Supports to help look after physical and mental wellbeing over the break
The end-of-year break is a good opportunity to find some time to reflect on the year that was and find some space to prioritise your wellbeing and self-care.
A number of Department resources remain available to access over the holidays to help support the mental wellbeing of school staff.
Virtual gym
Even though gyms and fitness studios are open again, the Department's virtual gym will stay open for Victorian government school staff during the upcoming break so that they can maintain their established exercise regimes over the holidays.
All users are encouraged to continue using the convenient virtual gym at any place or any time that suits them. With features including free workout videos, meditations, healthy recipes and articles, the virtual gym offers school staff vital support for maintaining their physical and mental health.
Since its launch in May, more than 24,000 school staff have accessed the virtual gym.
Refer to the
School Update article to access the link and password for the virtual gym, run by Corporate Health Management (CHM) Healthstream.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Personalised over-the-phone or video counselling is available for Department staff and their immediate families (aged 18 and over), 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the EAP. This also now includes school council employees and casual relief teachers.
To book phone 1300 361 008, or use the live chat function on the
LifeWorks Australia Website.
Wellbeing webinars
Resources including video highlights and tip sheets provide practical mental health and wellbeing advice as part of the
staying safe and well and leading for wellbeing series.
Some of the topics covered include:
- switching on your growth mindset
- safeguarding against burnout
- recharging your batteries: a compassionate approach to self-care.
Reflective practice
At the end of Term 2, In Our Classrooms shared
questions and advice to help school staff reflect and think about their experiences over the course of the term.
In the upcoming holidays, use these questions to reflect on the entire year and think about key achievements and areas of personal and professional growth. This can help school staff to recharge their batteries and return next year ready to thrive.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a relaxation technique that involves being fully present and conscious in the moment. Mindfulness can have benefits including reduced stress and increased focus.
Mobile apps can guide you through meditation and mindfulness. Here are some you can start with:
-
Smiling Mind — a free app to help you with daily meditation and mindfulness exercises
-
Weathering the Storm — free, guided meditations, sleep and movement exercises from Headspace
-
ReachOut Breathe — an app used to reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety by slowing down your breathing and heart rate (for Apple users only).
Find out more
For further information on the mental health and wellbeing supports available, refer to
COVID-19 Employee health, safety and wellbeing supports for schools in the Department's Policy and Advisory Library.