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Self-management and emotional awareness in change: guidance for staff

This section is all about learning to pause, check in with our energy levels and handle stress before it leads to burnout.

When going through changes at work, our mental and emotional batteries can run low pretty quickly. It’s easy to slip into 'frantic mode' — feeling like we need to answer every email instantly, over-check every detail or react to every rumour. 

Watch

Video

Learn Sarah's three strategies that got her through a particularly full-on week, starting with something most of us don't do nearly enough. (Four minutes)

Video

Learn Helen's practical, step-by-step framework for asking for help at work in a way that feels confident, clear, and effective. (Seven minutes)

Read

Find out more about support, health and wellbeing for staff at York.

Now you’ve explored the core content through your chosen format, it’s time to move from theory to practice. Choose the 'Do' option to apply the learning, and then the 'Reflect and connect' option to discuss these tools with your colleagues.

Do

We prioritise active learning over passive listening. Real growth doesn't happen by reading a screen; it happens when we apply what we’ve learned directly to our daily roles. Download this worksheet to complete your micro-mission for this topic. It contains specific, small actions to try out in your next meeting, decision-making moment, or team interaction.

Copy the worksheet

By completing this worksheet, you will identify what drains and restores your daily energy at work, learn a quick technique to clear your mind during stressful moments, and discover how to handle difficult emotions constructively so you can make smart, values-driven choices.

Reflect and connect

Real capability is built through community. Learning shouldn't stay trapped in a browser tab — it thrives when we share our experiences, align on decisions, and problem-solve together.

Once you've completed the worksheet, you may wish to discuss your next steps with a colleague or your line manager; or reach out to one of the wider support services at the University, for example Occupational Health.

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