The Impact of Nutrition on School Performance – Teacher well-being is a cornerstone of a thriving educational environment, yet it is an aspect that frequently takes a back seat amidst the demands of academic schedules and administrative duties. Inset days, traditionally reserved for teacher training and curriculum planning, present an untapped opportunity to address this vital component of school culture.
School Meals – Prioritising Nutrition and Wellbeing for Teacher Vitality
The Impact of Nutrition on School Performance – The provision of nutritionally rich meals during work days can play a pivotal role in enhancing teacher wellbeing – but also understanding the ‘rules of food’ and how to practically apply a nutrition and wellbeing strategy to manage energy and stress.
Nutrition plays a huge part in how we cope with our workday, and how much energy we have to give both to ourselves and the students. It might seem obvious but very few of us have a real blueprint of how we can use nutrition, lifestyle and stress reduction strategically to really boost our performance and work and give us energy enough to enjoy balance at home.
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Teacher
The demanding nature of the teaching profession, compounded by personal challenges, can significantly affect an educator’s mental well-being. Learning how key nutrients might have a real impact on how we feel mentally – for example, the micronutrient zinc’s impact on mental well-being is well studied. Essential fatty acids have also been closely examined when it comes to mental health and their positive impact. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do you know your B Vitamin status?
Inset days could be structured to include sessions on recognising and managing stress, anxiety, and burnout – and the secret begins with good nutrition, and gut health – the ‘wrong’ microbiome can lead to anxiety and depression (although of course, this is just one aspect of good all-round mental health)
Emphasising foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, along with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can provide essential nutrients that bolster brain health and emotional resilience. Providing resources and strategies for mental health support not only aids in nurturing a healthy school environment but also equips teachers with tools to extend similar support to their students.
Balanced Nutrition for Mental Health
Providing resources and strategies for mental health support not only aids in nurturing a healthy school environment but also equips teachers with tools to extend similar support to their students. Incorporating balanced nutrition into inset day agendas can also contribute significantly to mental well-being, and gives you real practical tools to apply.
Regular Exercise and Sleep – Encouraging Movement and Rest
Physical activity and adequate rest are integral components of maintaining holistic well-being which can feel is easier said than done. Additionally, advocating for proper rest and sleep hygiene can reinforce the importance of recovery and rejuvenation, essential for maintaining the stamina required for teaching.
Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques
Introducing mindfulness and stress management techniques during work or inset days can offer educators practical tools to enhance focus, and reduce anxiety – we offer a Mindful Eating Session which incorporates the nutrition road map and marries it to mindful practice.
Sessions on meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can provide a much-needed respite from the fast-paced nature of the teaching profession, promoting a culture of mindfulness within the school community but without the foundation of physical health, these sessions can just be a bit of “window dressing” – Good mental health is grounded in physical health (movement, nutrition and even laughter and joy).
Inset days offer a strategic platform to integrate wellness initiatives, reinforcing the notion that caring for educators directly contributes to a positive and effective learning environment.
Inspiring & Motivational Speaker for Schools
The Impact of Nutrition on School Performance – By shifting the focus to encompass teacher wellbeing, schools can promote a supportive and nurturing atmosphere, paving the way for a more holistic approach to education, and most importantly getting teachers to put on their own ‘oxygen masks’ first – ie looking after themselves first, so they can attend to the complex, full on the role of being an educator.
To explore ways to inspire and motivate your educational staff, visit: Kate Cook – Motivational Speaker for Schools.