Here's how you can maintain work-life balance and prevent burnout as a teacher.

Utilize productivity apps like Pomodoro timers, to-do lists, or project management tools to streamline your workflow, set reminders, and track progress, making it easier to stay on top of your tasks. Identify tasks that can be delegated to team members or outsourced to external resources, freeing up your time for higher-priority responsibilities and strategic planning. Create a prioritization matrix to categorize tasks based on importance and urgency, helping you focus on high-impact activities and delegate or eliminate less critical ones.

As a teacher and a coach, I have learned to create a day off within the workweek. I am fortunate to be able to block out my Fridays as my day. I do not coach nor teach on Fridays. This has provided me the opportunity to regroup and refocus and rest. And it has created opportunity to explore different activities that I may not normally be able to. My role as endurance coach is slightly different than traditional teachers-- I head from my adjunct post to the field. I have the luxury of claiming Fridays, but I may have practice and/or races over the weekend. I also have a time that I unplug. This may be in the middle of the day or in the evening. I do not answer calls, read email or do work. It is my time.

Establish end-of-day rituals, such as closing your laptop, turning off notifications, or taking a short walk, to signal the transition from work to personal time, helping you mentally disengage. Block off time for breaks and personal activities in your calendar, treating them as important appointments that shouldn't be moved or canceled, ensuring you make time for self-care. Experiment with digital detox periods, such as unplugging from devices during mealtimes or setting aside tech-free weekends, to fully recharge and reconnect with loved ones.

As teachers and coaches we give. Many times we forget to refill our cups. If the cup is empty, we cannot give. Self-care can be as simple as a pedicure. For me the care consists of my diet (what I eat) and my activities. I swim, bike, run and weight train regularly. This keeps me strong and able to run around after the kids I coach. I also prioritize my sleep. I am like a crabby toddler if I don't get the sleep I need. Most importantly, I spend time doing things I enjoy. All of this keeps me healthier and happier.

Block off regular "me time" in your calendar for activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, crafting, or exercising, ensuring you prioritize your personal well-being. Use mindfulness and meditation apps like Headspace or Calm to incorporate short, guided sessions into your daily routine, helping you manage stress and enhance focus. Organize wellness challenges within your team, such as step competitions or healthy eating weeks, to promote physical activity and healthy habits while fostering camaraderie.

Utilize task management apps like Trello or Asana to assign tasks to team members or students, making it easy to track progress and ensure accountability. Organize regular collaborative planning sessions with colleagues to share lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies, fostering a supportive environment and reducing individual preparation time. Offer training sessions on effective delegation for both teachers and students, highlighting the benefits and best practices, which can enhance teamwork and improve overall efficiency in the classroom.

Use digital calendar apps like Google Calendar to set flexible time blocks for tasks, allowing for easy rescheduling and prioritization based on daily demands. Incorporate short mindfulness practices or breathing exercises into your daily routine to help manage stress and enhance your ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. Create flexible lesson plans that can be easily adjusted based on daily classroom dynamics, allowing you to modify activities or topics in real-time to better suit student needs.