How to Avoid Teacher Burn Out

If you’re a teacher, there’s a high chance that you’ve experienced teacher burnout before and know how quickly it can become unbearable. This burnout leads to teachers becoming uninspired in their duties or even leaving the profession altogether. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid and diminish the effects of burnout! Here are a few strategies you can use to ensure that you avoid teacher burn out.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is a priority that will, in turn, allow you to show up at your best for others in your life. The first step to this is finding a self-care routine that suits you. This could mean a variety of things, like taking a vacation, setting aside ‘me time’ each week, or even just stepping outside for a short walk. Self-care can be anything that helps you feel relaxed and recharged.

Be Organized

Organization is key to a classroom’s success. When the day-to-day routine gets chaotic, it is easy to lose the organization of your classroom resulting in extra stress. Plan ahead when you can and set aside time to schedule out major upcoming projects to help you stay on top of your game. You can also use templates and online resources that help you increase your organizational skills and make the most out of your time.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Eating healthy and moving your body is proven to help manage stress levels. Although there is not always time in the day, it is important to move, even if 20 minutes is all you have. Take a walk when the weather is nice or try a yoga class inside. There are so many different ways to move throughout your day.

Lean on Others

The teaching community is large and supportive. Identifying colleagues, friends, and loved ones that will support you is key to keeping burnout at bay. Not only are they there for you in times of stress, but they are there for the fun times too. Your time is precious, so spend it with people that continuously root for you and support your goals.

Listen to Yourself

Knowing when to take a break is sometimes the hardest part. It is easy to push yourself and overcommit with the hopes of exceeding others’ expectations but understanding your limitations will help you succeed and avoid exhaustion. Practice saying no when your plate is full and focus on one priority at a time.

Work with Gifted

Gifted Healthcare Education is here to help you find your next assignment. Learn about our local and travel opportunitites for teachers and school-based clinicians.