The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing
In the hustle of daily life, wellbeing often takes a backseat. We power through stress, put others’ needs before our own, and convince ourselves that burnout is just part of the job. Whether we’re educators, correctional staff, advocates, or leaders, the work we do is deeply personal, and it’s easy to forget that taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Especially in trying times.
But wellbeing isn’t just about us. It’s about the people we work with, the loved ones who rely on us, and the students or colleagues we support. When we invest in our own wellbeing, we create a ripple effect, helping others do the same.
For a few weeks now, I’ve been working on wellbeing curricula for a couple of different audiences. It’s a hot topic. We all recognize the stresses we’re enduring, but for the sake of getting through our daily grind, we put it on our ‘to do’ list, and then…well…it sits there for a while or forever. I’ve gone down the research rabbit hole (you knew that was coming, right?), and here are a few things I’ve learned so far…
What Does Wellbeing Actually Mean?
Wellbeing is more than just feeling "okay." It’s a balance of mental, emotional, and physical health that allows us to function at our best. It means having the energy to engage with our work, the resilience to handle challenges, and the emotional capacity to support those around us.
For educators—especially those in correctional settings—wellbeing is the foundation for effective teaching. For leaders, it’s what sustains good decision-making. For advocates, it’s what prevents burnout. And for our students, many of whom have faced significant trauma, seeing wellbeing modeled can be transformative.
Nurturing Our Own Wellbeing
Before we can support others, we have to start with ourselves. Here are a few ways to prioritize wellbeing:
Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no. Protect your time and energy.
Rest and Recharge: Sleep is non-negotiable. So is time away from work.
Stay Connected: Isolation fuels stress. Lean on your support system.
Move and Nourish Your Body: Exercise, eat well, and hydrate. Your body will thank you.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.
Supporting the Wellbeing of Colleagues
Workplace culture plays a huge role in wellbeing. If we want our teams to thrive, we have to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and heard.
Normalize Mental Health Conversations: Wellbeing isn’t just about physical health. Let’s talk about stress, burnout, and mental wellness openly.
Encourage Breaks and Time Off: Pushing through exhaustion doesn’t make us more productive—it makes us less effective.
Check In with Each Other: A simple “How are you really doing?” can make all the difference.
Fostering Wellbeing in Our Students
For justice-involved students, wellbeing is often an unfamiliar concept. Many have spent years in survival mode, prioritizing safety over self-care. We have a unique opportunity to help them build a foundation for lifelong wellness.
Teach Self-Regulation Skills: Mindfulness, breathing techniques, and emotional awareness help students manage stress.
Create a Safe Learning Space: Students thrive when they feel seen and supported. Small gestures—consistency, respect, encouragement—can be life-changing.
Model Healthy Behaviors: If we want students to prioritize wellbeing, we have to show them what that looks like.
The Ripple Effect
When we nurture wellbeing in ourselves, it extends outward—to our colleagues, our loved ones, our students, and our communities. A healthier, more balanced version of ourselves means we show up stronger, more engaged, and more present for those who rely on us.
Let’s start treating wellbeing as essential, not optional. Because when we care for ourselves, we create a ripple effect of wellness that changes lives—ours included.
Cheers to you, and take care. Really. I mean it. :)
