Wyoming Education Association

Summer 2021

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Educators are notorious for prioritizing others' needs above their own. In doing this, they often overextend themselves. Wilkinson says it's essential to remember that it's OK to say no. "You have to draw up healthy boundaries and say no to anything extra that's just going to stress you out," she says. "Be mindful about prioritizing things that are really important—if you don't need to take it on, don't p ut it on your plate." Small acts of self-care and giving yourself permission to say no are important steps on the journey to mental health and wellness for educators. But what about students? How can you support your students' well-being during the next school year? "It all hinges on building relationships," says Wilkinson. "Building relationships with students has always been essential to creating an effe ctive, fulfilling learning environment. Now that's the case more than ever." Wilkinson points out that strong relationships with students will help foster their resiliency as we all continue to make our way through unprecedented times together. It also centers the focus on Social-Emotional Learning and ensures that students' most basic need for human connection is being met, so they're able to focus on lea rning. Strong relationships will also give educators insight into students' normal personalities and behavior, which will, in turn, make educators more acutely in tune with changes in students who may benefit from visiting with a school counselor or other mental health professional. Wilkinson also points to a growth mindset as being paramount to mental health. "Remember this concept that we want to be pro cess-oriented over product-oriented," she says. "We may not be where we want to be yet. But, it doesn't mean that we give up. Really, it's the journey that's more important than getting to where we're trying to go. Praise your students on how hard they've worked, not necessarily the end result of what they've achieved. Focusing on the journey helps students build resiliency in the face of challenge." During the next school year, educators will continue to juggle working to ensure that your students are in a healthy headspace in which they feel safe and can effectively learn. As you're juggling, it's essential that you remember not to drop one very important pin—your own mental health. Study after study has revealed that education employees' stress and anxiety have soared, and their morale has plummete d during the pandemic. A national study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that rates of anxiety and depression in classroom teachers have quadrupled in the past year. These national findings reinforce those of a recent study of WEA members conducted by NEA. This survey of members revealed that working conditions in Wyoming public education are such that factors including pandemic-related stress, impend ing budget shortfalls, and a hostile political climate are prompting one in five respondents to consider leaving the state—1/4 of new educators surveyed indicated that they were considering leaving Wyoming. In the face of these dire statistics, what can you do as an educator to bolster your students' mental health, as well as your own? How do you combat feelings of hopelessness or burnout? WEA News sat do wn with certified school counselor and President-elect of the Wyoming School Counselor Association, Kayla Wilkinson, to find out. Wilkinson points to two ways educators can immediately take charge of their mental health: small acts of self-care and learning to say no. "Sometimes when we talk about self- care, people automatically start envisioning these really grandiose actualizations of that idea, like go ing to get a massage or get your hair colored," said Wilkinson. "Really, small 'boring' acts of self- care can be just as important—if not more important—for our mental health." Wilkinson believes that, especially in this pandemic world we're all living in, educators must give themselves some grace by accepting their comfort level and time and ability to take care of themselves while celebrating the small victories in self-care where they can. "Did you brush your teeth this morning? Do you have a ritual for getting your laundry done or preparing your lunches for the next week?" she explains, "Don't stress about going on a big vacation or doing something momentous to take care of yourself. Prioritize the little things because they can make a hugely positive difference in your outlook." WEA/NEA members can now enjoy a free 30-day trial and a discounted subscription fee for Sanvello, an application meant to improve mental health through virtual meetings with mental health professionals, peer support, coaching, and therapy. www.neamb.com Headspace recently launched videos on mindfulness and sleep, which are available on Netflix and offers free subscriptions to all K-12 educators. www.headspace.com/educators Mind Yeti caters to younger students. Free offerings are available on YouTube and Spotify. www.mindyeti.com Mental Health Resources "It all hinges on building relationships." — Kayla Wilkinson, PPC

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