Happy New Year! As we hit the halfway mark in this school year, we understand the continuous and everchanging challenges you are facing. Even before COVID-19 came into our lives almost two years ago, teachers were experiencing high levels of stress. Often these triggers can come from outside the workplace, however, now more than ever, teachers are being constantly watched, critiqued, and assessed by students, colleagues, administrators, and parents. Governmental entities are also constantly finding new ways to gage your success which only adds to the stress level currently experienced by many educators.
That bright light inside you that contains your passion for teaching may become dulled as you attempt to keep up with all that is required. It’s of no surprise that we are hearing from members about the additional amount of stress and burnout they are enduring from time pressures, student discipline, low student motivation, technology hurdles, lack of recognition, and conflicts with colleagues, parents, or school administrators.
Now more than ever, teachers need to be recognized for the hard work they are doing and the exceptional ways they continue to teach and support their students.
Below are some tips that might prove helpful in maintaining a positive attitude, which helps counter mental, emotional, and physical fatigue.
- Take several moments throughout your day to think of positive aspects about your class, your day or teaching in general. Taking just 15 seconds to create three positive thoughts will begin a shift in your emotions.
- Think of things that make teaching fun for you and find ways to slip these activities into your instruction.
- Create a positive journal. Write down one or two positive things that have happened to you during each day.
- Don’t listen to rumors that fly around the school.
- Put a cartoon or photo that makes you smile in a planner or desk drawer that you can look at when you need a boost.
- Break down projects into smaller tasks to make them less overwhelming and more manageable.
- Politely turn down your availability to take on more projects or tasks than you can handle.
- Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet.
- Exercise helps to reduce anxiety and stress. Take a walk or go to the gym.
- Limit time spent on watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It’s good to be informed but hearing too much negative news slowly makes you depressed and drains your energy.
- Try to keep your work and home life in balance. When at home, make efforts to relax and spend time on your hobbies and things that make you happy.
- Remember that you are valued!!
