Mindfulness for NQTs: Self-soothing techniques
Develop and use self-soothing techniques: These can be external or internal ones which can help in the moment to create space at the same time as offering comfort and support to the individual. Maybe stroking the arm before going into a particular area of the school may help, giving oneself a hug at certain points of the day or simply speaking kindly and positively to yourself throughout the day.
Although the above was written with students in mind, they are also relevant for adults too. Find ways to comfort yourself throughout the day especially when experiencing difficult lessons or situations. Throughout my teaching career, I would make sure I had ways of offering myself kindness, compassion and soothing techniques during the day and I found that these benefitted me during the school day itself and also afterwards as it meant I was dealing with thoughts and feelings in the day rather than carrying them into my evening or weekend.
The best thing is that a lot of them can be done internally and work just as well and therefore no-one needs to know what you are doing. There are also external acts which no-one would raise an eye to and only you would know that they were bringing you comfort.
A few examples could be: wearing a particular item of clothing on difficult days or a piece of jewellery you could look at or touch whenever needed. You may wish to have your hair a certain way if that makes you feel more confident, have your favourite snack or drink ready, walk past a flower or plant at certain times or some other methods which help you. You may wish to bring humour into the day as soon as possible or avoid a certain person until you are ready to see them or talk to them.
You may wish to see what you naturally do during this month to bring yourself comfort and make sure any physical items you will need are ready to take into the classroom. You may wish to check whether the external ones are as invisible as you think and if not then you will have a response if someone asks about it.
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 only for £5.
Facebook: Being the Best You Can Be
Facebook group: Mindfulness and Compassion for Teachers, Educators and School Staff
Twitter: @alisonlaycock23Â