Wellbeing for tired teachers

Eight tips to becoming a less tired teacher

I have been teaching for 25+ years, and I know any teacher would agree with me when I say that there is no tiredness like teacher-tired. For many of us, the challenges we have had to face – from the technological to the emotional to the physical – during this pandemic have taken this exhaustion to a new level. But fortunately, there are several ways to combat this tiredness so that we can continue to support our students and be the best teachers we can be.

Try these tips to feel more well-rested and motivated:

1. Adopt a growth mindset

This is such a powerful tool and something that I not only reiterate with my students, but also try hard to incorporate into my own life on a daily basis. The three simple growthmindset concepts from psychologist and author, Carol Dweck are:

Your brain is a muscle, so exercise it. As teachers in these strange times, we need to stay stimulated. This, for me, is vitally important to keep stamina up. So yes, do your school work, ensure that your students have the best resources – even if it means showing your creative side and writing your own reading stories, doing some research, and taking a course to upskill yourself. This is good for the soul. Why not try to pick up a book once in a while or even build a puzzle? Keep your brain in shape.

It is okay to make mistakes. We tell this to our pupils all the time. Now it is time to tell yourself. My goodness, we have gone into a whole new era of learning in a matter of weeks! It is okay to make mistakes! The trick, however, is not to give up. Go make a cup of tea and think of a different way to approach the task! Now try again! You’ve got this!

The power of YET. I think this is my favourite. I don’t know how many times over the last few months, I have made a statement like: I can’t do this. This makes no sense. I don’t understand. Let us rather rephrase those statements to say: I can’t do this YET. This makes no sense YET. I do not understand YET. The word YET is very powerful, especially when you look at it in this context. Give it a go – it works.

The three concepts above are really ‘superhero’-like when it comes to powers. What works even better is to have visual aids that go with each concept. We always share these ideas with our pupils; now it is our turn to share it with ourselves, friends and colleagues.

2. Use positive affirmations

This is a great tool for us teachers to keep our energy levels up. Halfway through the year, I start sending positive affirmations home with my learners on a weekly basis. They paste them somewhere visible to see every day. Many times, we teachers actually receive affirmations from our learners in the forms of pictures and letters, or we’ve seen or received various thoughts and sayings from colleagues.

Make use of these in the same way your learners have. Paste them in your diary, on your mirror, the fridge and even behind the bathroom door. Every time you see those affirmations, say them a few times, and while you are saying them take a moment to breathe. Even when I am working, I talk to myself and repeat my positive affirmations. There are super ones on the net; however, I often create my own.

3. Breathe

Why do we need to breathe? Firstly, to get some oxygen to our brains; secondly, to give us time to relax and think carefully about the next step. There are many ways to do breathing exercises, but just a simple in and out five times is sufficient. It will ground you, enable you to use all of your senses and ultimately, to think clearly. In my experience, once you can think clearly you are not as tired or unsettled.

4. Set daily goals

Start setting intentions for the day ahead each morning before you even get out of bed, or do so the night before (which I prefer to do). Determine what you want to achieve that day, even if you add some belly breathing or shape breathing exercises to your list, reciting your affirmations, and making use of the word YET, to achieve your goals. In the evenings, go back and check in with yourself. Tick goals off your list as they are achieved.

Author: Pamela Diesel With more than a quarter-century of teaching behind her, Pamela Diesel is passionate about education – whether it is sharing exciting ideas with children in class or helping other teachers to upskill themselves through her numerous workshops.

If you are working from home, and have not returned to school, unclutter your space at home and give it a new look. Add some flowers, a pretty picture, quotes, affirmations, growth mindset posters, and even a vision board. Surround your place with happy items. Let your environment motivate you! You will find yourself concentrating more and find more energy in your renewed space.

6. Remind yourself why you teach

Place motivational teaching posters around your space; communicate with your students and parents. Let them remind you about your passion for teaching.

7. Try something new

Start a new course, join a class or a group, start a new hobby or learn a new skill. Find a new niche or lease on life. There is nothing like starting afresh to find renewed energy, food for the soul and your mental health.

8. Uplift others

Teachers are natural givers and what better way to uplift yourself than to uplift others? We naturally elevate our pupils every day, but why not inspire a teacher friend? We need each other, especially during this time. We need each other to throw ideas around, to share resources, to teach each other new skills or just to be a listening ear.

Teaching is a profession where you don’t always get a chance to relax: your list is never complete. However, you need to force yourself to stay motivated and look after your own welfare and that of colleagues. This will help you to find energy, to find rest and to find peace. So take matters into your own hands. Once you do, you'll realise that self-motivation is the best motivation of all!

Self-motivation will help you rest and have a happy, healthy body and mind going forward. All of the above must and can be followed into the classroom and into your personal life. Go forth and find your energy through life, others and YOURSELF!