Teaching is a rewarding job. But sometimes, it can be tough to handle the stress and pressure that comes with the job.
It’s no secret that the teaching profession has its fair share of problems.
Between meeting students’ needs, managing classrooms, and preparing for instruction. Teachers are under a lot of pressure.
However, you can healthily handle stress and pressure by following these tips.
1. Have Constructive Conversation with Your Colleagues
Talking to your colleagues can be a great way to relieve stress when feeling overwhelmed. Your colleagues can offer some helpful advice or share their own experiences.
Venting to someone who understands what you’re going through can be very helpful.
Additionally, talking to your colleagues can help you develop a support network.
2. Take a Break
Teaching can be demanding, especially when many things are going on at once.
Taking a break is important because it helps you perform better. A break allows you to concentrate on other projects that can help students perform better such as organising learning material.
Taking time off to engage in other activities helps you replenish by reducing teacher burnout. Also, be sure to take advantage of your weekends and holidays.
Holidays are meant for relaxation, so make the most of them! You can use that time out of school to recharge your batteries so you can come back fresh and ready to go.
3. Make Time for Yourself and the Things You Enjoy Doing
It’s vital to make time for yourself, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Some activities you can engage in include:
1. Reading a book
2. Watching your favourite movie
3 Spending time with family and friends.
4. Eating a healthy meal.
Indulging in these activities can help take your mind off work and provide some much-needed relaxation.
It’s also crucial that you continue doing the things you love, even if they don’t seem to have anything to do with teaching.
For example, if you enjoy sporting activities, find a place where they offer them! Participating in activities you enjoy will help keep you rejuvenated and make you a happier person.
5. Get Organised and Have a Plan in Place
The best way to handle stress and pressure is to be organised. If you know what you need to do and when to do it, there is less chance of feeling overwhelmed.
There are many ways in which you can go about doing this, such as:
1. Having a plan for each day, week, and month
2. Organising your classroom and desk area (even if it only takes 10 minutes each day)
3. Setting up systems for the tasks that repeat themselves regularly (such as photocopying)
4. Keeping up with emails, making sure that you don’t leave any unanswered or unchecked.
6. Set up Boundaries with Students and Parents
People learn to respect your time when you set boundaries. Know your limits, and don’t overcommit yourself.
When you know your time is precious, you won’t be as inclined to take on too many tasks at once. Saying no can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you can only handle a specific number of jobs.
With students, it’s important to set boundaries early on. Establish rules and expectations for behaviour and be consistent with them.
If you make an exception for one student, others will likely follow suit. It’s also important to be aware of your triggers. For example, if a student is constantly interrupting you, take a break or ask them to come back later.
Parents can also be a challenge. Remember that you are not their therapist, and direct them to seek professional help if needed. You can, however, provide guidance and support when possible.
Establish rules for communication, such as limiting calls or emails to a certain number per week. And, if a situation becomes too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help from colleagues or administrators.
7. Be Proactive in Your Approach to Stress and Pressure
One of the best ways to manage stress and pressure is to be proactive in your approach. Take steps to prevent or minimise stressors before they have a chance to affect you.
For example, you can:
1. Establish clear goals and priorities, and stick to them.
2. Avoid overcommitting yourself.
3. Set time aside for yourself, even if it’s a few minutes each day.
4. Avoid procrastination.
5. Keep a positive outlook and stay optimistic.
6. Avoid comparing yourself to others.
7. Seek out support from friends and family members.
8. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
8. Set Realistic Goals
One of the best ways to manage stress is to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t handle more tasks than you can manage.
When you have a lot of things on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.
For instance, you can break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. In doing so, you can focus on one task at a time and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
9. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness involves being aware and present in the moment. It can help you to stay calm and focused in stressful situations.
There are many different mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and visualisation. Relaxation techniques are another great way to manage stress.
These techniques can help you to release tension and restore balance. Some popular relaxation techniques include yoga, tai chi, and massage.
10. Work on Your Lesson Plans in Advance
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to be as prepared as possible. Have your lesson plans finalised well in advance.
If you have any last-minute changes or adjustments to make, they will be much less stressful if you already have a plan in place.
The following tips will help with a lesson plan:
1. Plan for a variety of activities and levels of difficulty
2. Include a variety of assessment methods
3. Make sure you have all materials ready
4. Anticipate questions and potential problem
11. Find Ways to Make Your Teaching Job Less Demanding
There are many ways to make your teaching job less demanding. One way is to delegate tasks to other staff members whenever possible.
You can also create a more relaxed and fun learning environment in your classroom.
If you take the time to plan and organise your lessons, you will be less stressed out during the school day.
Finally, make sure to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Get plenty of exercise, eat a healthy diet, and make sure to get enough sleep each night.
Conclusion
No matter what profession you’re in, stress and pressure are inevitable. However, if you know how to handle daily stressors effectively, they can help you become an outstanding teacher.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of living up to a particular image, but it’s important to commit to your profession diligently.
Instead of thinking about other people’s perceptions of your job, focus on how you want your students to feel.
Learners are your priority, and if you can make them feel loved, safe, and supported, you’re already one step ahead of the game.
Facebook