Empowering Educator Wellbeing

Kim Bodholdt
Jul 1
5 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Monthly Newsletter - June/July 2025

Welcome!!

I’m so grateful you’re here. It is amazing to me how quickly the summer months go by. It is already July 1. I sincerely hope you have been able to focus on your wellbeing and giving yourself some time to breathe, to rest and relax....whatever that means for you! If you are looking for evidenced based wellbeing practices or interested in learning more about the science behind wellbeing, visit empoweringeducatorwellbeing.com. There are 2 programs, BrainWise Educator and Reignite to help you create a plan to improved wellbeing and a community of support behind you as well. Consider starting now and having a few good habits in development (whether in practices or your mindset) to be ready to start the year off focusing on your wellbeing.

In my May 2025 newsletter, I suggested you consider trying "side quests". Side quests are fun activities that disrupt our normal routine and make life more fun and fulfilling. While the article suggested doing a "side quest" weekly, I knew that would not work for me so I decided to try a monthly "side quest". In my younger days I loved swimming. Life and 4 kids happened and I had not been to the pool to swim laps in many, many years. I have been yearning over the past 3-4 years to get back to it! Now was the time and I did it! I'm proud of myself. (Silly as it may be, I'm getting goose bumps typing this🙂). I had to force myself to go but then I had to force myself to get out of the pool because I enjoyed it so much!!! I've been back twice more so far. It feels good physically and mentally and definitely has been a positive for me. Have you tried a "side quest"? Take the time...you won't be disappointed.

Peace to you,

-- Kim

A Special Note to the Superintendents and Principals

Give the Gift of Wellbeing to your Whole Staff for one District/School Price

If the adults aren't well, the kids can't be well! Oh so true....I can help and am excited to offer support for all staff in your school for the 2025-2026 school year.

Tailor the program to your school. Offered ansynchronous, synchronous or a blended version.
Give all staff the tools, knowledge and opportunity to enhance their wellbeing.
Community building activities to deepen connections
All skills are transferrable to students in our schools but first, educators must be well!

Contact kim@empoweringeducatorwellbeing.com to set up a short zoom to discuss opportunities in your school.

Tools for thriving...

The Power of Presence: A Simple Yet Profound Wellbeing Tool

In the fast-paced world of education, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of multitasking, future-planning, and constant problem-solving. But amidst the chaos, one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting our wellbeing is something remarkably simple: being present. When we ground ourselves in the moment, we reduce stress, quiet our inner critic, and create space to respond—rather than react—to the demands around us. Presence invites us to fully engage with our students, colleagues, and ourselves with compassion and clarity.

During the summer is a great time to begin cultivating this practice. What better time than to practice being present than when we are with those we love doing the things we love in the summer? Savor the moments you have this summer by trying this practice on for size. Being present is a skill, and like any skill, it can be strengthened with practice.

Here are some strategies to start:

Try anchoring yourself with your breath—just a few deep inhales and exhales can reset your nervous system.
Tune into your five senses: What do you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste right now?
Incorporate short mindful pauses between tasks, or use transition moments (like walking down the hall or waiting for a meeting to start or waiting in your car for your children to get in) as cues to return to the present.

And when your mind inevitably drifts to your growing to-do list or a tough interaction earlier in the day, simply notice it without judgment and gently guide your attention back to now. The more often you practice, the easier it becomes to return to presence—and the more peace, focus, and resilience you’ll gain in return.

small thing but a big thing...

"True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don't need to regularly escape from."

I'm sure you have all heard this quote from author Brianna Wiest. We need to focus our energy on sustainable ways to care for ourselves and those we love and care about right here in our daily lives. This will allow us to enjoy our day to day more and not yearn for an escape.

In My Favorite Wellness Practices That Don't Cost a Thing, a feature article in The Good Trade, lists the following if you are looking for a few practices to try that have some proven wellness research behind them.

1) Nature Walks

2) Volunteer Locally

3) Reduce your Digital Footprint

4) Join a Club in your Community

Check out the full article for additional details on all the above strategies. Choose one and try it yet this summer:)

For me, every summer I look forward to spending time supporting our community in our food pantry (photo above). It is a wonderful opportunity to give back. The clients who come into the food bank are so grateful and kind. I leave feeling grateful that I went...every. single. time. "Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more."

Tidbits I love...

Quote:

A Quote from Dr. Brad Johnson, one of the leading voices in education, leadership and relational intelligence.

Community Circle Questions:

When do you feel most like yourself?

What makes you laugh?

What is something you wish people would do more often?

What gives you hope?

Mindfulness or Focused Attention Practice:

Grounding Photos

From Lori Desautel's Focused Attention Practices Cohort 6 Guidebook

This focused attention practice grounds the nervous system to the hear and now, to be present and observant in the moment. It's about being present, noticing and reflecting. Click here for details.

Book, Video or Website:

RevelationsinEducation.com

Lori Desautel, author of Connections over Compliance, Intentional Neuroplasticity and Body and Brain Brilliance, shares many resources, graphics and learning opportunities on her website. It is a go-to for me! Check it out!!!

Action For Happiness Calendar

This month's Action for Happiness calendar is Jump Back Up July. It is filled with daily ideas to bounce back when things are tough. Click on the calendar to the right to download and print.

Newsletter Feedback Form

Please fill out the feedback for to share your thoughts on this newsletter, ideas for future newsletters and if you would like me to contact you to support you on your wellbeing journey.