14th July 2023

Stress management tips for teachers

As a teacher, stress will be common due to the difficult circumstances that you are faced with and it’s inevitable that sometimes you will feel tired, but it’s how you deal with this stress that is important. The majority of teachers work in this profession for the simple fact that they want to have a positive impact on the lives of children, so when you feel stressed and overwhelmed, it is important to remember the reasons that you’re teaching. However, there are some methods to help recover and prevent some of this stress. 

Make a timetable

Many teachers will have packed schedules and busy periods but knowing how to manage your time is important. Making a plan around your timetable can be an effective way to battle stress as it can relieve lots of worry about when you will fit in these tasks. For example, designate a certain date or time slot for marking papers, this can take away some of the stress of when you’re going to fit tasks in.

Set Boundaries

Although making timetable is an effective way to deal with stress, we understand not all teachers will have time slots to designate individual tasks, and on top of that, we know that some teachers will be teaching every single period of the school day. If this is the case, then it’s important that you set boundaries, for example; saying no to taking on more workload if someone offers. Although it may be difficult to say no, it’s important to value your well-being first. 

It’s also crucial to set time boundaries so that you are not constantly working. Take necessary breaks and have a set time that you leave the school in the evening. Having these boundaries ensures that you split up your social life and work life, this is important as social tasks can help you to de-stress.

Set time aside for exercise

After a long day of work, most people want to sit down on the couch and recharge for the next day ahead. For a teacher especially it can be so easy for you to sit down and relax after a difficult day. However, if you can break this cycle and designate one hour a day to do some physical activity, it can help to battle the stresses of teaching. Exercising has been proven to release endorphins, which carry negative effects that you obtain when you feel pain or stress. Choose an exercise that you enjoy, from sports to a gym workout, all of these can help release endorphins and have you ready for the next day. If you dislike sports or can’t go to the gym, going for a walk is an excellent way to ensure you’re getting your exercise in and enjoying the fresh air is an added bonus.

Mental Health Management Tips for Teachers

As stated, physical activity can aid in preventing and recovering from stress, as it is an excellent way to help with your mental and physical health. But, there are many different methods to help with your mental health. Journaling keeps track of what you’ve completed, what you need to complete and any personal tasks or activities you want to do. Journaling can help to relieve stress and is a personal way to offload your emotions and frustrations.

Other good ways to relieve stress or prevent stress are meditation, yoga, practising mindfulness and reading. If you feel none of these have helped you, or won’t help, it’s important to speak out. Tell your school and colleagues how you’re feeling so you can be advised on the best possible way to recover. Getting medical support from a mental health professional can be the best way to manage your emotions.

Stress will affect each and every one of us in our lives, but as a teacher, it’s important to remember the reasons you got into this brilliant profession and if you are struggling mentally, ensure to take the steps necessary to recover, and get support if you need it. At Engage, we provide our teachers with 24/7 support.