Nurturing Yourself, Nurturing Your Classroom

The new school year has begun, and before we know it, we will be wrapped up in the demands of our profession—lesson planning, managing classes, assessments, and supporting our students. We often feel like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done and start to feel the burn out.

I remember a time during the last school year when I felt completely drained by the end of the first term. I had been staying back to mark and plan, skipping lunches, and rushing to grab water or a snack when necessary. My evenings were just as hectic, filled with family obligations and the demands of home life. One day, a colleague, who was coming back from a lunch time walk, saw me rushing down the hall and said, “You’re not a machine; you need to recharge too.” That simple statement hit me hard.

The next day, this colleague invited me for a walk during my lunch. Although it was very difficult to say yes—there were so many things I could be doing with that time—I decided to go. It turned out to be the best thing I could have done for myself. The simple act of stepping outside, talking about life beyond school, and taking in the fresh air helped me feel better. When I returned to my classroom, I felt happier, more focused, and energized. From that day on, I made a conscious effort to carve out a few minutes for myself each day.

Creating a healthy work-life balance is essential, especially when you return home to an equally busy environment. After work, you may be a parent, partner, caregiver, or take on roles that don’t disappear at the end of the school day. That’s why it’s even more important to take moments for ourselves throughout the day.

Whether it’s finding a quiet space to breathe for a few minutes, connecting with a colleague over a coffee, or making time to visit the staff room, these small acts can make a world of a difference. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to care for our students.

Our practices in the classroom can have a great impact on both our students’ mental health and our own. I have taken this idea back to my classroom to further promote self-care, not just for me but for my students too. Here’s how you can incorporate these practices into your own teaching:

Get to know your students: Build strong relationships with your students. When we take the time to understand their needs and struggles, we can better support them in the classroom. For example, you could create a practice of having morning, mid-day or afternoon check-ins. Creating a space for students to feel valued and safe will help them feel supported.

Recognize burnout in students: Just like us, students can also experience burnout. Be mindful of this and provide them with tools to manage their stress and teach them the importance of self-care.

Be aware of schedules: Families have busy lives too. Many children take part in activities/programs after school. Be mindful of parents’ time and try not send home too much work so that we can help foster a healthier balance for both students and their families.

Provide brain breaks: Allow students to take short breaks throughout the day. Taking a walk as a class, a stretching routine or a quick class challenge can help them reset and stay focused.

Mental health: Prioritize mental health in your classroom. Have have conversations about mental health in a way that does not promote stigma.

So, as we head into the new school year, let’s remind ourselves that balance is a necessity. By prioritizing our well-being, we can be more present, energetic, and effective in the classroom. And at the end of the day, both us as educators and our students will benefit from that.

For further information on supporting mental health and wellness visit: