While teaching is a highly rewarding job, there are certain pressures that come with it and from time to time it can feel a little overwhelming, especially when, like now, you’ve had a considerable amount of time off. To help you get a handle on things, we asked wellbeing consultants who specialise in workplace well-being within schools, Suneta Bagri and Steve Waters to share their top tips with you.

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The classroom can be a nerve-wracking place, whether you’re a newly qualified teacher starting your career in education or an experienced teacher that has years of experience behind them. Teaching can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be very stressful, and how you handle that pressure can be all the difference between being happy at work or being demoralised. 

The education profession is overstretched and under increasingly intense pressure. More than half of Britain's teachers have a diagnosed mental health problem, according to a study by Leeds Beckett University. Pressures at work - coupled with mounting needs to care for students’ mental health means many, many teachers forego their own. How can this be good for anyone?

Numerous surveys have found out that 76% of the teaching staff described their mental health as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor,’ and most of them blamed this on their workload and the stress that it causes. So, being able to handle the pressure of the classroom is key to both managing your own mental health and allowing you to enjoy your time teaching. We have decided to share our top tips to help you get on top of the pressures of teaching. 

Spend Time With Your Colleagues

The staffroom is a great place to relax with other teachers during break times and after school hours. You’re most likely to form some strong friendships with different colleagues and be a part of a support network that can help you through some of the tougher times. You should make the most of this time and bounce ideas off your colleagues. 

Share your problems, and sometimes talking things through with like-minded individuals who are facing similar pressures will help you see things in a more positive light. 

Switch Off and Relax 

Everyone needs a break, so ensure that you take some time for yourself once your working day is over. It could be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee, reading your favourite book, or listening to some great music. Whatever appeals to you, go ahead and do it, as it’s important to enjoy the moment and relax. 

You should also switch off your phone, power down your computer, and ignore the emails. You’re not paid to be on call 24 hours a day, so you don’t need to answer that email late at night when you’re in bed. Instead, take some to unwind, we’re sure the team at Smile have some great Netflix recommendations for you! 

Communication Is Key

If you’re feeling overloaded or stressed at work, holding regular meetings with colleagues, line managers, and mentors can help reduce pressure. Good communication can help you get the support you need to plan your work accordingly. Communicating well is also going to help you build relationships with your team, and that itself can help relieve the pressure of the classroom. 

Exercise and More Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to relieve tension as it not only improves physical fitness but also has a calming and positive effect on the mind. You can take a run, go for a bike ride, go for a swim, or take an exercise class to get your mind off things. You can even pull up your running shoes and jog home from school if you’re feeling up to the challenge (more about exercise that you can do at home here).

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If you are struggling with the pressures of teaching and need some support Suneta offers one-to-one coaching sessions. To find out more information or book a session, contact Suneta directly.