Managing Stress: Finding Balance in the Classroom

As teachers and staff members, we all face a lot of responsibilities and pressures to perform at our best. But with a few simple techniques, we can reduce stress levels and increase our resilience. We hope that you have managed to fully relax and unwind over the Easter break. As you return to school, we understand that the feeling of stress can start to build up again. But don’t worry, we are here for you! In this blog, we look into various strategies and techniques for supporting staff wellbeing in education.

So let’s take a deep breath and focus on implementing strategies that work for us individually. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, taking regular breaks, or seeking support from colleagues and managers, we can all take small steps towards a healthier and more balanced work-life.

Remember, we’re all in this together, and there’s no shame in asking for help when we need it. Let’s support each other in creating a positive and nurturing work environment for ourselves and our students!

In this post, we will explore the topic of stress awareness and how it relates to the wellbeing and resilience of teachers and staff in education. We will discuss why school settings can be high-stress environments, and provide practical tips and examples for how to manage stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Why School Settings Can Be High-Stress Environments

It’s no secret that there are several factors that contribute to the high-stress levels in school settings. The following are a few examples:

1. High Workloads: Teachers and staff members in the education sector often have heavy workloads, with numerous responsibilities to balance. From lesson planning to marking and grading, there is always something that needs to be done.
2. Time Pressures: With so much to do, it’s no surprise that teachers and staff members often feel like there is never enough time to get everything done. Deadlines can add additional pressure and stress.
3. Student Behaviour: Managing student behaviour can be challenging and stressful. Dealing with difficult behaviour, conflict resolution, and bullying can be emotionally taxing.
4. Administrative Demands: In addition to teaching responsibilities, teachers and staff members often have administrative tasks to complete, such as record-keeping, paperwork, and meetings. These tasks can be time-consuming and take away from valuable teaching time.

Tips for Managing Stress and Supporting Staff Wellbeing

Now that we have discussed some of the factors that contribute to high-stress levels in school settings, let’s explore some practical tips and examples for managing stress and supporting staff wellbeing.

Prioritize Your Time and Energy

It’s essential to know your priorities and set boundaries to avoid taking on too much. Saying “no” when you need to can help prevent exhaustion and reduce stress levels.

Recognize Your Stress ‘Triggers’

Make a list of events or situations that leave you feeling drained or overwhelmed, and brainstorm a few ways to reduce the stress associated with each. Use these opportunities to practice your stress-reduction techniques and take note of what works for you.

Practice Self-Compassion

Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes or dwell on negative thoughts. Instead, focus on doing something that brings you joy or peace each day. Be kind to yourself and forgive yourself for any missteps along the way.

Express Your Feelings

Don’t let anger or frustration fester inside you. Find a trusted colleague or friend to talk to about your feelings, or address difficult situations with your coworkers head-on. It’s much easier to carry a lighter load when you share it with others.

Make Time for Self-Care

Find ways to incorporate exercise, meditation, or other stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. Consider taking up a hobby that helps you unwind or practice mindfulness techniques to help calm your mind.

Slow Down and Take Your Time

Avoid rushing into new tasks or responsibilities without first orienting yourself. Plan ahead for appointments and set aside time to prepare yourself mentally for what’s to come.

Practice Gratitude

Find something positive about each workday, even the tough ones. Remind yourself of situations you have handled well and hold those memories close to help ease stress in the present.

Avoid Vices

Drinking, smoking, or relying on sedatives or stimulants may provide temporary relief, but they can create long-term health problems and exacerbate stress levels. Instead, consider healthier alternatives to achieve the same effects, such as exercise or meditation.

Examples of Stress Management Techniques

Here are a few examples of stress management techniques that you may find helpful:

1. Breathing Exercises: Take a few deep breaths in and out, focusing on your breath and slowing down your heart rate.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle group in your body, starting at your toes and working your way up to your head.
3. Visualisation: Close your eyes and visualise a calming scene,such as a peaceful beach or a serene forest. Focus on the sights, sounds, and sensations of the scene to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
4. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to release stress and gain perspective on your emotions. Try journaling for a few minutes each day to help process your thoughts and feelings.
5. Gratitude Practice: Take a few moments each day to focus on the things you are grateful for. This could include anything from a good cup of coffee to spending time with loved ones. Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and reduce stress.

Supporting staff wellbeing is vitally important in the education sector. School settings can be high stress environments, but by implementing practical tips and techniques for managing stress and improving wellbeing, it’s possible to reduce stress levels and increase resilience. Prioritising self-care, setting realistic goals, practicing mindfulness, connecting with others, taking breaks, and seeking help when needed are all important steps towards achieving greater stress awareness and improving overall wellbeing. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining good mental health and being able to perform at your best in your role as an educator.

We hope you’ve found this post on supporting staff wellbeing. For further resources and ideas, we recommend visiting the education support charity website.

If you are looking for a new role, or would like to discuss staffing needs:

View all our latest school vacancies here. Alternatively, register your interest here.