OK is Enough Six Steps for Less Stress Season

The festive season can be a whirlwind for teachers and headteachers. To help avoid overwhelm and enjoy the season, here Laura Tristram, Wellbeing & Mental Health Lead at www.lumii.me shares six steps to have less stress and more sparkle to keep your festive season in check:

1. Prioritise Wellbeing

You can’t give your best if you’re running on empty. Make time for rest and self-care, even in the busiest moments.

Quick Tip: Take breaks, practice self-compassion, and get enough sleep.

2. Plan and Organise Ahead of Time

The key to staying on top of the festive chaos is proper planning.

Quick Tip: Use a calendar for all events, delegate tasks, and set realistic expectations.

3. Set Boundaries

Keep work-life balance intact by setting clear boundaries. Protect your time outside school.

Quick Tip: Set a work cutoff time and communicate boundaries with colleagues and students.

4. Focus on What Matters Most

Don’t get caught up in excess. Focus on meaningful moments with students and staff.

Quick Tip: Prioritise quality activities over flashy events—simple gestures often make the biggest impact.

5. Create a Positive Atmosphere

Your energy shapes the school vibe. Keep things positive and light-hearted.

Quick Tip: Incorporate festive fun in a way that’s inclusive and joyful for all.

6. Remember It’s OK is often enough

Not everything needs to be perfect. Embrace the season’s imperfections. When wellbeing is at stake, remember that ‘ok’ is good enough and perfect isn’t something pupils remember. Often, you lose the fun with perfect, and children remember the fun, not whether something was perfect.

Quick Tip: Keep things simple, and don’t stress if things don’t go as planned. Take a step back; if it’s OK it’s good enough. Be kind to yourself.

By following these tips, you can make the festive season enjoyable for both yourself and your students—without the stress. Keep things simple, prioritise your wellbeing, and embrace the season with joy!

If you need support during the festive season you can download www.Lumii.Life for free.  If you would like to trial www.Lumii.me for your pupils you can message Laura at hello@lumii.me and she will get you set up for a free trial.