For teachers and parents: expert stress management tips
The last few months have been trying for everyone, and now that there’s talk of schools reopening – no one knows what that will look like yet, but perhaps in stages and with social distancing implemented – regardless of how it will work, the thought for teachers and parents is worrying.
Parents are worried about sending their children into schools, and teachers are concerned about the health and safety of everyone involved, including themselves.
The Government has asked schools in England to reopen on 1 June, but we’ve noticed that a lot of headteachers and their governors have made the proactive decision to keep as they are, for now. They have decided to continue to only take children of key workers, with many heads stating that it’s a risk they’re not willing to take.
Anxiety and stress for parents, teachers and pupils continue to rise with the uncertainty the immediate future brings. That’s why we’re sharing stress management tips to help you cope with your newfound anxieties throughout the coronavirus.
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Keep in touch with friends, family and other parents
In line with government guidance as of May 2020, you and another member of your household can now meet with one person outside of your household, outside and while maintaining social distancing.
This means you can meet up outside, perhaps in a park or the beach with a friend or family member. You must however, stay two metres apart at all times.
Staying in touch with friends and family can help support you through this difficult time. According to the Mental Health Foundation, friendship plays a vital role in mental wellbeing. Although people who are suffering from mental health problems often want to see less of their friends, you must take the time to check in with them.
If you’re part of parent or teacher group, take the time to air your concerns through these groups. Sometimes, you need clarification from other parents or teaching professionals that you’re not alone in your worries. Everyone is in the same boat, and talking about your fears can help you feel less lonely and better connected throughout this pandemic.
Exercise to keep your body and mind healthy
The NHS has created three workout videos that are easy to understand and follow along with at home. If you’re anxious about leaving your house to exercise, there’s no reason you can’t keep active from your living room with your children.
Exercise has proven to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. According to the NHS, it can also reduce your risk of major illnesses including heart disease, stroke and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.
Joe Wicks is still creating PE-style workout videos for parents to do with their children at home. This is another excellent way to encourage the whole household to keep active each day and keep the boredom and stress at bay!
Focus on what you can and can’t control
This sound advice is from The Association for Science Education – you should hone in on what you can control. They suggest writing a list of your worries and then work out which items you can control – this exercise is great for both teachers and parents.
Try and let go of the worry attached to the uncontrollable items – it’s wasted energy, you simply can’t do anything about it. Worrying or not worrying won’t make the outcome any different.
We’re all doing our best, and that is all you can physically do amid this pandemic.
Stay safe!
Communicating with parents during the pandemic has been a struggle for lots of schools. Sending out letters by post is time consuming and costly, especially when government guidelines are changing regularly regarding the virus. With our school app you can send messages to parents at the click of a button.