A recent article in the Guardian uses this idiom (above) to highlight just how important it is for teachers to look after their own needs before looking after the needs of their students.

The article comes following the analyses of figures from a recent NASUWT survey which has revealed that worries about teacher workload has seen 67% of teachers state that their job had adversely impacted on their mental or physical health.

As a result, The Guardian has put together five things that teachers can do to help them to improve their work-life balance and overall health. You can read the full article at http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/jun/05/teachers-five-ways-to-boost-mental-health-mindfulness

I very rarely do this but it seems relevant here to mention a book that is published by one of the companies owned by Hamilton House (the company that brings you this newsletter).

First and Best in Education have published a book entitled “Recovery from stress: a school manager’s guide to helping colleagues” which examines in detail many of the personal problems faced by teachers: assertiveness, low self-esteem, lack of self-belief, depression, a lack of coping strategies.

The volume also looks at the sources of stress and then details the possible solutions, such as anxiety management, problem solving, relaxation techniques, etc. The book helps school managers who don’t suffer from excessive stress to understand what their colleague under stress is going through and to see how she or he can be helped.

“Recovery from stress: a school manager’s guide to helping colleagues” also includes a set of templates relating to the school’s policy on stress and a risk assessment programme and details on the various ways schools and individuals can overcome stress and reduce stress levels.

You can buy the book as a photocopiable ring bound book or on CD Rom at http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=391