By India Foster, Communications Strategist, School Mental Health Initiative, New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Teaching is a rewarding profession, but managing life and students can be very demanding and stressful. Educators often prioritize their students' needs over their own, leading to burnout and mental health challenges. Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health, preventing burnout, and being an effective teacher. Here are some effective self-care strategies for improving teachers' mental health and well-being:
Set Boundaries
Establish strong boundaries between work and your personal life. Establishing boundaries is important to maintaining the balance between work and home. Designate specific times for grading papers and responding to emails, and ensure you have uninterrupted time for yourself and your family. Communicate this to your colleagues, students, and family to help manage expectations.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and increase emotional resilience. Take a few minutes daily to practice mindfulness, whether during a break, in the morning, or before bed. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations that can be easily incorporated into your routine.
Find A Way To Be Active
It's time to get moving! Being active is a great way to incorporate "me time" into your schedule and stress reliever. Prioritizing physical activity into your daily routine can help boost your mood, increase energy levels, and reduce stress.
Connect with Colleagues
The key is to build a supportive network of colleagues who can provide emotional and professional support when needed. Having a community of people you can trust and who share experiences, challenges, and successes with fellow teachers makes the load feel lighter. Consider joining a teacher support group or professional learning community to exchange ideas and strategies and help manage stress.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Many schools offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counseling services. Take care of your mental health to be the best for your students.
Teaching can require a significant amount of emotional and physical energy. Educators can better maintain their mental health and well-being by prioritizing self-care and implementing these strategies. It's important to remember that taking care of oneself benefits the individual and creates a positive and effective learning environment for students.