It is no secret that working in school settings can be fulfilling but challenging and demanding. It is crucial to routinely check in and evaluate our own mental health and wellbeing. February is the halfway month in the school year and the perfect time to do just that. Ensuring we are functioning at our best not only benefits ourselves but enhances how we support to others.

Dr. Corey Keyes’ Mental Health Continuum provides a conceptual framework to understand the range of mental health states, from languishing to flourishing.

What is Languishing and Flourishing?

Languishing: This is characterized by feelings of emptiness and stagnation. Individuals in this state often have a lack of motivation, and experience low levels of emotional well-being and life satisfaction.

Flourishing: This is the opposite of languishing, where individuals feel a sense of purpose, engagement, and fulfillment in their lives. They experience high levels of emotional well-being and function optimally both personally and socially.

How to measure your own mental health and emotional well being. Scale MHC_SF measuring emotional wellbeing by Corey Keyes.

Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF)

Transitioning Through the Zones

Moving from languishing to flourishing involves several strategies and interventions. Here is guide on how to just that:

Step 1: Daily Check-Ins

• Enhancing Positive Emotions

Begin each day with a simple self-assessment. Ask yourself:

• How do I feel today?
• What emotions am I experiencing?
• Am I carrying any stress or worries?

Even just a few minutes of self-reflection can make a big difference.

Step 2: Set Healthy Boundaries

• Establish boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking work home and allocate time for activities that you enjoy with family and friends. Striking a balance helps prevent burnout.

Step 3: Engage in Mindfulness Activities

• Engage in activities that bring joy and satisfaction
• Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This could include mediation, deep breathing exercises, or even a short walk. These activities help you stay present and reduces stress.

Step 4: Seek Peer Support

• Building Strong Relationships. Social connections play a crucial role. Supportive relationships build a community where individuals feel valued and understood.
• Connect with colleagues and create a support network withing your school. Having someone to share your experiences and concerns with can be incredibly comforting and empowering.

Step 5: Utilize Professional Resources

• Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals available to your school system such as EAP benefits and careforallineducation.com. These resources can offer valuable support and coping strategies tailored to your needs.

Step 6: Reflect on Your Achievements

• Take time to celebrate your victories and successes, no matter how small. Recognizing the efforts you put in daily make a difference in the lives of others.

Step 7: Set and Chase Meaningful Goals

• Identify goals: define clear, doable goals that resonate with personal passions and values
• Break Down the Steps: Break goals into manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way.
• Connect to a purpose. Reaffirm values.

Step 8: Strengthen Personal Resilience

• Cultivate Personal Strengths: Recognize and use personal strengths in daily activities. This builds confidence and sense of accomplishment.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially during difficult times.

By focusing on these practices, individuals can effectively move through the mental health continuum from languishing to flourishing, ultimately leading to a more supportive and thriving educational environment.

Resources:

 Keyes, C. L. (2002). “The mental health continuum: From languishing to flourishing in life”. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 43 (2): 207–222. doi:10.2307/3090197. JSTOR3090197. PMID12096700.

Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down

By Corey Keyes