You could be the most prepared, most resourceful teacher in the world. You could go into the classroom on a Monday ready to have the best day ever, resources perfectly organised and complex teaching strategies at hand.
Unfortunately, teaching isn’t plain-sailing, and even the best laid plans often find themselves in smithereens – whether it’s in the form of a restless supply class, pushy parents or Ofsted anxiety, you’re never far from a challenge. These setbacks can completely engulf you more often than not, and it’s important you take the right steps towards rehabilitation.
One of ‘those’ days? Don’t worry, we’re on hand:
- Words are powerful
Books, newspaper articles, a scroll through Instagram content or a flick through Hello!: most people will tell you to completely switch off and turn your back on anything that requires any kind of brain power, but one of the best things to do when you’ve had a tough day is immerse yourself in content. As opposed to trying and failing to clear your mind completely, it provides you with an active escape from the situation (which doesn’t always come easy!) and allows you to concentrate on something other than what’s bringing you down. Watching something also means you’re less likely to dwell, so don’t feel treating yourself to an hour of Netflix (or two) would be counterproductive.
- Pour yourself a glass/mug/tumbler
Don’t shy away from a small glass of wine whilst you’re putting your feet up, while we’re at it! A glass of red or white boosts the immune system and improves cognitive function alongside its ability to calm down the restless – if you’re a non-drinker we’ve got you covered too, because a little warm camomile tea certainly goes a long way.
- Have a soak
Rather than drowning in your setbacks, draw a warm bath (men: Friends’ Chandler was a massive fan, so don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!). As cheesy as it sounds it’s almost ritualistic to detox away all the stress of a working day – handling a class of thirty can get the better of you often, and it’d feel like a welcoming reboot. Relaxing the muscles would also mean you’re more susceptible to sleep, a necessary requirement for a fresh set of lessons the next day.
- Work up a sweat
There’s nothing like endorphins to provide you with some much needed rehabilitation after a strenuous day of teaching – you might be drained when you start, but the rush exercise provides will ensure you’re more than ready to tackle another school day. A successful gym class or a little jog also provides you with a sense of accomplishment, depleting the negativity that would surround you after a particularly hard day in the classroom.
- Cut your losses and recognise the learning curve
Considering throwing in the towel altogether? Don’t panic.
The life of a teacher is tough, but learning what you can is definitely the way to progress. You chose this career for its rewards in spite of its difficulties, and you should keep these in mind whilst accepting the day was tough and moving forward, knowing that the playground fight/rowdy class/difficult teaching concept might come up again, but that you’ll just get better at handling the situation again and again. Prepare for the next day with your head held high with newfound positivity and look to the future.
Put it behind you – you’ve got this.
