Assistant Principal's Pastoral Care Report
With remote working and social isolation from family, friends and colleagues, our mental health is of vital importance. Whilst we always encourage a reduction in screen time, the recent moves to remote learning has seen a significant increase in the amount of time that students and families spend in front of their devices.
Looking after our mental health requires the same amount of focus and attention that we would play to our physical health.
Below are some tips from the Blackdog Institute to help support our balance of work/leisure/screen time and manage our mental health and wellbeing.
Working from home: A checklist to support your mental health during Coronavirus
It may have started as a bit of a novelty, but working from home for long periods of time can start to affect our mental health. Just as it is important to look after physical health during the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus, it’s also important to keep on top of how you are feeling.
Some common feelings you might be experiencing are:
Feeling isolated, lonely, or disconnected from other people – socially and professionally.
Being unable to ‘switch off from work’.
Having difficulty staying motivated.
Having difficulty prioritising your workload.
Feeling uncertain about your progress, and whether you’re performing ok.
Insomnia and sleep problems.
To help combat this, here are some tips to protect your mental health when learning from home.
Set up routine and structure for your workday — create boundaries between ‘work time’ and ‘home time’
Set a routine as if you are going into the office and school, with a regular start time, and finish time, and a structure for your day, with breaks and exercise scheduled in. This will help you maintain a strong boundary between work and home life, minimise the possibility of work intruding into your family time, and help you switch off from work at the end of the day. Creating cues, such as getting changed into your school uniform at the start of the day, and out at the end, can help with this.
Create a specific place in your home where you work (avoid your bedroom)
Studies show that working from home can interfere with sleep, especially for people who find it difficult to switch off from school. Avoid working in your bedroom if possible. It will then become associated with being alert, awake and switched on.
Stay connected with your teachers
Staying connected with others will help to reduce stress levels, help you feel less isolated, and stay productive. It also helps you communicate with your manager or employees to keep them informed of what you’re working on.
Try a digital detox in the evenings
Technology makes it easier to stay connected 24-7, but the downside is that it can make it difficult to switch off, and separate school and home life. Try a digital detox to help you switch off from work, so you can spend quality time with your family, or do the things you want to do.
Try and get outside at least once a day
If you’re not stuck in self-isolation, try to get outside at least once a day. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, and sunshine. If you are in isolation, go outside, walk up and down your driveway and enjoy fresh air.
Don’t forget the other helpful actions for maintaining positive mental health
These include:
- Exercising, getting a good night’s sleep and eating well
- Doing activities you enjoy
- Staying connected with social supports
- Managing stress through problem solving, relaxation or meditation
- Thinking in helpful ways
Remember the Pastoral Team, Counsellor and Homeroom teachers are here to offer support to families and students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need extra support or help. We look forward to welcoming you back at the College very soon.
Nathan Mansfield
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care