Over the past few years and across 100 e-newsletters and social media posts I have authored on educational issues, by far the most read and commented on have been posts about mental health and wellbeing.

One post was particularly memorable:

It is no secret that I enjoy an early morning ‘cup of joe’ before the household wakes up. It is a wee gift I give to myself. I enjoy the quiet and the beauty of a new day dawning.

The post was accompanied by a simple snap of my coffee pot and cup of steaming coffee.

The response to the post was overwhelming with many simple messages about the importance of scheduling calm and contemplation.

COVID has added complexity and pressure to principalship, a job that, in normal times, is complex and demanding.  Principals are asking hard questions of themselves about the sustainability of their work.

There is no doubt that Government can do more to support principals. The pending bargaining process for Principals’ Collective Agreements must be a watershed moment for school leaders in winning conditions that genuinely nurture principals’ wellbeing and reduce workload.

However, we must not forget that there is much we can individually take responsibility for. It is heartening that discussion is picking up pace around wellbeing practices for principals.  

I can’t find a better simple plan for wellbeing than the Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing.

• Connect to others – talk and listen
• Give – your time, your words, your presence
• Keep learning – embrace new experiences
• Be active – do what you can
• Take notice – notice the simple things that give you joy

My cup of early morning joe is my time to ‘Take Notice’ – to enjoy something simple and recharge.

Small wellbeing actions do make a difference. Don’t underestimate them.

Our responsibility as leaders is to model the sort of mental health behaviour we want our teaching teams and young people to practice.

So, during these high-stress times, find your equivalent to my ‘cup of joe’ and prioritise yourself.  You’ll be a better leader for it!