In this episode of *BeatTeacher Burnout*, Dr Masi shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout, detailing the challenges of balancing a demanding career, family, and academic responsibilities. She explains how this experience led her to reassess her approach to work-life balance, ultimately helping her regain energy, pass her exams, and improve her overall well-being. Dr Masi also highlights the differences between work-related burnout and parental burnout, offering insights into how both can lead to exhaustion but stem from different causes.

The episode provides practical advice on combating burnout, focusing on the importance of self-care, organization, and support. Dr Masi emphasizes the need to prioritize rest, nutrition, and social connections, as well as organizing tasks and setting clear boundaries to reduce overwhelm. She also stresses the significance of making small, manageable changes to improve well-being, such as incorporating healthier habits and establishing boundaries to prevent burnout. This episode offers actionable steps to help regain balance and energy.

To learn more about Dr Masi, find her on:

Website: www.herselfhealth.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drmasi
Email: dr.masi@herselfhealth.com

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In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Auton, a seasoned educator, school leader, and author of What Happy Teachers Do. With over 25 years of experience in education, Michelle brings valuable insights into the challenges teachers face and how to manage stress effectively. We dive into practical strategies that can help teachers cope with burnout and rediscover the joy in both their professional and personal lives.

Together, we explore the importance of self-care, the power of gratitude, and the role mindfulness plays in supporting educators. Michelle introduces us to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or tapping, a unique approach to managing stress and boosting emotional resilience. We discuss how tapping can not only help teachers find calm but also foster a positive and supportive environment in the classroom for both educators and students.

This episode is packed with actionable tips and advice that can help teachers thrive. Michelle’s book, What Happy Teachers Do, offers even more strategies for cultivating joy, mindfulness, and self-compassion on the teaching journey. If you’ve been feeling the weight of burnout, this conversation is filled with tools to help you regain balance and reignite your passion for teaching.

To learn more about Michelle, find her on:
Website: www.michelleauton.com
Instagram: @michelleauton2
Facebook: Michelle Auton
Linktree: michelleauton
Book link: What Happy Teachers Do: The Three-Step Self-Care System to Support You Inside and Outside the Classroom

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In this episode, we sit down with Kate, an experienced teacher and founder of What If Education, to discuss the growing issue of burnout in education and how to create a happier, more relevant learning environment. With over 20 years in primary education, Kate shares her personal journey of encountering burnout when her work began to conflict with her core values of fairness and prioritizing children's needs. She highlights the physical and emotional toll burnout can take and the critical importance of addressing it before it impacts well-being.

Kate offers practical, personalized solutions to combat burnout, including redefining workload reduction by giving educators more autonomy over their tasks and helping them rediscover joy in their roles. She also explores the potential of AI to alleviate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for creative and relationship-building activities. Tune in to learn how small, intentional changes can empower educators to reclaim their passion and create a more fulfilling teaching experience.

To learn more about Kate Wadsworth, find her on:

Website: whatifeducation.co.uk/
Instagram: @what.if.education
Linkedin: kate-wadsworth

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Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges educators face in managing stress and building resilience in high-pressure school environments. Our guest, Rachael Kobylecki, a former teacher and leader with 15 years of experience in the UK and internationally, shares her insights on creating a supportive school culture. Rachael emphasizes the importance of understanding how our brains are wired to respond to feedback and stress, offering practical strategies for fostering self-awareness, compassion, and effective communication within school teams. Her expertise in coaching school leaders highlights how a shared understanding of human behavior can transform team dynamics and positively impact the entire school community.

Rachael also discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between positivity and constructive feedback, referencing the “five-to-thrive” ratio for creating a thriving school environment. She shares personal stories from her own experiences in schools around the world, highlighting the value of learning from different cultural approaches. With actionable takeaways and thoughtful reflections, this episode is packed with inspiration for educators striving to reduce burnout and build a more supportive professional environment.

To learn more about Rachael, find her on:
Website: schoolleadercoaching.co.uk
Instagram: schoolleadercoaching
Linkedin: rachaelkobylecki

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Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode, Will Monk, a head teacher at New School, shares insightful strategies for achieving work-life balance in education. Will emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy at all levels of leadership, creating a supportive environment where staff feel heard and valued. He highlights the need for clear boundaries between work and personal life, such as disconnecting during half-term breaks and prioritizing time with family. Will also advocates for a transient approach to work-life balance, encouraging educators to be flexible and trust their instincts in managing workload and personal time.

Will further explores practical strategies for self-care and personal well-being, stressing the significance of physical activity and hobbies outside of work. He discusses how proactive planning, such as scheduling personal activities in advance, helps ensure that well-being remains a priority. Additionally, Will champions the power of celebrating successes, both big and small, to build confidence and motivation. This episode provides valuable insights for educators looking to create a sustainable, fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

To learn more about Will Monk, find him on:
LinkedIn: Will Monk

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In this episode, I welcome Claire Platt, a leadership coach and education consultant, who shares her personal experience with burnout after decades of leadership in education. Claire opens up about how the pressures of managing a high-performing multi-academy trust, caring for her mother, and navigating menopause led to a steady buildup of anxiety that eventually left her emotionally and physically drained. Despite outward success, Claire realized she could no longer maintain the pace and needed to prioritize her well-being. She discusses how burnout often affects leaders, even those who seem to have it all together, and highlights the importance of recognizing the signs early and taking action.

Through Claire's recovery journey, we learn valuable lessons for educators, particularly leaders, on the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking help when needed. She emphasizes how leaders can foster a healthier work environment by being mindful of their own needs and avoiding the "superhuman" mindset that leads to burnout. Claire shares how she learned to prioritize sleep, seek treatment for menopause, and stop working evenings and weekends. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that in order to care for others, educators must first take care of themselves.

To learn more about Claire Platt, find her on:

Website: www.claireplattcoaching.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-platt-b6a48247/
All links: https://linktr.ee/claireplattcoaching

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We are joined this week by Mike Leaman, a teacher and leader for many years who discovered he wasn’t feeling himself, he was hiding in his office, snappy and negative.

He’d reached burnout as a deputy headteacher!

He asks whether we can reduce the shame and also to address these feelings or symptoms before they result in serious breakdown or even leaving the profession.

He suggests some basic steps schools can take to support staff.

We want teachers to have the energy and creativity to do what they do best, don’t we? To teach?

Listen and be challenged – both as a leader and a teacher.

To learn more about Mike Leaman, find him on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-leaman/
Website: https://www.classroomexitcoach.co.uk/

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In this podcast, we take a moment to reflect on where we are on the scale of thriving versus surviving. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, drained, or struggling to find balance, we explore the signs of burnout and offer simple strategies to help you reclaim your energy and well-being. We delve into the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and practicing gratitude to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters during the busy holiday season.

We also discuss how journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth, offering a gentle way to process emotions and prioritize your needs. With practical tips and insights on building healthy habits, we encourage you to put yourself first, even in the midst of a demanding job or personal commitments. Remember, taking time for yourself is essential for not only your own well-being but also for those around you.

Follow me on:
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Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com

Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com