Home > News > News > Health and Wellbeing Latest News Teaching Scotland Blog Downloads Events Health and Wellbeing GTC Scotland has created and curated a variety of resources and advice to support teacher and lecturer health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 crisis. Get valuable insights from health and wellbeing professionals in our Webinar Recordings and Resources sections. Watch interviews with Scottish education professionals about how they're coping with lockdown in the A Brew and a Blether section. Read insightful articles from in the Teaching Scotland section. Latest Resources Preparing for Your Probation: Becoming a Probationer in Scotland during the Covid-19 Pandemic - Dr Emma Hepburn. Read the resource Hugh Smith's think piece on Teacher Resilience is available in video and text formats in the Resources section below. Paul Mills: Focus for Achievement webinar recording is now available in MyPL. A guide to taking mindful walks is available in the webinar section below. Education Workforce Support - a ‘one stop shop’ of health and wellbeing resources, created by partners who are all contributing to a new workforce support group, supporting the wellbeing of staff and colleagues within education. Details on where you can access and find supports are included, as is a survey to identify further needs, and a link to offer more resources to the package. - Read the resource (available at the bottom of the linked page) Claire Lavelle: Being a Leader in a New World webinar recording and support materials are available in the Webinar Recordings section below. If you would like to recommend health and wellbeing resources that you have found useful please contact: communications@gtcs.org.uk A Brew & A Blether Webinar Recordings Articles Resources A Brew and a Blether GTCS Development Officer Sarah Stevenson chats to people from across Scottish Education about the pandemic and the impact on their work Aiden Whan, P7 teacher at Castle Douglas Primary School, chats to Sarah Stevenson about the emotional impact lockdown had on his pupils, his colleagues and himself. View the video Sarah chats to class teacher Adela Mansur about teaching from home, shielding and juggling family life. View the video Sarah chats to lecturer Amanda Corrigan about the impact the pandemic has had on student teachers and what she has being doing to support her local community. View the video Sarah chats to headteacher Lena Carter about how the pandemic has been impacting work and how they have been coping with changes. View the video Sarah chats with Catriona Robb, Teaching Fellow in Children's Mental Health at the University of Strathclyde. View the video Sarah talks to Ruth McKay, headteacher of Portobello High School in Edinburgh, about teaching and caring for young people in and out of learning hubs. View the video Sarah speaks to Angela Jaap, Lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, about the shift to working from home and some of the positives that has come from it. View the video Paul Mills Webinars Paul Mills, Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapist is presenting the De-stressing Stress series of webinars with GTC Scotland. The aim of the series is to give you the tools, and the knowledge to apply them, in helping you deal with the various anxieties of life. Recordings of the first three webinars and two self-hypnosis recordings are available for registrants in the resource section of MyPL. Log into MyGTCS to use MyPL. Paul has provided this eight week guide to learn diaphragmatic breathing: Simple Steps to Learn Diaphragmatic Breathing (PDF) A guide to taking mindful walks: The Mindful Walk The Hive of Wellbeing Resources Claire Lavelle, Director of The Hive of Wellbeing, has presented a number of webinars for GTCS around the themes of Dealing with Uncertainty, Working from Home, Dealing with the Emotional Load and Managing Transitions. See recordings of these webinars, and supportive materials, in the sections below. Dealing with Uncertainty Dealing with Uncertainty In this webinar Claire and GTC Scotland's Sharon Smith, discuss the impact of the changes on our emotional wellbeing following the closure of most schools and the opening of essential Hubs in our communities. They look at practical strategies to focus our attention on what we can control when we cannot be physically present with our children and young people and their families. They also discuss ways to soothe our anxieties, such as practising more mindful awareness of our recurrent thoughts and feelings and dealing with these by using self-compassion approaches. Support materials Watch Claire Lavelle's webinar 'Dealing with Uncertainty Slides from Claire's Webinar (PPT) Everything is temporary and change is a constant in our lives. When changes are taking place, John Fisher asks us to consider where we might find ourselves on this Transition Curve (PDF) A reflective exercise to support you in uncovering unhelpful beliefs and habits and tell a new story about your life (pdf) Being Self‐ Compassionate and Developing the Practice of Self‐Kindness (PDF) Video: Claire talks about autonomy: taking control of what we can do in our present circumstances when working from home Video: Claire talks about self-efficacy: the feeling and belief that what you are doing is making a difference to the learning and the lives of your learners in a positive way Working from Home Working from Home Slides and Worksheets Reflections on the environmental, physical, mental and emotional aspects of working from home. Slides: Working from Home (pdf) My Changing Relationship with Work (linked to slides above) (pdf) Tools to aid acceptance and letting go of what you cannot change (PDF) Coaching approaches to support you in making changes to your thoughts and habits (PDF) A mindfulness technique to help with worry (PDF) Video: Claire discusses the topic of coherence - making meaning out of what is happening with our lives and developing a narrative that supports us so we can experience a greater wellbeing, even amidst the uncertainly of the pandemic. Video: Claire discusses the importance of accepting that this is how things are, for now, and how to support ourselves to feel better. Transforming the Emotional Load Transforming the Emotional Load In any change to our normal working circumstances, there can be an emotional load that we are left to carry and process. So when the pandemic led to our schools closing and Hubs opening for children of key workers, we may have been left reeling emotionally from the speed and nature of the changes such as: losing our sense of purpose, our role, our connection with our pupils and families. In this webinar, Claire discusses some of the possible impact of carrying this "emotional load" as we progress through lockdown. She looks at ways to support us in processing some of these challenging emotions, using a range of coaching strategies and approaches, and focuses our attention on where we can create new "stories" for ourselves to bolster our wellbeing. Watch the recorded webinar Slides: Transforming the emotional load (PDF) Q&A from the Webinar (pdf) A technique used in a narrative therapy approach (pdf) Making attributions and examining limiting beliefs (pdf) Claire looks at two social models, the Dreaded Drama Triangle and The Empowerment Dynamic, and how we can use them to reflect on our roles in social dynamics and our reactions to challenges(PDF) Video: Transforming the Emotional Load - In this 7 minute video, Claire focusses on emotional transformation, self-compassion and transition during the lockdown. Making the transition Making the transition Claire takes a closer look at making the transition back to our learning communities, what the new normal might look like, and how we might balance our workload and expectations. Watch Claire's webinar Making the transition View the slides My Wellbeing, Your Wellbeing, Our Wellbeing (PDF) McPhedran's Model - GENIUS (PDF) Being a Leader in a New World Being a Leader in a New World Claire offers a time for reflection as she looks at how leaders can move forward post-lockdown. Watch Claire's webinar Being a Leader in a New World: A time for review View the slides (PDF) A Culture and Climate of Trust All materials © The Hive of Wellbeing. Find out more about Claire Lavelle and the Hive of Wellbeing Teaching Scotland Articles Title Summary Teaching Scotland issue 84 - Wellbeing section A series of articles from the May issue of Teaching Scotland, including ways to manage stress from Paul Mills, how to support your own mental health and wellbeing from Hugh Smith, and coaching for wellbeing Mind and body In the first of a series of articles about stress and how to manage it, Paul Mills explains the science behind it all. Grief and Loss Hugh Smith, Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant, writes about the impact of grief and loss on health and wellbeing, and how we can respond Work-Life Balance Hugh Smith, Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant, challenges teachers to 'work smart, not long' to help manage and prioritise increasing workload. A happy school is a healthy school Love, joy and laughter play a precious role in every learning day. Hive of Wellbeing An innovative approach to building and maintaining wellbeing is taking shape. Caring profession in need of care How can we support the health and wellbeing of our young people when we are unable to protect, let alone enhance, our own? For the sake of all, look after yourself Our pupils and profession are ill-served by a lack of awareness and management of teachers' wellbeing and mental health. Feeling good, teaching well Claire Lavelle, former headteacher and now Director of the Hive of Wellbeing, shares her thoughts on teachers' wellbeing. What keeps me in teaching Six professionals on the passion, pride and pleasure that underscores their commitment to education. Hugh Smith Resources Hugh Smith is an experienced teacher educator, author and speaker who provides mental health and wellbeing consultancy for schools, colleges and universities. He has produced think pieces on workplace tension and partnership working and developing a wellness community of practice. View the resources Workplace Tension and Partnership Working Take 20 minutes out to reflect on this think piece from Hugh Smith, one of our regular “Teaching Scotland” contributors. Hugh considers teacher professionalism and wellbeing in the current context and provides the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of workplace tension and partnership working to build positive solutions for now and the future. This resource is available in video, text and audio formats. - Watch the video - Transcript (doc) - Audio (mp3) Developing a Wellness Community of Practice In this think piece Hugh explores how you and colleagues might engage with the development of a wellness community of practice. He also shares how such a community of practice might become a central activity in keeping teacher mental health and wellbeing ‘in check’. - Watch the video - Transcript (doc) - Audio (mp3) Grief and Loss In this think piece, Hugh explores how normal feelings of grief and loss, if left unchecked, can have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing within the workplace and home setting. Hugh also shares how you might manage feelings of grief and loss more effectively, and unpicks some common misbeliefs on how we should respond when someone displays feelings of grief and loss. - Watch the video - Transcript and Resources (PDF) - Audio (mp3) Teacher Resilience Hugh Smith explores the complex area of teacher resilience, and how this should be viewed as a natural link to professional values. If monitored and topped up when required, personal resilience will impact positively on your mental health and wellbeing and provide enhanced engagement with learning and teaching activities and increase the effectiveness of your contribution within the wider colleague team in your workplace setting. - Watch the video - Read the transcript - Blank Coaching Wheel - Self-evaluation - Values Coaching Wheel - Self-evaluation - Career-Long Professional Learning Coaching Wheel Sarah Philp Coaching Resources Sarah Philp has created resources and techniques for you to use to support you in reducing feelings of stress, help you sleep and soothe your soul. View the resources Relaxation Resources These relaxation resources include: Body Scan (guided relaxation); Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep); Breathe and Keep Going (alternate nostril breathing); Guided Relaxation for Children and Young People; and three meditations (mindful breathing, loving kindness and alleviating stress). Writing for Wellbeing Journaling can be used explore tough questions, big questions or even the 'small' day to day stuff. Check-in with your Wellbeing The "Wheel of Life" coaching tool can help you consider your own wellbeing. Let it be easy Sarah writes about setting yourself up for success Time well spent Some insights and questions to think about time and how you use it. Holding liminal space Are you struggling with the liminal space caused by the pandemic? Sarah's latest blog discusses this period of fear and uncertainty and how we can harness it for our own mental wellbeing. Serve, Lead, Serve Three reflective questions to ask yourself in relation to serving and leading in challenging times. Time to Think Sarah argues that we are ‘human beings’ not ‘human doings’, and need to reclaim the time to think. Dr Emma Hepburn Resources Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn provided advice on how to adjust to the new normal during school holidays. She's also drawn a series of cartoons on self-compassion and looking after your mental health. View the resources Looking after your mental wellbeing during the holidays (& beyond) (PDF) Cartoons Do what works for you Holding on to what I can control Mental health is/mental health isn't Routes off the anxiety roundabout Self-compassion at a time of coronavirus Part 1 Self-compassion at a time of coronavirus Part 2 Self-compassion at a time of coronavirus Part 3 Understanding your capacity Why am I finding this so difficult? Further Resources We have collated a range of articles, blogs, apps, websites and other resources to help you to check in with your mental health, tackle stress and relax. Protecting our Health and Wellbeing During Covid-19 Sketchnote - Debbie Bowie, Renfrew High View the resources 8 ways to manage your team while social distancing To help managers who are new to working from home — or even experienced managers who need additional guidance in these trying times — here are recommendations for supporting continued learning and the emotional wellbeing of your employees. 10 Stress Busters If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause. 30 day sleep plan A 30 day individually tailored sleep plan based on a questionnaire as well as a variety of other suggestions for a better night's sleep. Aberdeen Mindfulness Course A free online course from University of Aberdeen, for those looking to build emotional resilience and wellbeing during this challenging time.. Action for Happiness Action for Happiness organise a 10 Days of Happiness program, share Action Calendars and host talks from inspiring speakers. Breathing Exercise for Stress This calming breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere. Baker's Dozen of Mental Toughness Stress Management and resilience toolkit This resource, designed for medical professionals, includes a series or resource to increase and improve resilience. Breathing Space A confidential out-of-hour’s telephone line for people experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression. Breathworks course: Mindful self-care for troubling times You’re stuck at home or some other place in isolation... maybe feeling scared, ill or a bit overwhelmed. This free self-paced course is Breathworks' way of supporting you through this difficult time. Clear your head It's ok to not feel yourself right now, and this Healthier Scotland website has some great tips to help get you through it. Coronavirus and your Mental Health This information from MIND is to help you cope if: you’re feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus; you’re staying at home or avoiding public places as part of social distancing; you have to self-isolate. Education Support Education Support have produced these mental health resources for teachers, lecturers and support staff dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. These are the topics which have been highlighted as especially difficult. Fitness Studio Take your pick from 24 instructor-led videos including aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, and pilates and yoga. Headspace App Meditation and mindfulness app. Healthier Scotland Tops & Ideas Some tips to help you look after yourself and get through these uncertain times. With ideas about how you can keep moving, create a routine, find things you enjoy and keep connected with friends and family - finding time for any of these will help to clear your head. Healthy Teacher Toolkit Blog promoting healthy living, healthy eating, wellbeing and less stress Hero Zero This video series is for teachers who are trying to balance their work-life balance, improve their well-being and productivity. How to look after your staff's mental health during coronavirus Improving Teacher Wellbeing Through Mindset Vlog containing teacher wellbeing tips. Insight Timer Relaxation and meditation app including motivational talks. Living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty This free guide includes a mixture of psychoeducation about normal and excessive worry, lots of normalization, and a selection of practical exercises that you, your clients, or anyone can use to manage worry and maintain wellbeing. Mental Health Foundation - Work-life balance Managing workload and mental health. MentalHealth.org Comprehensive website dealing with all aspects of mental health issues and offering advice, suggestions and links to support agencies. Mindfulness in Schools Project Mindfulness in Schools Project is inviting the whole community to join us in a daily practice online. These drop-in sessions are intended to nourish, support and connect us with each other through these unprecedented times. My Possible Self Monitor and recognise patterns in feelings and behaviour to tackle stress and anxiety. NHS Relaxation Techniques A series of relaxation audio guides. Nodcasts A collection of the most popular sounds that help people get to sleep. Prioritising self-care while working from home Teachers adjusting to teaching from home while schools are closed may need to work out new routines to stay grounded. Stop, Breathe and Think Provides recommended daily meditations related to your feelings. Take your teaching online: course In Take your teaching online, you will hear about the experiences of real educators, be introduced to cutting edge research, and understand the ideas and tools that shape how we teach and learn online. You will also learn useful methods that will guide you to test out these new ideas in your own practice. Parent Club: working from home tips and ideas Working from home can be a stressful enough experience as it is, without adding in kids running around your new workspace. So, to try to help you keep up with your inbox and your kids, Parent Club has put together a few handy tips from parents who have been there before. Parent Club: keeping calm with your child Being a parent can be hard work. All kids are difficult at times, no matter how old they are. Keeping your cool can feel impossible at times. But there are things you can do to stay in control - no matter how much they’re testing your patience. Patterns of Stress and Resilience - Dr Bruce Perry This discusses stress, distress and how the pattern of stress can determine whether stress is destructive (sensitising) or positive (resilience building). Focus on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Hotline This helpline is here to support anyone with experience of domestic abuse as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them. Self help resources South Glasgow Wellbeing Services offer a variety of self-help materials. SAMH: Coronavirus and your mental wellbeing Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) guidance including tips for things you can do to look after your mental health. Steps to deal with stress - NHS (PDF) This booklet contains some practical ways for you to start dealing with stress right now, and to stop it building up in future. Talking Toolkit Six conversation templates with accompanying resources that can be used to support wellbeing. Tapping meditation: releasing coronavirus anxiety The intention of this tapping meditation is to help you release that anxiety so that you can support your immune system, feel more at peace, and feel empowered to take any steps necessary to protect yourself. TED Talks: How to get into a work from home mindset Home is where the heart is... but how do you make room for the office? Draw expert advice from these talks to help you stay productive, achieve work-life balance and gain professional confidence as a remote employee. The Psychology Mum Instagram Dr Emma Hepburn is a clinical psychologist who draws clear comics and images about psychology. The Samaritans A free 24-hour telephone helpline for anyone struggling to cope. Telephone 116 123, visit or email jo@samaritans.org Working from Home - Taking Control Claire Lavelle from the Hive of Wellbeing shares some ideas to help us to reflect on what matters and how we cope. Yoga with Adrienne a library of free yoga videos. 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