The Care and Feeding of the Superintendent - cultivating good psychological health

School Administrator, Sept, 2001 by James F. Burgett

A self-proclaimed wellness authority tells colleagues how to stay alive long enough to draw retirement

Did you ever hear the saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? I think the same can be said of the school superintendent. When the superintendent is having a bad day, not feeling well mentally or physically, there is a good chance that those in the general vicinity will feel the repercussions.

Contrary to what some may think, superintendents are human. If we are not healthy and happy, the consequences might go beyond having "a bad day." In fact, it might become a matter of life and death. So prepare with me to think about your own lifestyle and consider some changes that just might save your life.

What makes me an expert on wellness? The answer has three parts.

First, I am old. I have begun to enjoy listening to accordion music and watching The Weather Channel. I look both ways before crossing a room. What's more, insurance companies have started to send me their free calendars, one month at a time.

I could do that early retirement thing if I wanted too, but instead I recently signed a multiyear contract to keep doing what I love: working as a school superintendent. At the ripe old age of 55, I still feel healthy and energetic enough and maintain a love for children that got me into this profession.

Second, I still am employed as a superintendent after 23 years. Personally, I like to think I have cleared many of the hurdles I list here and that I have done enough research to know that the information presented is both valid and pertinent.

Finally, I consider myself a survivor. I have lived through several wars (not the Army type). I have survived seven bond issues--several of which should have provided combat pay. I also have raised three children and lived through the torture of teaching each one to drive. I even watch Teletubbies and VeggieTales with my grandchildren.

I credit good physical, mental, social, spiritual and professional health for my being a content and productive superintendent. Yet, like you, no matter what I do, I am still getting older. I know that I might die before the day is over, that there is no guarantee that I won't get a terminal disease, have a heart attack or lose my marbles.

However, I also am smart enough to know that I can play the odds to my favor by living responsibly. I know I have some control over my health and happiness. For instance, I can control what I eat and how I respond to stressful situations. I can control my aerobic and strength-building programs, my daily habits, my half of most relationships, what I believe in and what I value. So can you.

Health Network

Have you ever wondered what your coworkers, community members, students and fellow educators see when you stand in front of them? Do they see a healthy, energetic, positive role model? If so, they will more than likely follow your lead. Remember: You lead, they follow.

We are all familiar with the tips for getting and staying physically healthy: Exercise for 30 minutes a day. Don't smoke. Don't drink alcohol except in moderation. Eat a balanced diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Buckle your seatbelt.

Other recommendations focus on mental and emotional health: Challenge your mind by engaging in some mental activity each day. Invest time in relationships. Stay connected with family and friends. Maintain a spiritual connection and a "can-do attitude."

What a simple list! If each of us developed a plan that embraced these few recommendations we would be in prime physical, mental and emotional condition. How hard can it be? Let's start now.

Physical Health

The first and most obvious area related to your health and happiness is your physical health. Here is a simple plan to improve your physical wellness.

* Do a self-assessment. Take a true picture of yourself. Weigh yourself. Use a tape measure. Think about your physical endurance. Get a checkup to determine what kind of improvement plan you can tackle.

* Develop a vision. See yourself as you want others to see you. Don't try to go from Oliver Hardy to Tom Cruise. It won't happen. Be realistic. If you have bad teeth, get them fixed. If you need a new hairstyle, then do it. If you want to tone up, start now.

* Set realistic goals. If you need to lose 40 pounds, shoot for 10. Then, when you reach that goal, set another. If you want to quit smoking, picture your lungs pink and soft instead of black and crusty. If you want to be able to bench press 200 pounds, set a goal of 150 pounds and gradually increase that goal.

* Implement your plan. Making a plan is easy; not following it is even easier. The result is obvious: You are still in the same rotten shape as before, but you now have a load of guilt to carry around for not following through. Follow your plan. Stick to your diet. Eat well, but eat the right things. Maybe it's just a matter of cutting out the snacks.

* Don't make it difficult. If you want to lose weight, eat less and exercise more. There, I just saved you $39.95 for that weight-loss program you were thinking about buying. And you don't need that $1,500 home gym. A pair of $25 dumbbells, a space on the floor and a TV set will work just fine. A treadmill is simple to use and you can buy a used one for a reasonable price-from someone, unlike you, who didn't follow the plan!