Mindfulness for NQTs: Go into nature

This is an important part of starting your NQT year and also throughout it. You will spend a lot of time inside teaching, planning and marking and often when feeling so tired, you will want to sleep. get outside into nature as much as you can, feel the breeze on your face, listen to the birdsong and get your dose of vitamin D. 

Maintain any hobbies you have as much as you can from the start as once you start to let go of the things you enjoy, that's when your only focus will be teaching and you will be fed up of it before you even reach Christmas holidays. 

Go for a walk during lunch break in school if possible, stretch your legs and let go of any frustration or any other emotions you may be feeling. You and your students will feel the benefits of this. A walk will get you out of your head and back into your body as well as giving you space in your day to feel and think whatever is going through your mind. 

Get out into nature as much as you can after the school day and during the weekend. Whether this is for a walk or another activity, make sure you feel every part of it and allow yourself to enjoy every part of it. Focus fully on the activity, who you are with, what you see, what you hear and how it makes you feel. Do this wholeheartedly and if your mind wanders to thoughts of school, lessons or students, then bring it back as much as you can to the activity and the enjoyment you're feeling.

You can also do this with students: Take the lesson outside if you can or bring nature in to the classroom and the lesson through images, stories and discussions of how it feels to be out in nature. Tell them about your outdoor adventures and encourage them to enjoy the outdoors too as part of their wellbeing. 

These tips will be shared all through August to prepare NQTs for this coming year. They can also be found across social media on my accounts.

Book your place on one of the 30 minute workshop every Wednesday through August through www.beingthebestyoucanbe.org

Facebook: Being the Best You Can Be

Facebook group: Mindfulness and Compassion for Teachers, Educators and School Staff

Twitter: @alisonlaycock23 

You Tube: Being the Best You Can Be