Looking after yourself during times of change and uncertainty
Resource: Looking after yourself during times of change and uncertainty

Introduction

Todd and Elodie

COVID-19 changed the way we work, the way we live, and for many of us, what school and study looks like. We are part of an evolving situation where we don’t know what will happen next. Feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, scared, sad, confused, or angry is common, and some of us may feel more concerned than others. The good news is we can learn to live with uncertainty and respond in positive and productive ways.

For many teachers, students and families around Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic was a time of enormous challenge. For others, things haven’t changed very much. It is important to acknowledge how challenging things have been for students, families, colleagues, and ourselves, as this acknowledgement can be a first step in managing our emotions and the emotions of others. For many students and families, depending on where they live, traditional transition experiences such as school tours, buddy programs, or even orientation, may have been conducted online, or cancelled. Many students have also missed extended periods of school, which may cause them anxiety when returning to face-to-face learning. Some students have struggled, and others have thrived.

Anxiety

Anxiety about returning to work is also likely to affect teaching staff in schools. Anxiety about vaccines, social distancing, lockdowns, and even what the future holds, is likely to occur.  It is therefore important to take care of yourself and be aware of your thoughts and feelings, to look after yourself first, and be able to provide support to others.

  1. Look after yourself before looking after others.
  2. Be aware of your thoughts and feelings. Check in with yourself every day and remember some days will be better than others.
  3. Recognise triggers for stress and anxiety, breathe, and seek support when needed.
  4. Focus on things you can control.
  5. Try to let go of the things out of your control.
  6. Focus on eating and sleeping well and exercising when you can.
  7. Maintain hope.
  8. Use positive coping statements to help you stay calm and keep perspective, such as: ‘There is a lot of uncertainty in the world that makes me nervous, but I can manage it if I focus on the things in my control’.
  9. Stay connected with others.
  10. Familiarise yourself with useful resources such as those listed below:

Resources