Teaching can be such a rewarding profession. But it can be challenging too. Whether you work as a classroom teacher, teaching assistant or in SEN, looking after your own well-being often takes a backseat to lesson prep, marking, pastoral care and your other responsibilities. Throughout your teaching career you’ll also likely experience difficult situations which can put you under further stress. Which is why its important to have the tools you need to manage your wellbeing. We’ve put together this guide on self-care for teachers and teaching assistants to help you develop key skills to beat stress, and to help you know how and when to ask for help.
Looking After Your Mental Health & Wellbeing
Only by looking after your own self-care and wellbeing you can continue to be at your best in the classroom and support the kids in your care. Your well-being affects how well you can understand and communicate with others so, when you feel good, you’re a better educator! Having good stress-management skills also helps prevent burnout which is important. According to Education Support’s Teacher Wellbeing Index, 36% of teachers are experiencing some level of burnout right now.
Spotting Signs of Stress
It's crucial to learn to recognise signs of stress early on so that you can access the help you need or be able to offer help to your colleagues. The latest government figures show that 40,000 teachers are leaving the profession annually in the UK. Watch out for indicators like increased irritability, changes in mood, or a decline in performance. You might also experience some physical symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, or loss of appetite.
If you do notice signs of stress in yourself or others, you should be proactive about accessing support from the workplace manager of your Vetro Recruitment Consultant. Having a strong network of peers or a mentor who understands the unique pressures of being a Teacher or Teaching Assistant can be a valuable resource when getting help with your wellbeing and self-care for Teachers and TAs.
Key Self-Care Skills to Develop
Developing key skills will also help you look after yourself and manage stress levels throughout your career in education. Particularly useful in self-care for teachers and teaching assistants are:
-
Time Management
Teachers often have a multitude of tasks to juggle, from lesson planning to marking, overseeing after school clubs to getting ready for external assessments. Learning effective time management skills will help you allocate your time wisely, reducing stress and preventing burnout.
-
Boundary Setting
Establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal life is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout as a teacher. This includes setting limits on work hours, learning to say no to additional responsibilities when necessary, and prioritising self-care activities. Improving your communication and collaboration skills can be incredibly valuable in helping manage self-care for teachers and teaching assistants. You’ll be better able to express your needs and concerns effectively and establish boundaries and priorities with your colleagues. Good active listening skills and empathy will also help you to foster positive relationships with your colleagues, children, and parents.
-
Stress Management
Teaching can be a demanding profession that requires lot of time and effort. It can be especially challenging when dealing with behavioural issues and pastoral care. Because of this, it’s impossible to always be able to anticipate or avoid sources of stress. Which is why it’s important that you have tools and techniques on hand for managing stress when it arrives. Healthy ways to practice self-care for teachers and teaching assistants include stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and hobbies that help you relax and recharge.
-
Self-Reflection
Engaging in regular self-reflection allows you to better assess your strengths and areas for growth, as well as identify sources of stress or dissatisfaction. This can involve journaling, seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors, or participating in continuous professional development activities to improve your teaching skills.
-
Healthy Habits
Maintaining your physical health is essential for overall well-being. Try to build in habits such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. Taking care of your physical health can provide you with the energy and resilience you need to thrive in the classroom.
With these skills as part of your teaching toolkit you’ll be better able to manage any stressful or challenging circumstances you experience, and they are valuable soft skills to have as part of your career development too.
More Wellbeing Resources for Teachers
It’s likely that your employer has procedures and policies in place to help you with your wellbeing at work including mental health and wellbeing support. Make sure to check your employee handbook or ask your Head or department supervisor for any information available. Some examples of support that may be available include:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Training
- Employee Assistance Groups, Employee Resource Groups, or other peer support groups
- Wellness Action Plans
- Counselling
- Exercise or Meditation Classes
- Financial Advice Services
- Quiet Spaces, Prayer, or Meditation Rooms
- Pastoral Support Services
- Flexible Working
The Teacher’s Union also has a range of wellbeing tools and resources to help with self-care for Teachers and TAs available. As you start your career in education it’s important to remember that there are support services available to you, and to remember that it’s OK to ask for help if you are struggling with aspects of your role or your mental health, wellbeing, and self-care as a teacher.
At Vetro we offer expert advice and recruitment support across the education sector. Learn how to develop your career, grow your abilities, and find the perfect roles for you with the help and guidance of our industry-expert consultants.
If you'd like more information on how Vetro could help you find your next nursing or healthcare role, get in touch or explore our hundreds of live vacancies across the UK.
