When it comes to teacher stress, we all know how it goes. Few would be surprised to read that 83 per cent of the profession are stressed, according to a YouGov poll, and nearly a third are “very stressed”.
BUT the situation is not 127-Hours-where-the-guy-chops-off-his-own-arm-to-survive-bleak.
Teacher Jo Steer says there are eight simple acts that you can do every day to support your own emotional, mental and physical health. Her tips for fellow teachers to help support their wellbeing are:
1. Keep a ‘gratitude diary’
Spend a few minutes each day writing down three things that you’re truly thankful for.
2. Practise mindfulness
Harness the power of the present moment and use your senses to explore ordinary tasks and situations with curiosity.
3. Regular breaks and rewards
When you do have a solid amount of work to do, ensure you take breaks.
4. Take up a hobby
Look for opportunities to “switch on” through hobbies that help you to relax while enjoying yourself.
5. Mix up your routine
Do whatever it takes to tiptoe out of your comfort zone and feel a little more alive.
6. Talk, listen and laugh
Keep your inner-child alive by finding opportunities each day to be silly, to smile and to laugh.
7. Create a good habit
Think about your triggers - which habits make you feel better and which make you feel worse? Be active about doing the good ones.
8. Just breathe
On those days when things are going from bad to worse, and you feel like you just can’t cope, breathe in through the nose to the count of four, hold for one, then breathe out to five.
