Schools Provide Staff with Mental, Emotional, Physical Care on Wellness Wednesdays

School staff spend much of their time planning and preparing students for success; guiding learning while tending to their emotional development. But there are some who make sure to focus a little bit of that attention back on the staff and their needs.

Wellness Wednesdays have become more than sweet treats and catchphrases that appear in the staff lounge once a week. Schools are making a point to support their staff with meaningful activities that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Don’t fret; occasionally there are some treats involved.

Capstone Academy Office Administrator Jennifer Martin focuses on keeping variety in her school’s Wellness Wednesday program. For National Love People Day on Sept. 30, she paired an “apple nachos bar,” complete with caramel and tasty toppings with writing kind notes to colleagues to share how much they are valued. On the Wednesday before fall break, staff were encouraged to leave their stress at the door by writing down an untouched task that was creating stress, folding up the paper, and leaving it behind so they could focus on enjoying their time off.

“My process is just about taking what's going on in the community and seasonally. I try to find a balance between things that are collaborative and team-based, and things that are more individual focused, and then also movement and wellness focused.”

On a recent Wednesday, Martin focused on positive affirmations, challenging staff to pay attention to their inner voice. Instructions began with a question: If you catch yourself saying something negative (about yourself), ask “Would I say this to a student or someone else I cared about?” If not, try replacing it with something a little kinder.”

Martin believes when we honor our own worth, we are better equipped to recognize and celebrate the worth of those around us.

Capstone staff enjoy a sweet treat during Wellness Wednesday.

“It's important and I think everyone needs it. Staff need to have that opportunity in that space.”

At Research Triangle Charter Academy, Dean of Upper Elementary Lisa Lucario has a personal connection with self-help and care as a cancer survivor.

“If I’ve learned anything as a survivor, it’s that I’ve got to take care of the whole package: my spirit, soul, and my body. So, I always want to take care of our teachers’ physical health, mental health, and their spirit. One of the most amazing things about the RTCA staff is they jump at the chance to support each other, to lift each other up.”

Staff are encouraged to participate in the activities after school on Wednesdays that last about 45 minutes. Her pitch to staff is for them to “take care of the person who takes care of everyone else…you!” Activities include Pilates, cardio kickboxing, creating vision boards, grounding (focusing on spiritual health by breathing, reflecting, connecting, and being present), and a walking club.

Lucario said many of the Wellness Wednesday activities at the school are led by the staff.

“The fact that they are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts to remind each other to take care of themselves, don’t forget your vision, don't forget your dreams, don't forget your physical body, don’t forget your spiritual self. We want to refill our tanks, and the staff has beautifully come together and said, ‘we’ve got this.’

Capstone staff are encouraged to leave their stress at the door.

Great work encouraging staff wellness, Capstone and Research Triangle!