Over the last several years, particularly since the pandemic, stress for educators has been at an all-time high. The learning gap created by the lockdown and continually increasing standards and accountability have left most educators feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and, at times, less than effective. When you add that to the fact that behavior issues relating to well-being among students have also increased, the profession can seem daunting to say the least. That is why assessing one’s well-being is essential for educators today.
Also, coinciding with the pandemic came a significant increase in societal awareness and concern for well-being and mental health. Mental health care has become more accessible due to the rise of telehealth. Schools also began to implement more mental well-being programs, not only for students but also for faculty and staff.
This increased awareness of the importance of caring for one’s well-being has been a critically valuable development over the past few years. It’s important that we, as educators, take the time to pause, self-reflect, and assess where we are as far as our well-being is concerned. Below are several areas for which you will find questions that you should reflect on regularly to maintain your well-being.
Emotional Well-Being
- In the past month, how often have you felt overwhelmed or stressed by your work?
- How meaningful to you is the work you do?
- How satisfied do you feel with your job right now?
- Do you often feel down or discouraged?
Taking time for self-reflection is essential to taking care of your emotional well-being. With so many educators, especially new educators, leaving the field and fewer and fewer young people going into the field to begin with, it is so important that we make sure that those that do feel passionate about education and decide to follow that path understand how important it is to do this.
However, it is important for experienced educators as well. One way to cope with the stress and to self-reflect is to journal. Another way is to find a friend and/or mentor in the school to talk to when things become overwhelming or stressful. Some districts are even offering therapists for their teachers as well as their students now, although they are usually spread pretty thin. Outside therapy may also be a good way to maintain emotional well-being.
Work-Life Balance
- Do you feel you have enough time for activities you enjoy outside of work?
- How often do you do something that is just for you?
- How often do you spend time or go out with a friend or significant other?
Anyone who has been in education for any length of time knows how much time the profession demands of you, especially for new people. However, in order to maintain the appropriate work/life balance that will, in turn, help you maintain your own well-being, you must make time for yourself, your hobbies, and friends and loved ones. If you have a significant other, you must make time to spend together, whether going out or staying in, just as you always have. The same goes for friends and hobbies. And sometimes, you must make sure to do something that is just for you.
On a personal note, I also needed help getting enough exercise. I just couldn’t find motivation. However, a few years ago, I decided that I was going to keep a pair of sneakers in my car all the time, and I would walk somewhere every day. I decided not to focus on my heart rate or how many steps or zone minutes, but to walk outside, and enjoy the fresh air. Then, I started finding podcasts that I enjoyed. I love to travel so I found a plethora of podcasts on travel to listen to. So, I would walk and listen and dream of travel.
My walking turned into faster walking, which turned into even faster running and jogging. Now, three years later, I am down 30 pounds and much healthier, both physically and emotionally. Now, this is not an article on weight-loss tips; my point is how essential it is to do things for yourself and to take care of yourself. It can lead to some genuinely great improvements you may not have even been expecting.
Social Connection
- Do you feel comfortable seeking help from colleagues or administrators when needed?
- How connected do you feel to other adults at your school?
- Who is someone at your school that you know you can count on?
Unfortunately, I realize that not all teachers have the advantage of working in a school with a positive, collaborative, and supportive culture. If you do not, I will encourage you to try to find a place where teachers truly like each other, love the students, and strive to support each other to the best of their abilities.
Social connections at school are very important. At my school, we have regular faculty outings. It may be a meal at a restaurant one evening, competing in team trivia locally, or even a game night at school. Anytime you can spend together making connections and getting to know one another better improves the culture of the school.
Professional Well-Being
- How confident do you feel in effectively managing your classroom?
- What is one thing you think you do well as a teacher?
- What is one thing you would like to do better as a teacher? How could you improve in that area? Where could you find resources or professional development opportunities that could help in that area?
Reflect on your teaching. Look at data to see where your students are struggling the most. Talk to your administrator about ways to improve your teaching and how to find professional development opportunities to help you grow. Administrators and mentors are usually very eager to help others, particularly those willing to self-reflect and help themselves improve and become better.
Taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is so essential for educators. If we are to take care of our students and be faithful guardians of our students’ well-being, it stands to reason that the healthier we are in all those areas, the more equipped we are to care for those around us. Sometimes, it is as simple as being aware and taking the time to reflect. Sometimes, it may take more than that—perhaps even some preventative therapy. Either way, take care of yourself and your own well-being first and foremost, and everything else will follow.
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