Page 41 - EdViewptsSpring2021

few studies on wellness and self- Self-reflection adds to
efficacy of teachers and far fewer on improved wellness In my experience, the
administrators- especially during the angst of falling behind
pandemic. “There’s no clear picture Self-reflection and self-awareness are
of just how educators are faring in very much connected to each other. in obligations prevents
the wake of this year’s teaching The definition of self-reflection is the time for self-care. Some
experiment. Experts say all signs exercising of introspection, coupled leaders fear that their
point to a crisis on par with the kind with the willingness to learn about
of trauma experienced after national yourself, in order to help achieve self- prestigious reputation is
disasters” (Luthra, 2020). awareness. Being self-aware means at risk, and others have
School leaders often sacrifice their having a snapshot of our thoughts, difficulty fully enjoying
personal time to ensure that their beliefs, emotions, motivations and
students’ needs are addressed and our personality in general. (Retrieved personal time because
routines function effectively, and from: https://www.theravive.com/ of the guilt associated
rarely make the appropriate lifestyle today/post/the-art-of-self-awareness- with taking time away
changes to allocate time for self-care. and-self-reflection-0000005.aspx, on
Why might this be? People are often January 1, 2020). from responsibilities.
resistant to change, even if it benefits Without awareness, it’s difficult to
their own well-being. Contingency steer emotions in a healthy direction trigger your anxiety - checking your
theory is an organizational theory that or make good decisions. Ultimately, social media or email, meetings
highlights that change (an action) is we can’t be good at our job or happy or gatherings in a professional or
contingent on external (social needs) in our personal lives if our mental personal setting, sitting in traffic, or
and internal factors (the agency’s fortitude is compromised. Awareness being late. Reflect upon the people
needs) (Thompson, 2008). This same will equip you with the tools necessary who regularly upset you. Acknowledge
philosophy could be applied to individual to improve your health and show them and consider specifically why
change, change is contingent upon the more kindness and grace to yourself. they upset you and how it makes
needs of others (external) and the needs Self-reflection and awareness can you feel. Consider the nightmares
of oneself (internal). Organizational enhance personal wellness and aid you have about your future and the
change literature highlights that people in sustaining positive personal and reasons why these things worry you.
are resistant to change for a number of professional relationships during Again, take note of how often and how
reasons including “economic loss, loss challenging times. much energy you spend brewing over
of status, loss of friends or associates, these activities, with these people, and
or job satisfaction” (Twain, 1983). In my with these worries.
experience, the angst of falling behind in Considerations for reflection Engaging in self-reflection activities
obligations prevents time for self-care. will bring forth awareness of
Some leaders fear that their prestigious Self-reflection can be done in a myriad your feelings and defenses, and
reputation is at risk, and others have of ways, but I recommend writing a meaningful understanding or
difficulty fully enjoying personal time reflections in a notepad or journal. reconceptualization of the events
because of the guilt associated with While reflecting, it’s important to that transpire throughout your daily
taking time away from responsibilities. consider the following three domains: routines. Once you learn the cause
actions and/or hobbies which make you
“Change agents” who believe in new feel full, alive, content, and at peace; and effect of your stressors, you have
ideas and strategies are needed the people who bring joy to your life by the ability to take control and make
to propel change in organizations. making you feel supported, loved, and necessary changes.
In our personal lives, we must be accepted; and your immediate or long-
the “change agents'' of our destiny, term goals and dreams.
happiness, and well-being. We need Redirecting your energy
to be as generous to ourselves as Take the time to fully consider each
we are to others. Small allocations of domain. Then, dig a little deeper to It's important to consider where your
time for self-care will go a long way in cognitively process how and/or why energy is focused. Living things are
maintaining one's wellness, and will those actions, people, and goals meant to grow, but need energy to
not hinder one's ability to maintain bring joy to your life. Finally, take note grow. The energy within you is what
their work obligations. As a matter of how often you engage in these empowers you. The actions/hobbies
of fact, focusing on one’s health and actions, with these people, and on you enjoy, the people who support
attitude is instrumental in improving your goals and dreams. you, and your goals and dreams are
workplace obligations. After all, if Next, consider actions that bring your energy sources. Your energy
school leaders are failing in terms you anxiety. Reflect upon the very drainers are the actions, people, and
of their own well-being, students will specific things that upset you. Perhaps anti-goals that give you anxiety. Where
indeed be impacted. you often wake up refreshed and are you focusing your energy? Are
in good spirits but things happen to you using more energy and time on

Educational Viewpoints -39- Spring 2021