“The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow”, and teachers are the ones who help shape their future. They are the backbone of society. Each of us can likely recall at least one teacher from our school days who made a lasting impact on our minds. While teaching can be immensely rewarding, it remains one of the most demanding professions. Contrary to the stereotype of being a ‘stress-free job’, teaching is far from easy. Around 8% of teachers quit every year, and 55% feel they may soon leave the profession. These numbers are even higher among young teachers who join the profession with enthusiasm and passion. A significant number of teachers cite stress and burnout as the primary reasons for leaving.
While teachers work passionately to mould young minds, they often do so under immense pressure. The increasing workload, administrative demands, and emotional strain of addressing students’ needs can lead to chronic stress and burnout. In recent years, teacher burnout has become a significant issue, with many educators leaving the profession early or suffering from poor mental and physical health.
Symptoms of Teacher Stress
Symptoms of teacher stress can include:
- Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep or experiencing sleep disturbances
- Lack of interest, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and anxiety
- Withdrawal from social interactions and family events
- Physical ailments such as frequent headaches, stomach aches, and other stress-related symptoms
Causes of Teacher Stress and Burnout
- Heavy Workload: Teachers often face increasing workloads, including lesson planning, grading, data analysis, administrative tasks, and extracurricular responsibilities. Many teachers work beyond school hours, leading to an unhealthy work-life balance.
- Emotional Demands: Teachers frequently serve as counsellors, mediators, and caretakers for their students, managing various emotional and behavioural challenges. The emotional labour involved in managing a classroom, regardless of how well-equipped a school might be, can take a toll on mental health.
- Under-appreciation: Teaching can be a thankless job, with educators often feeling undervalued by parents, administrators, and society. This lack of recognition can contribute to frustration and demotivation.
- Student Behaviour and Classroom Management: Managing disruptive behaviour, dealing with unmotivated students, and addressing the diverse needs of learners can be extremely taxing. Many teachers feel they do not receive adequate training or support in handling these challenges.
Teacher burnout not only affects those who experience it but also has a broader impact on students and the overall learning environment.
Also Read: Mental Health Awareness in Schools
How Self-Care Can Help Teachers Manage Stress and Burnout
Self-care is a crucial aspect of stress management for teachers. It can contribute to a healthier teaching environment and help educators manage stress, thereby preventing burnout.
Self-Care: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
Self-care refers to any activity intentionally undertaken to look after one’s physical and mental well-being. Teachers often prioritise their students’ needs above their own, neglecting simple yet essential self-care practices.
Some effective stress-relief tips for teachers include:
- Practicing silence or resting in a darkened room after the school day ends
- Deep and slow breathing exercises
- Engaging in regular physical exercise
- Playing a sport after school
- Yoga and mindfulness practices
- Pursuing a hobby
- Ensuring sufficient sleep
- Understanding and managing stress triggers
- Staying hydrated
Advocating for Change
While individual strategies are vital, systemic changes within the education system are also necessary to address the root causes of teacher burnout. Teachers and administrators should advocate for more supportive school policies, such as smaller class sizes, increased preparation time, and better access to mental health resources. Union support and professional organisations can also play a critical role in pushing for these needed changes.
Practising Emotional Intelligence
Teachers should also focus on practising emotional intelligence, which includes recognising the importance of emotional boundaries, using reflective practices like journaling, and practising empathy without overextending themselves emotionally. Being aware of the signs of burnout and seeking early intervention when needed is also essential for maintaining well-being.
Conclusion
Stress and burnout are growing concerns in the teaching profession, but they are not insurmountable. By prioritising self-care, seeking support, and fostering emotional resilience, teachers can protect their well-being and sustain their passion for education.
