Feeling overwhelmed or worried about teacher wellbeing?
Teaching wellbeing is a top priority for many schools. Undoubtedly teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it can also be incredibly demanding. From behaviour management in the classroom to meeting curriculum demands, teachers and teaching assistants often find themselves grappling with stress at work and work overload. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential tools for teacher wellbeing, ensuring you can navigate challenges while staying energised and fulfilled in your role.
1.Teacher Wellbeing Strategies
Stress at work is a common issue for teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff alike. Learning effective stress management strategies is crucial for maintaining well-being in the classroom. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and time management can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm.
Research shows that regular mindfulness practice can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Encouraging teachers and teaching assistants to take short mindfulness breaks throughout the day can make a big difference in their mental health and productivity.
Box breathing is a quick teacher wellbeing tool
Box breathing can be a useful tool, ideally performed in a quiet space but can also be done in the classroom without students noticing.
Picture a box in your mind or find something square in the classroom to focus on. Take in a breath through your nose for four, visualize traveling up one side of the square. Next, imagine moving across the top of the square whilst holding your breath for four. Then exhale for four, as you travel down the right side of the box, and hold your breath for four counts as you travel across the bottom of the square. Repeat for 10 breaths. This visual provides a helpful anchor for your attention and enables you to get into the flow of rhythmic breathing.
Sarah Carter from UCL student services offers some useful breathing techniques including Box Breathing
2. Work-Life Balance Tips for Teacher Wellbeing
Finding the right balance between work and personal life is essential for a teacher’s well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the job, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. We encourage teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to set boundaries, prioritise tasks, and make time for activities they enjoy outside of work.
Studies have found that maintaining a healthy work-life balance not only improves job satisfaction but also enhances overall well-being. By carving out time for relaxation and hobbies, teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff can recharge their batteries and approach their work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
3. Classroom Management Techniques
Student behaviour management is another significant source of stress for teachers and can effect teacher wellbeing. Implementing effective classroom management techniques can help create a positive learning environment and reduce disruptive behaviour. Strategies such as positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and consistent discipline can make a world of difference in classroom dynamics.
Research has shown that proactive classroom management can lead to higher levels of student engagement and academic achievement. By investing time in establishing clear routines and expectations, teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff can create a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
4. Being Present in the Moment is essential for teachers.
In the hustle and bustle of the school day, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of the present moment. However, practising mindfulness and being present in the classroom can significantly impact teacher wellbeing. We encourage teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to focus on the here and now, fully engaging with their students and the learning process.
Remember the past has gone you cannot change it and the future is not with us yet and effected by what we do now. The Power of Now is not only a fabulous book by Eckhart Tolle but also a powerful mantra.
Studies have found that being present in the moment can reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall job satisfaction. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness in the classroom, teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff can create a more positive and enriching educational experience for themselves and their students.
5. Teacher Wellbeing Support Networks
Building a strong support network is crucial for teacher wellbeing. Whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or professional organisations like Education Support, having people to lean on can make all the difference during challenging times.
Research has shown that teachers who feel supported are more resilient and better able to cope with stress. By fostering connections and sharing experiences, teachers and teaching assistants can find strength and encouragement in their colleagues and peers.
6. Teachers Prioritise Self-Care
Amidst the demands of lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities, it’s easy for teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to neglect their own wellbeing. However, prioritising self-care is essential for maintaining long-term health and happiness in the profession. Encourage yourself and other teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to carve out time for activities that replenish energy and bring joy, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk in nature, or practicing a hobby. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary investment in your overall wellbeing.
7.Get more sleep
Mental health impacts thoughts, feelings, and actions and influences our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Quality sleep is crucial for good mental health, but sleep issues can worsen mental health conditions, and mental health problems can lead to poor sleep.
Adhering to sleep hygiene practices can improve sleep quality and mental well-being.
Find out more from the sleep foundation
Teacher Wellbeing conclusion
Teacher wellbeing is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. By incorporating stress management strategies, prioritising work-life balance, implementing effective classroom management techniques, being present in the moment, building support networks, and prioritising self-care, educators can navigate the challenges of teaching with confidence and resilience.
Remember, your wellbeing matters! Take the time to invest in self-care and explore the tools and techniques that work best for you. 4myschools is focussed on wellbeing for all and by working together, we can create a supportive and nurturing educational community where teachers thrive.
4myschools Teacher Wellbeing CPD
At 4myschools, we’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, SEN professionals, primary teachers, secondary teachers, and supply teachers. We offer free wellbeing and behaviour management courses to all our candidates. If you’re looking for opportunities that prioritise work-life balance and promote teacher wellbeing, get in touch with us today!
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