Headteacher Well-being

When we think about a leadership we often conjure up an image of a steady, controlled and knowledgeable person.  However, if you have experienced being a leader it can feel more like riding a rollercoaster, without the safety bar in extreme storm conditions. This experience can lead to even the most calm and steady of leaders feeling stressed, exhausted and mentally drained.

If we want to be the calm, self-assured leader then we need to look after ourselves. We cannot always change what we encounter on our rollercoaster but we can change how ready and resilient we are when embarking on the ride. Looking after ourselves means maintaining our own well-being first.

In its simplest form the concept of wellbeing comprises of two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for our well-being is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of staying mentally healthy. So how can we make sure we look after ourselves? 

We can use the Five Ways to Well-Being.These are evidence-based actions to improve personal well-being and our capacity to manage under pressure.The Five Ways were developed by The New Economics Foundation in 2008 as part of a project on developing mental capital  and are a great foundation for ensuring we stay well. 

1. The power of connection.

Significant research shows, having other people in our lives matters to our quality of psychological well-being. As human beings we are social animals, our relationships with others contribute to us feeling good, so it’s important to socially connect with others where we can. There are two types of social relationships that are important for us to build and maintain.  The first type of relationship to foster are those that are strong and deep. These connections take time to develop and nurture and are most notable for their closeness, honesty and affection. The second important type of relationship are where we feel we are part of ‘something’. This is where you can find your tribe of people. Results from studies show that this social participation is the one of the most significant differences you can make towards high levels of well-being.

2. The value of being active

We sometimes believe  that the mind and body are separate but what you do with your body has a powerful effect on your mental well-being. Evidence shows regular physical activity releases feel good endorphins which help prevent and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress as well as increase your level of fitness. But what if, like me, you hate the gym? Lifting weights or jogging on a treadmill isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. The good news is that we don’t have to be fitness fanatics to reap the benefits of being more active. Walking, gardening, cycling and swimming are all gentle ways to be active. Always remember any exercise is better than none at all!

 
3. The importance of learning.

Learning new things can boost our self-confidence, self-esteem and  help us to find meaning and purpose in life. Studies show learning throughout life can help us improve our  thinking skills and ability to cope with stress.

Our brains are already full of well-connected pathways,  and we are creatures of habit which means we like to think in the ways that are familiar to us.  To keep learning we need to  “jiggle our synapses a bit”. This can simply mean researching differing viewpoints, learning a new language, trying a new recipe or taking a different route to work.  Learning is about challenging ourselves to do something in a different way to what we’ve done before.
 

 4.The significance of taking notice.

Taking notice means being  aware of your thoughts and feelings in the moment, without getting caught up (ruminating) in them. Being mindful  can increase your ability to keep calm, reduce stress, think clearly and cope better with difficult situations. Many studies have shown that thinking about the past too much and worrying about the future is strongly linked with anxiety and depression. Although it is natural to respond any stress in by thinking about it,  it has been demonstrated that if we focus more on the present moment, we reduce negative thoughts and maintain a level of calmness, which is good for our mental health and well-being. 

So what does taking notice look like? Simple practices such as creating time in your day to appreciate something good that is already present in your life helps immensely. Feelings of gratitude directly activate brain regions associated with the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter dopamine. Take a moment to pay attention to what is good, positive, and beautiful as you go about your day.

We can also train ourselves to practice ‘mindfulness’. Research from Massachusetts General Hospital in 2011 has shown that being more aware of our thoughts, sensations and feelings for 8 to 12 weeks enhanced people’s well-being for several years. 
 

5. The science of giving.

When we give to others, it activates the areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain and boosts happiness for us as well as the people we help. Studies have shown that giving money away tends to make people happier than spending it on themselves. Even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a “thank you” or a kind word. Research shows individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy people, and happy people live up to 7 years longer!

As leaders we need to ensure we look after ourselves before and during the rollercoaster ride of leadership.  Ultimately the only thing that is constant in on that ride is YOU.  We should make focusing on our well-being a fundamental part of our leadership learning and model this good practice to our colleagues, friends and families.
 

‘The most powerful leadership tool is our own leadership example’
-John Wooden

Take a few minutes to reflect on the Five Ways To Well-being and see where you can find a better balance , and set an example to those around you. If you’d like a confidential space to talk about your  own well-being please do get in touch.