Beyond Self-Care: Practical Wellbeing Strategies for Teachers

Between lesson planning, marking, managing student behavior, and staying on top of administrative tasks, teachers often put their own wellbeing on the back burner. While discussions around teacher wellbeing usually emphasize self-care—bubble baths, mindfulness apps, and weekend getaways—these alone won’t address the deeper issues that contribute to stress and burnout. Instead, teachers need practical, day-to-day strategies that fit within their busy schedules and have a real impact on their wellbeing. Here’s how:

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1. Set Non-Negotiable Boundaries

Many teachers find themselves working long hours, answering emails at night, and bringing home marking over the weekend. While some extra work is inevitable, setting clear boundaries is crucial. This could mean: Setting a cut-off time for work emails and communicating it to parents and students. Establishing ‘focus hours’ where you aren’t interrupted by admin tasks. Prioritizing a proper lunch break away from your desk.

2. Batch Tasks for Efficiency:

Teachers juggle multiple responsibilities, and task-switching can be exhausting. Instead of jumping between lesson planning, grading, and answering emails, try batching similar tasks together. Dedicate specific time slots for each category of work to maintain focus and increase efficiency.

3. Use the 'Done for Now' Approach:

Perfectionism is common among teachers, but striving for flawless lesson plans and perfectly graded papers can be a major stressor. Instead of chasing perfection, adopt a ‘done for now’ mindset—do your best within the time available, and accept that some things can be improved over time rather than immediately.

4. Leverage ‘Positive Constraints’

Rather than working until exhaustion, use natural constraints to encourage productivity without burnout. For example:

Plan lessons within a set timeframe to prevent over-preparing.

Set a timer when responding to emails to avoid unnecessary over-explaining.

Use structured lesson templates to reduce decision fatigue.

5. Build Micro-Rest into Your Day

Rest doesn’t have to mean a week off. Small breaks can have a big impact on energy levels and stress reduction. Try:

Standing up and stretching between lessons. Taking a few deep breaths before entering a classroom.

Using your commute to listen to relaxing music or an inspiring podcast.

6. Create a Support Network

No teacher should have to navigate the challenges of the job alone. Whether it’s forming a support group with colleagues, seeking mentorship, or simply having a trusted friend to vent to, surrounding yourself with people who understand your struggles can make a significant difference.

7. Make Wellbeing a Whole-School Priority

Wellbeing isn’t just an individual responsibility—it should be embedded into school culture. This could include: Encouraging leadership to respect work-life balance. Advocating for realistic workload expectations. Implementing policies that support teachers’ mental and physical health.  

8. Celebrate Small Wins Teaching is full of challenges, but also full of victories—big and small. Taking a moment to acknowledge a lesson that went well, a student who made progress, or a positive interaction with a colleague can help shift focus away from stress and toward fulfillment.

Final Thoughts

Teacher wellbeing is about more than self-care rituals; it’s about sustainable habits, efficient work strategies, and supportive environments. By making small but meaningful changes, teachers can protect their wellbeing while continuing to inspire and educate the next generation.

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