STRESS TIPS FOR TEACHERS

1) Review your boundaries for school work – Can you reduce time spent on planning and preparation? Learn to trust yourself and establish realistic time boundaries. Stay focused and aim to finish within set times

2) Make sure that you take your breaks during the school day – use the staff room because it can be a great source of support – professionally and socially. Power nap at lunchtime or take a quick walk to get some fresh air

3) Ensure you leave school at a reasonable time - don’t stay late, and then continue working when you get home. If you are going to take work home, have a break between school and starting again – with time boundaries to allow for some relaxation!

4) Learn to prioritise tasks– for example an A, B, C approach where A represents the urgent, B the important, and C the things that can safely be put on one side. Focus on completing one task at a time.

5) Consider making a priority to-do-list – add tasks which you need to address during the day - tick things off when completed, so that you have a full picture of your achievements.

6) You have the right to say ‘No!’–  If someone senior to you or a colleague asks you to do something “extra” which will put you on overload – say so!! If it is a reasonable request, say how you feel or ask for time to think about it before responding

7) Do not reinvent the wheel –check access to past lesson plans, which you can tailor to the needs of your pupils. Use websites for downloadable resources. Ask if anyone else in the school has anything to help!

8) Build in quality time during the week for you and your family – maintain interests, take regular exercise, allow time to relax, keep contact with friends and relations, etc.

9) Make use of the specialisms and experience within  your school to support you and help you out – they have all been there!

10) Share the “funnies” that the pupils come up with and  have a LAUGH!

Establishing a healthy work/life balance and having clear boundaries helps you, your family, friends, colleagues and pupils to maintain stress free relationships