What Are You Doing To Reclaim Your Weekend?


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Laura George

Laura teaches Years 4-8 at King's Rochester Prep. School and is head of RS and PSHEE. She has previously taught in secondary state comprehensive and grammar schools. She loves everything about teaching and often can be found telling her husband "Oh, this would be great...
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What will you be doing this weekend?

Wellbeing isn’t something we just top-up at the weekend but a commitment for every day of the week. However, the weekend is a time to catch-up and with winter now here, looking after ourselves and planning our time is even more of a priority!

Here at TT we are always thinking about self-preservation. To help, we’ve put together another five-point list of wellbeing escapism to encourage a healthy work-life balance. Also this post will be focusing on looking ahead to the Christmas season events. I know, I know… it’s early but we all know how quickly this season gets full up and if we don’t get planning now we may miss on some fab days out!

1. What to WATCH?

ITV’s Butterfly is a drama about the complex issue of the feelings of a young boy who feels he identifies as a girl and doesn’t want to hide his suppressed feelings any longer. His already divorced parents, decide to live together again. The programme focuses on the different feelings towards Maxine’s social transition. It’s an interesting look at different approaches and is supported by some well-known actors.

2. What to READ?

Only Child by Rhiannon Navin is an emotional book told through the eyes of a six-year-old boy whose brother is shot in a school shooting. It’s likely to at least leave a lump in your throat if not tears streaming down your face. I loved Zach’s simple way of looking at the situation while he tries to save his family from the tragedy. It’s a Richard and Judy 2018 Book Club read for a good reason.

3. What to EAT?

It’s that time of year when funds seem to be drying up with nights out and presents that need buying. This means we might not be able to grab those takeaway favourites as a treat. But fear not! BBC good food has some excellent recipes that you can make yourself at a much-reduced cost that still taste just as good. Plus how proud will you be that you can recreate those Friday night favourites!?

4. Who to FOLLOW?

A fabulous account to follow is @atlasobscura to tell you all about the world’s hidden wonders. It has information from lost caves to the birthplace of Absinth. Have a follow and make a list of places you’d like to go and see in the summer holidays (realistic or not!).

5. WHAT to do and WHERE?

Since it’s time to start putting together those social diaries for Christmas, here is a list of top Christmas things to do in the UK.

  • Mousehole Harbour Christmas lights, Cornwall – these lights will be switched on the 15th December and will be on throughout the month from 5pm till 11pm. The lights are a stunning sight and involve floating serpents and light up the whole town. A lovely free event to walk around.
  • Ice skating at Somerset House, London – there are many places to skate in the UK this winter but this is often said to be one of the best. Set in the grounds of this lovely house there are lots of extras.
  • Caerphilly Christmas Market, Wales – on the 8th and 9th of December this event will get you right into the Christmas spirit with the town and castle filling with sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Foodies will be in their element. Stalls are stacked high with delicious fresh produce including indulgent chocolates and mouth-watering tipples! Browse the market and discover an array of wonderful jewellery and interesting gifts to purchase that perfect Christmas gift.
  • Bar Hutte, Liverpool or Manchester – come and experience a unique take on ‘Alpine Après Ski’, with each hütte attended by your own host, it’s the perfect place for accommodating festive get-together. Each hütte now includes a Carol-oke machine so everyone can grab the mic and sing-a-long to all the Christmas classics.
  • Jingle Owl the Way, Ayr – Christmas letter writing for the little ones on parchments with quills and then an owl flies it to Father Christmas’ workshop. Magical! This takes place at Robert Burn’s Birthplace Museum on 8th and 9th December.
  • See the deer at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire – a free event to go and watch some deer being feed in this beautiful surroundings.
  • All over – Watch The Snowman film – watch one of the best Christmas films complete with a live orchestra. Carrot Productions are delighted to be touring their delightful Christmas show The Snowman again this December.

Keep it going until Monday?

Wellbeing in the school is important. Why not use a display board in the staffroom and dedicate it to wellbeing? This could include:

  • Positive posts – anonymous message ‘shout-outs’ to staff who have good ideas and have done something well.
  • Teaching tidbits – ideas that staff can use that will save them time in their planning that week.
  • Joke of the week section or quotes that would make them smile.

Let’s start a wellbeing movement and set some boundaries and remember, don’t feel guilty!


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