How to Avoid Teacher Burnout

This might seem like an odd time to be posting about teacher burnout since most of you are currently on summer break and recharging batteries. Even though alarm clocks may be off, books are being read for enjoyment, and you can go to the bathroom whenever you want, it is not too early to start training your mind and body for the start of a new year.

This post will share tips on preparing for the upcoming year and maintaining your peace once it starts.

Care for yourself (even when things aren’t stressful)

It’s summer, and most educators (except administrators and coaches) are getting a break from the classroom. Some might be vacationing, sitting by a pool, or enjoying other fun activities. Others use this time to clean the house, work on a long to-do list, or maybe work a second job.

Regardless of what you are doing, find time to refill, rest and rejuvenate. So many of us think we have to be doing something constantly. In reality, there is as much value in taking a nap or watching a funny show on Netflix. 

You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t take the time when you can rest your mind and body, the stress will stay with you and ramp right back up when school starts again!

Give yourself some grace

Everyone makes mistakes. If you make a mistake, learn from it and keep going. It does no good to ruminate over what you could have done differently. It is also OK to apologize. It does not make you a bad teacher; it makes you human!

Also, not everyone is going to like how you operate. As long as you are ethical and operating within district policies, keep doing what you believe is the best for your students. Almost every educator has had a parent or colleague upset with how we do things at some point. Be open to feedback and compromise, and realize constructive criticism is not a personal attack on your character.

Give yourself a timeout

If you feel your emotions getting the best of you, you should take a mental health break. This can be anything from asking a friend to cover your class for a moment, so you can go to the bathroom and splash some water on your face or taking an afternoon off to pick up your kid from daycare and do something fun. 

As long as it does not become the norm, you can step away from the stress occasionally to clear your head. You will be a better teacher when you recognize the need for an adult timeout!

**Sidenote - this is especially true with any written communication. It is tempting to fire off an email or text when we become angry or defensive. I STRONGLY encourage you to wait until you cool off before sending anything in writing. I promise it won't come across how you think it will unless you are calm.**

Practice gratitude

Except for graduation, wins in education can sometimes feel few and far between. It has been said that it takes five positive experiences to outweigh a negative one. Because of this, regularly practicing gratitude can help when an obstacle pops up.

One way to do this is by keeping a “feel good folder” (where you keep all the notes of appreciation or positive feedback received over the years). You can also keep a gratitude journal where you write one or two things you are grateful for at the end of each day. When you are down, you can pull one of these two things out and look at all the positive reasons you do what you do!

Find your Village

Some schools provide more support and understanding than others. If you feel like yours is lacking, find your people! Get away from your desk and connect. Build relationships with the people around you in addition to the students.

It will make it more enjoyable to work, and you will build a support system. People that will help when things get stressful and who you will want to do the same for. There is a reason they say that it takes a village to raise a child!

Hopefully, these tips have given you something to consider as you soak up that summer sun. If you try these throughout the year and they don’t help, it might be time to talk to a professional. I am happy to help you process your feelings and decide the best way forward. 

Until then, enjoy the rest of your timeout!