Prioritizing Mental Wellness: A Professional Learning Activity for Teachers

Objective:

This professional learning activity is designed to help teachers prioritize their mental wellness by providing them with practical tips and strategies. By completing this activity, teachers will gain a better understanding of the importance of mental wellness and learn techniques to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Time for Completion: Approximately 60-90 minutes

Introduction:

As teachers, we often put our students' needs before our own. However, it is important to prioritize our mental wellness to be our best selves both in and out of the classroom. In this activity, we will explore the concept of mental wellness, learn practical strategies to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance, and reflect on how we can prioritize our mental wellness moving forward.

Activity Steps:

Step 1 (20 minutes): Watch the Ted Talk "How to Make Stress Your Friend" by Kelly McGonigal to learn about the benefits of stress and how we can change our mindset about it.

Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend

Step 2 (20 minutes): Complete the self-assessment quiz "How Stressed Are You?" from MindTools to determine your stress levels and identify areas for improvement.

Link: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTCS_82.htm

Step 3 (20 minutes): Read "50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff." Take note of any strategies or resources that resonate with you.

Link: https://teach.com/resources/mental-health-resources-teachers-school-staff/

Step 4 (10-30 minutes): Choose one or more of the following activities to practice a stress-reducing technique:

• Practice mindfulness meditation with the free app Headspace (10 minutes) Link: https://www.headspace.com/

• Try progressive muscle relaxation with a guided video from the American Psychological Association (15 minutes) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihO02wUzgkc

• Take a short walk outside and practice deep breathing exercises (30 minutes)

Reflection:

In what ways can you prioritize your mental wellness in your daily life? How will you implement the strategies and techniques you learned in this activity to maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Feedback:

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