Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it's also one of the most demanding. Between managing classrooms, meeting curriculum requirements, supporting students' academic and emotional needs, communicating with parents, and taking on countless other responsibilities, it's no wonder so many teachers struggle with anxiety, tension, exhaustion, and other mental health issues.

The thing is that a teacher's mental health is important for students as much as for the teacher. To provide a great learning environment and promote their students' social-emotional growth, teachers who are in good mental and emotional health can provide their best selves in the classroom. However, when educators' emotional well-being deteriorates, it can impact the entire school environment.

There are some tips you may put some basic methods into practice to assist in prioritizing your mental wellness if you are aware of the indications of stress and how they impact various parts of your well-being. Your ability to care for the young people you serve will be enhanced when you prioritize your well-being. If you are struggling with your mental health, consider the following tip:

1.  Establish Healthy Boundaries

It's common for teachers to feel with constant pressure to work nonstop, but it's important to establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Establish fair working hours and try your best to maintain them. When you're at home in the evenings and on the weekends, try to avoid completing tasks like grading papers or answering emails. Throughout that time, you are free to relax and part in pleasurable activities.

2.  Practice Stress Management

Teaching can be an incredibly stressful job, so having effective stress management strategies is a must. Experiment with different techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply taking short breaks throughout the day to reset. Regular exercise is also proven to be hugely beneficial for managing stress and improving mood.

3.  Cultivate a Supportive Community

Isolation is a common issue for teachers, especially those working in smaller schools or more remote areas. Make an effort to connect with your colleagues, whether in person or virtually. Join a teacher's group or professional learning community where you can share experiences, get support, and learn from one another. Having a strong social support system can do wonders for your mental health.

4.  Practice Gratitude

It's easy to get caught up in all the challenges and frustrations of teaching, but actively cultivating gratitude can be a game-changer for your mental wellness. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on things you're thankful for, whether it's a kind student, a helpful colleague, or a lesson that went particularly well. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to make this a regular practice.

5.  Prioritize Self-Care

As teachers, it's so important to make your self-care a top priority, even when it feels like there's no time for it. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge, whether that's taking a bath, reading a book, or going for a walk in nature.

6.  Set Realistic Expectations

It's common for teachers to feel pressure to be everything to everyone - the perfect educator, counsellor, mentor, and more. But it's important to have realistic expectations and avoid setting yourself up for burnout. Focus on doing the best you can with the time and resources you have, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

7.  Embrace Imperfection

Perfectionism is an issue of concern for teachers, but it's important to understand that nobody is perfect. Treat yourself with kindness and accept that mistakes will be made. Acknowledge your small accomplishments along the way and place a higher priority on progress than perfection.

Seek Professional Support

If you are experiencing serious challenges with your mental state condition and the self-care tips above aren't helping, don't be hesitant to get professional assistance. You might look for an online counselling or counsellor or get in touch with one of the many educational institutions that offer psychologists or counsellors. It's very important to prioritize your mental wellness, no need to worry or be afraid to seek professional support if you feel like you need it.

It's common for teachers to feel like they're carrying all of the weight on their own. In this situation, a counsellor can be an invaluable resource. Whether you're feeling overburdened by your workload, managing challenging students, or navigating complex parent-teacher dynamics, a trained counsellor can offer you a secure, private setting to work through your worries and difficulties. They can provide you with coping mechanisms to help you deal with depression, burnout,  anger, low motivation, chronic pain, loneliness, and relationship issues. Furthermore, a counsellor can be a kind, impartial listener who can affirm your feelings and support you in cultivating self-improvement and self-esteem.

You may take better care of your mental health and present your best self in and out of the classroom by working with a counsellor, who may provide you with the knowledge and resources you need. Ultimately, caring for your mental wellness isn't just important for you; it's also essential for your students and the entire school community. When teachers are mentally and emotionally healthy, they can show up as their best selves and create positive, nurturing environments where young people can thrive. For support, consider reaching out to TalktoAngel, where you can find the best psychologists in India who specialize in online counselling.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Swati Yadav, Counselling Psychologist

References

• Teacher Stress and Health The Pennsylvania State University © 2017  |  September 2016 https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sspw/pdf/SEL_-_Teacher_Stress.pdf 
• Herman, Keith & Hickmon-Rosa, Jal’et & Reinke, Wendy. (2017). Empirically Derived Profiles of Teacher Stress, Burnout, Self-Efficacy, and Coping and Associated Student Outcomes. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. DOI:10.1177/1098300717732066
• Travers, Cheryl. (2017). Current Knowledge on the Nature, Prevalence, Sources and Potential Impact of Teacher Stress. DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-53053-6_2