Teaching has always been one of the most stressful jobs but nothing can compare to the stress of teaching during a pandemic. The global pandemic has required so much of teachers; altering the way we communicate, connect and learn with others. Teachers were already stretched so thin and now we add in a decline in student engagement, fear of getting sick and personal childcare or caretaking responsibilities. With a year of uncertainty, long hours and increased stress teachers are at the end of their rope.
Last year teachers were required to dig deep, reimagine their teaching approach to fit online learning and hybrid learning, engage students through a screen and form relationships without ever meeting students. Teachers received no training, no extra time to prepare and teachers rose to meet and exceed expectations often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. Balancing the added stress of hybrid learning and the added stress in home life many teachers did not take the time to take care of themselves.
With the new school year quickly approaching many teachers are nervous about what this year will bring. The teaching profession is a nurturing profession but most people have forgotten that the teachers need nurtured too. The mental health of teachers can have a direct impact on the mental health of students. All teachers deserve to be heard, nurtured and appreciated. We do not know what the future holds regarding the pandemic but we do know that teachers need to recognized for the heroes they are and the impact they have on future generations.
Teachers need to remember to take care of themselves and here are 3 great ways that they can do this.
Keep Mental Health in the Conversation
We as a society need to normalize mental health. It is okay to not be okay. Teachers can check on each other. Socialize, bounce ideas off one another and offer each other assistance. Do not be afraid to ask a fellow teacher to step into your classroom if you need a couple minutes to take some deep breaths and recenter during a tough day. Don’t forget to offer the same for other teachers too. Taking just a few minutes to offer support can make a huge difference.
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care plays an important role in reducing anxiety and depression while increasing happiness. Make a list of things you like to do that calms your mind, body and soul. Take 5 minutes a day for yourself. Everyday. Get rid of the guilt for taking time for yourself, self-care isn’t selfish it is important. Everyone has different ideas of what self-care should look like; try several and find what works best for you. Some ideas include: walking, working out, meditation, reading, tv or tablet time, lunch or coffee with friends or family. Taking care of yourself allows you to have the energy to take care of your students.
Maintain Work and Life Balance
Often in work and life people say yes because they don’t want to disappoint others when really, they are running on empty. Practice saying no so you can focus on what is most important. Set and maintain boundaries. Take your lunch break with a fellow teacher and talk about life outside of school. Don’t respond to emails after hours, set a timer when working on items at home to limit the time spent working. Teachers may be superheroes in disguise but they cannot do everything!! Be willing to reach out and ask for help from a therapist if your mental health is a struggle.
Here at Women’s Integrative Counseling, we understand the amazing role teachers play in our community and we want you to remember to care for yourself. Lauren Rodgers wants to help you manage your stress from this past school year, prepare for the upcoming school year and remind you what an amazing, strong resilient teacher you are!