Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it can also be one of the most demanding. High expectations, and emotional investment can take a toll on teachers’ mental health. 

For Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, we’re focusing on equipping teachers with practical mental health resources covering stress management, burnout prevention, and self-care strategies.

Here’s a guide designed for you to prioritise your well-being while continuing to make a difference in the lives of your students.

Stress Management Resources 

Stress is a natural part of life, but learning to manage it effectively is vital for your mental health and job satisfaction. 

Practical Tips for Managing Stress: 

• Time Blocking: Allocate specific times for tasks and stick to them. Group similar tasks together to minimise context-switching.

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Use simple breathing techniques, such as box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, pause for 4 seconds), to reset your mind in stressful moments.

• Seek Support: Be open about your stress and lean on colleagues, mentors, or friends for support. Sometimes, talking it out can provide clarity and relief.

Recommended Tools and Resources:

• Calm or Headspace  Apps: Great for quick meditation and mindfulness practices tailored for busy schedules.

• Wellbeing Journals: Journaling might help get thoughts out on paper, lowering stress levels over time.

Burnout Prevention Resources 

Burnout can creep up quickly in a busy job like teaching.

Signs of Teacher Burnout:

• Increased feelings of detachment.

• Constant fatigue, even after rest.

• Reduced effectiveness in your role or a lack of motivation.

How to Prevent Burnout:

• Set Realistic Boundaries: Stop working late into the night or over weekends. Commit to protecting your personal time.

• Delegate Tasks if Possible: Speak to leadership about sharing or reassigning certain responsibilities to lighten your load when necessary.

• Professional Development Breaks: Engage in workshops that inspire and recharge your passion for teaching.

Supportive Resources:

• National Education Union (NEU) Support Line

• The Four Rs Approach to coping with stress

Self-Care Strategies 

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Prioritising yourself benefits both you and your students. 

Ideas for Daily Self-Care:

• Morning Activity: Start the day with light stretches or a brisk walk. It can significantly improve mental clarity and resilience.

• Healthy Snacking: Keep nutritious snacks like fruit, nuts, or yoghurt on hand to sustain energy levels during the day.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate small daily accomplishments, whether it’s helping a student or surviving a tough lesson!

Community and Connection:

• Join online or local teacher support networks where you can share experiences, challenges, and wins. Having a community that understands your world can bring validation and relief.

Featured Picks for Self-Care:

• The Positive Teacher Post Box
  The Positive Teacher Post Box is a UK-based subscription service that delivers a box of goodies to teachers every other month. Each box is filled with exclusive TPTC products and items from other small businesses, all chosen to bring joy and support to educators. The boxes are priced at £24, with free shipping included. You can subscribe to receive these boxes on a bimonthly basis.

  
  

• YouTube Channels for Relaxation & Mindfulness
  Channels like Yoga with Adriene offer free guided meditations, gentle yoga, and calming content perfect for winding down after a busy school day.