Burnout occurs because of sustained stress that never subsides. This is due to prolonged periods of intensity and excessive demands on energy, strength and resources. Avoiding burnout, especially as a teacher, is crucial for maintaining your well-being and providing the best education for your students.
More and more teachers are experiencing fatigue, mental exhaustion, and even apathy for their work. That’s why it’s more important than ever to develop healthy habits — inside and outside the classroom. There’s no definitive answer to avoid burnout, only how to minimize its effects. Exhaustion, job detachment, and reduced performance is only a few signs of having burnout. Understanding the signs of burnout and taking proactive measures can help decrease the pressure it causes teachers. Here are just a few ways to minimize burnout throughout the school year.
Time Management
Time management can come in many forms. From managing workloads and prioritizing tasks to lesson planning and personal activities, there’s a lot for teachers to juggle. Implementing a structured schedule can significantly enhance productivity and prevent burnout. Embrace tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-tracking apps to stay organized. These tools can help manage time and energy. Be sure to not overcommit and be realistic with what you can accomplish.
Practice Self-Care
Everyone should prioritize self-care, especially teachers. This means setting aside dedicated time for activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. Engaging in regular exercise, getting enough restful sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet are foundational. Taking time for your own hobbies and interests helps reduce stress and tension you hold throughout the day. Make sure to prioritize breaks throughout the day as well.
Say No Sometimes
It is okay to say you can’t do something, whether it’s due to limited time, an already huge to-do list or the limited impact it will have on student outcomes; Sometimes you just have to say “sorry, I can’t do that”. Learning to say no can have a bit of a learning curve at first, but you and others need to respect your time and workload that you’re already carrying throughout the year. Consider the impact having another task added to your to-do list and respond accordingly, making sure you consider your time and wellbeing first.
Talk to Colleagues
No one understands your frustrations and challenges better than your colleagues. Communicating with your peers is one of the best ways you can prevent burnout because they can offer the best support. Peer support can come in many different forms – from talking through stressful situations, to helping set up something in the classroom, having someone to listen to you can help relieve tension and have a clear mind.
What are some other ways you help minimize burnout? Let us know in the comments!
Resources
https://www.pointloma.edu/resources/education/5-ways-prevent-burnout-teacher
https://pce.sandiego.edu/15-ways-to-prevent-teacher-burnout-faqs/
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