Wellbeing for Teachers: 5 Tested Tips for Healthy Holidays
Just like everyone, teachers need to relax and recuperate. Taking time to recharge is vital for teachers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
Stress has negative effects on every aspect of our health. Chronic stress leads to lowered immune function and susceptibility to illness, elevated blood pressure, digestive impairments, anxiety and depression.
Additionally, Long-term stress among teachers can lead to burnout: persistent physical and psychological exhaustion. This saps your motivation for the next academic year in a vicious cycle.
Teaching is a demanding profession with many potential stressors, not least your duty to look after your pupils’ academic and mental wellbeing in the middle of an economic crisis!
Many educators use their summer break to develop themselves for the next academic year.
This is useful, but it’s equally important to give yourself at least 2 weeks of total me-time. Your body needs time to heal from another long year of educating.
Here are some ideas for how teachers can look after their wellbeing and recover over the summer break:
Tap into gratitude
Practicing a sense of gratitude has wide-ranging, positive, mood-enhancing effects on the mind and body, and can be done anywhere.
Feeling gratitude is especially important at difficult times. It doesn’t mean we ignore what’s troubling us; it just means we pay attention to the good things too.
Over the summer, keep a log of ten things you’re grateful for every day. You can write them down, or take photos, collect objects or draw: it’s up to you! The more we practice noting down the small, joyful details of life, the better we become at spotting them in the first place!
You can include things like good weather, a soothing cup of tea, or just smiling at someone: the possibilities are endless.
Reconnect with nature
Mother nature is a great healer. Connecting with nature improves physical health, lift mood, reduce feelings of stress and anger, relax you and build confidence.
Build time into your summer routine for walks in the park or local green spaces. You could even grow houseplants or vegetables. Whatever outdoor activities you choose, they will improve your wellbeing.
Become more mindful
Mindfulness is the awareness we gain from focusing on the present moment with kindness, curiosity and without judgement.
A big part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies through our senses of sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. Regular practice helps us become more present in our day-to-day lives.
This helps us enjoy the world around us and understand ourselves better. We become better at observing our thoughts and feelings, helping us respond better to life’s difficulties.
Mindfulness reduces stress and is recommended for dealing with anxiety and depression. Many apps teach mindfulness, including Calm, Insight and Headspace.
Connect with others
Social connection is a fundamental human need. It benefits our mental and physical health and longevity. Social connection even strengthens our immune system and help us recover from illness faster.
Do yourself some good this summer by spending time with friends and family. Even video calls and texts can make a difference.
You can reap the benefits of connection even when you are completely alone! A form of meditation called Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM) can make us feel connected in just a few minutes. Here is an easy meditation to get you started.
Set some boundaries
We can’t properly relax when we’re constantly reminded of work. This is why setting some boundaries between our work-life and life-life can be invaluable.
Try setting a boundary about checking work email. Assign a period over the summer (1 or 2 weeks, for example) when you won’t check your work inbox, with mail notifications on your phone or laptop switched off.
You can also separate your work and life inside your living environment. If possible, try to do any holiday work in a separate area from where you unwind.
You can achieve a similar result by packing your work items away at the end of a working period. Not seeing teaching-related items will help you switch off more completely.
Practice self-care
Teachers are experts in providing care and compassion to others. Sadly, we don't all feel able to show it to ourselves.
Making self-care a priority can make you a happier, healthier person and a better educator.
Self-care is any activity that you do for yourself and your own wellbeing.
You could start with sleep. Getting enough sleep is crucial for recovering from the stress of the school year. CALM has some great guided sleep meditations to help.
Moving your body in a way you enjoy is another excellent way to take care of your wellbeing. Any movement counts!
There are many ways to get active that you can access online, from yoga to home workouts. Gyms and leisure centres are also open again and offering classes. If you're still practicing social distancing, you can still easily exercise outdoors by walking, cycling or running.
Self-care can even involve just having a bath, reading a book, ordering your favourit meal or most any other activity you enjoy.
We hope this advice helps teachers and educators look after themselves this summer.
If you find yourself needing some help with your mental health over the summer holidays, don’t hesitate to seek help from organisations like Mind and Samaritans, and your local NHS services.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£83.85 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Less than £500 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Doncaster
Description
L3 Primary Teaching Assistant - Doncaster (£83.85 - £95 per day) Position: L3 Primary Teaching AssistantStart Date: 20/05/2024Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm (6.5 hours)Contract Type: Full TimeRole Overview:
Reference
AH2341
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£140 - 235 per day
Location free text
Clapham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Science
Location
Greater London
Description
Secondary Science Teacher - September Start Location: ClaphamJob Type: Permanent, Full-TimeSalary: £140 - £235 Per dayJob Duties: Plan, prepare and deliver engaging and interactive science lessons
Reference
RL10294
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£85 - 110 per day
Location free text
Brixton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Other
Location
Greater London
Description
Secondary General Teaching Assistant - September Start Job Location: BrixtonJob Type: Permanent, Full-TimeSalary: £85 - £110 Per dayJob Duties: Supporting teachers in the delivery of education
Reference
RL91372
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£83.85 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Chichester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Chichester
Description
Join Our Team: Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching AssistantAre you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children with diverse learning needs? Do you thrive in a supportive a
Reference
UNDPH4039UKWEL,SD;./
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£70 - 80 per day
Location free text
Poole
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Poole
Description
Due to the complexity of the needs of the children, you would need to have experience with children with additional needs and would need to be comfortable to lead a group who may be slightly more chal
Reference
JDGUHJ
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£75 - 85 per day
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Bournemouth
Description
Are you someone who can work with individuals that have additional needs?Could you have an immediate, positive effect on a student who have require additional support?We are working with a large schoo
Reference
JDGYHUJN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£65 - 75 per day
Location free text
Poole
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Poole
Description
eaching Assistant - SEN Support Teaching Personnel are working with a SEN Teaching Assistant who is seeking a full time Teaching Assistant to work 1-1 with a pupil in Year 1 with diagnosed autism (ASD
Reference
JDGYHJN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Job Title: KS1 TeacherLocation: SheffieldSalary: £120-£160Enjoy working with children and want a rewarding career, that you can feel accomplished, by shaping the young minds of he future?Teaching Per
Reference
sc28730
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£85 - 95 per day
Location free text
Wigan
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Wigan
Description
Are you a dedicated and passionate Humanities Teacher looking for your next career move? Are you looking for cover work and have a background in Humanities subjects? Look no further! Teaching Personne
Reference
HUMAB
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wigan and Warrington BranchAuthor
Wigan and Warrington BranchSalary
£140 - 170 per day
Location free text
Nelson
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 5
Location
Nelson
Description
Year 5 Teacher- Bacup- Full-time role- September 2024 start - Competitive rate of £140 - £170 per day- Experienced within a Primary School setting- Must be
Reference
Year5TeachSeptNels
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire East PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire East PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelin
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job