The last few school years have been uniquely challenging for teachers, and many are still struggling to manage the stress of increased responsibilities, unrealistic expectations, and much more. As we draw nearer to the beginning of a new school year, let's build habits that will help us keep our mental health in check. Here's how to start:
- Understand the Pareto Principle - Use the Pareto principle (aka the 80/20 rule) to eliminate nonessential tasks in your workday. According to this theory, 80% of the results we achieve come from 20% of our effort. For a teacher, this means that 80% of student achievement results from 20% of the work we do with students. Some nonessential tasks to cut back on could be writing long emails or elaborately decorating the exterior of your classroom door.
- Reward Yourself - Whenever you set a goal, choose a reward that you'll "unlock" when you achieve that goal. It can be something simple like a delicious treat or a night at the movies. If, when you achieve a goal, you find yourself thinking, "I don't really need a reward. I should keep working," ignore that thought and stop working. Make a commitment to reward yourself and stick to it.
- Actually Take a Break - Scrolling through social media at your desk between classes doesn't count. Get up and leave the classroom when you can, even if it's only for a moment. If you can manage to get a few minutes of sunlight, that's even better!
- Make Friends - Finding a colleague with whom you can share a laugh or trade advice will make a huge difference in your level of work satisfaction. When you're surrounded by kids all day, it's refreshing to have another adult to chat with, especially when that adult understands the unique challenges that teachers face. But of course, always be careful to whom you vent and don't fall into a cycle of dwelling on negativity or gossiping. A good friend will help you focus on the positive.
For more guidance on teacher wellness, check out PDI's wellness courses: Social, Emotional, and Physical Wellness for Students and Teachers (a 3-unit course) and Self-Care Check-in: Guiding Teachers to Wellness (a 1-unit course).
The?Professional Development Institute?(PDI)?has an array of?courses?suited for every grade level. PDI has been in business for over 25 years and has trained more than 275,000 K-12 educators across the globe. We specialize in offering quality, affordable, graduate-level, online courses that focus on the most relevant topics in education while providing practical strategies that can be implemented in the classroom immediately.?All PDI courses are instructor-led and conducted entirely online.
