At Possibilities ECE we share stories and information to support educator growth and well-being.

To work in education is to be in a helping profession. While many rewards come to us from working in a learning community, the work also depletes us. We need to know how to support ourselves, taking care of our well-being to remain healthy and available in our professional and personal lives. Well-being supports both our quality of life and quality of practice. We define well-being through seven key areas, physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, professional, and spiritual. Below we describe each key area of well-being, connecting it to our practice as educators.

Physical – The practice of maintaining our physical health and functions through healthy routines associated with food, activity, sleep, and hydration. The ability to participate in physical activities, work, and social responsibilities without physical limitations or too much stress and fatigue. The practice of maintaining the physical quality of life to get the most out of our daily activities.

Cognitive – Obtaining knowledge and understanding through an intentional practice based on contemplation, experience, and perception. Examination of our personal and professional life experience and life satisfaction. The pattern of thinking that shapes our view of self and events in the world. How we view and approach occurrences in life.

Social – Developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with individuals and groups that encourage you to be your genuine self, cherish your unique qualities, and provide social connection and belonging. The growth of a consistent practice of independent evaluation of personal life situations and functioning in society.

Emotional – Our ability to identify emotions in our inner lives and generate positive thoughts, feelings, and moods while adjusting and responding to adversity and stressful occurrences in life. The capacity to adapt our response as we encounter events in life that are outside of our control. 

Psychological – Forming positive relationships with others and living through our values that spark dedication and meaning in life. An ongoing practice of personal growth and development. Experiencing a life balance of challenging and rewarding events that contribute to our growth as an individual. Happiness and functioning in our individual and community life. 

Professional – The adeptness to function positively in all areas of professional life. A practice of engaging in meaningful work that fits who we are while finding balance in our professional and personal life. Having goals for our career, relationships, and income and balancing the life demands to achieve them. Ongoing development of our unique blend of education, skill, and work experience creates stability in our professional life.  

Spiritual – Taking the time to learn more about ourselves and define the values, beliefs, and morals that guide our actions. An active engagement in self-reflection to find our life’s meaning and purpose through a relationship with something greater than ourselves. Our connection to the inner self creates peace, positive attitudes, and harmony in life. 

Well-being is identified as self-regulation of one's needs physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially. It is the ability to recognize and identify when you are not having your needs met and planning a course of action to change your behavior or circumstances. Why is well-being important? As one early childhood educator shared, well-being is how you assure that you bring your whole self to your work in the classroom and the early childhood education community.