The beginning of a new school year can be a busy and stressful time for teachers and support staff, to better support your mental health and help you focus on your wellbeing for a new academic year we’ve devised 10 top tips to help you manage being back at school and prioritising your wellbeing.

Reconnect to your purpose

Do one thing every week that reminds you why you became a teacher/education professional such as making/using a teaching strategy that you and your students will enjoy to remind you of the difference you are making to their lives.

Adopt a growth mind-set in your teaching

You should be able to try new things and accept the mistakes you make as learning curves. It may be helpful to put yourself in your student’s position and spend time reflecting on new ideas, accepting what you have learnt and acknowledging the areas that you find challenging.

Focus on kindness and gratitude

An act of appreciation and kindness produces positive emotions, stronger social connections and will improve your wellbeing. Consider ways you can build gratitude and kindness into your day as this can benefit your classroom. Each day (even perhaps with a class) you could recall three good things that have happened throughout your day and write them in a journal to keep track.

Create boundaries between home and school

Set a reasonable time for leaving school every day and make sure you stick to it. You should find ways to switch off from the school environment when you’re at home such as heading out for a walk, spending time with family, meeting friends for a meal out and try to limit the amount of school work you bring home.

Set up effective debriefing and mentoring structures

Working in a school can be an emotionally taxing and challenging job. Set up structures to help you focus on solutions, rather than problems. Suggest teaming up with a supportive colleague and set up a formal mentoring structure.

Establish good sleeping habits

Having a good night’s sleep is one of most important aspects of sustaining your physical and mental health. You should develop a regular night time routine and set a time to go to bed and stick to it during the week.

Building an emotional resilience

Think of ways to manage your stress, such as meeting up regularly with friends or family and spend time doing things that make you happy. There are plenty of apps which help manage stress, one we especially love is calm.

Keep focused on your goals

Setting goals (both personally and professionally) is a great way to give you direction, focus and motivation. Make sure your goals are achievable and have an end point. Think of something that, if you do it today, you will feel satisfied and accomplished tomorrow.

Reward yourself

Improving your physical and mental health comes with prioritising yourself first. You should reward yourself once in a while just because, this could be cooking your favourite dinner or running yourself a bath – even something small will boost your wellbeing.

Build new connections and relationships

Socialising with people and making new friends is key to improving our wellbeing. Take the time to get to know your fellow teachers, support staff and the wider school community.

Are you still looking for a daily supply, long term contract or permanent teaching job? Then take a look at our latest jobs here.