Why teacher self-care matters as we near the end of term
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Teaching is an incredibly challenging, yet highly rewarding
job, and self-care should form an essential part of the role.
There are always changes to navigate through – none more so
than in the last 18 months – and you’ll have undoubtedly adapted to new
schedules and different ways of working, not forgetting everything outside of
the classroom environment.
With that in mind, primary, secondary and SEN teachers need to
ensure that their mental health is not neglected as they seek to deliver the
best possible outcomes for their pupils.
Take time to think about you!
Self-care is important for teachers throughout the year, but
it can be even tougher as the academic year draws to a close and the number of
tasks and challenges grows.
Taking time to look after your mental health and wellbeing will
enable you to thrive in the classroom at this time, as you’ll have the energy
and drive to help your pupils excel.
Your daily mental health has a huge impact on your pupils,
which is why self-care plays a pivotal role in allowing you to be the best
primary, secondary or SEN teacher than you can be.
Plan ahead
Planning and preparation are vital in alleviating the
feeling of being overwhelmed, especially as the year is coming to an end, so
you can really benefit by starting looking ahead.
Pencil in calendar dates and think about time when you can
take a short break to focus on your mental health and wellbeing, be it five
minutes, or even longer.
You don’t necessarily need to spend too long on such
activities, but regular breaks and time focused on you can make a big
difference to your overall wellbeing.
Useful mental health and self-care resources
There’s also an abundance of self-care resources out there
which can help, including several stand-out options which we’ve listed below.
Check out Routledge’s Teacher
Self-care Toolkit resources for more tips on how to look out for yourself
and spread positive energy throughout the school environment.
Alternatively, Planbook has guidance
on how you can recharge through self-care, while Healthy Happy
Teacher has a checklist of numerous self-care activities for primary and
secondary teachers to try out.
Monday
Campaigns also features breathing exercises to help teachers alleviate
stress, as well as several
GIFs designed to encourage deeper, calmer, breathing.
Of course these resources are just the tip of the iceberg,
and if you have an opportunity to do something which looks after you, make it a
priority! Both you and your teaching should benefit as a result!
Interested in applying? You can view all of our jobs here or alternatively you can submit
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you shortly.
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