Resources for Head of School Well-Being

A recent email from a Head of School included the line “I haven’t had much of a summer.” I’ve heard from many Heads of their long days, working weekends, and sleepless nights- worrying about so many issues confronting their communities as we all get ready to begin the school year. It has been a strange and uncomfortable experience- and not the restful, rejuvenating summertime that Heads desperately need!

So I’ve been thinking about what Heads of Schools can do to maintain wellness, preserve their sanity, and move through the fall with mental and physical health. With their reality being packed schedules and all kinds of interruptions, Heads need wellness strategies that are quick, flexible, and adaptable. 

Boards members also need to be focused on Head well-being to ensure their Head can be the most effective leader as possible. Board members should talk with their Head of School about what they need, and when possible, and can support by paying for these strategies! When I was a Head of School, one of the most thoughtful gifts my Board gave to me was a gift certificate for a day at the spa. It recognized my need for stress reduction and self-care and was something I could fit into my own schedule. Boards need to be thinking about what would be most beneficial for their own school leaders.

Here are five wellness practices that have been shown to be effective-I welcome ideas for others!!

1. Establish and commit to a mindfulness/wellness routine. I’ve found that even spending 15-20 minutes a day in a mindfulness activity has helped me to stay grounded and able to respond well to challenges.​ 

• Practice Yoga at Your Desk. My friend Megan Nolan has a program that is easy to follow, quick, and a great value! https://www.yogaatmydesk.yoga/
• Listen to a mindfulness app such as Smiling Mind, Stop, Breathe, Think, UCLA Health, Headspace, or Calm. 
• Find some other practice that works for you!

   2. Maintain your exercise routine! This one is up to you to determine- as exercise is so individualized.

• Find something that you enjoy and can fit in regularly.
• For some folks, setting goals helps- like preparing for a half marathon or dance concert. 

     3. Become even more organized. Heads have to be organized to accomplish even half of what is on their to-do lists. In my experience, everyone can learn and use new strategies for daily time, work, and energy organization. 

• Get feedback and ideas from an organizational coach. Here is one who is a friend of a friend: Mary Sue Dahill. I’m sure there are many others!
• Use apps such as Zapier, Trello, Calendly, Todoist, Asana, etc.
• Remember that it takes 2 to 3  months to fully establish new habits.  When you start a new organizational practice, anticipate that you will struggle to keep up with it at some point and plan for overcoming that struggle. 

    4. Work with a leadership coach. Being a Head of School can be lonely, overwhelming, and isolating (even as you are surrounded by people!). Engaging with an unbiased and experienced person who can help you 1) examine your school’s situation from a different perspective, 2) clarify your personal and professional goals, and 3) strategize problems and solutions, can lead to clarity and peace of mind.

• I’m a Leadership Coach! I work with Heads of Schools and others in senior leadership positions for short-term and longer-term engagements. Let me know if you are ready to focus on clarifying your goals and strategizing solutions for your school.

   5. Take time for more extensive self-care. This is also very individualized. What feels caring and rejuvenating to you? Research is very clear that when we disconnect from our daily issues, rest our brains, and engage in non-work pursuits, we return more energized and clear-thinking. This is not indulgence, this is what will enable you to be a better Head of School. Board members- what can you offer to your Head of School? Here are some ideas (some of which will need to wait until we are no longer physically distancing- some of which can be done now!):

• A spa day or massage
• A hike
• A day at the library 
• A weekend at a Bed and Breakfast
• A day at the beach (any time of year!)
• Taking a class on something unrelated to school- i.e. a cooking class, a dance, class, etc. 

Heads of Schools have even more on their plates than usual right now. In order to be the most effective leader for their community, Heads need to ensure that they are physically healthy and emotionally well. This takes time and attention. Health and wellness for the Head of School needs to be a priority for both the Head and their supporting Boards.