6 ways educators can participate in Mental Health Awareness Month

Educators, how much emphasis are you putting on your mental health? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the journey to prioritizing your mental health is important. Practicing mindfulness and self-care is essential for teachers who are often pouring themselves out for their students.

End-of-the-year burnout is real, and this is the perfect time to reevaluate and determine to put your mental health first. Here are six ways to ease into this mindset:

1. Set professional boundaries. Your family time after contract hours is sacred. Do not be afraid to silence email and parent messaging app notifications. Set “office hours” and stick to them. Spend your time unwinding and de-stressing so that you can return the following day with a positive attitude ready to tackle the day.
2. Prioritize your bedtime. Just as kids need a sufficient amount of sleep, so do the professionals who answer the thousands of questions they have per day. Be intentional in going to bed at a decent time to ensure you get the rest your body and mind need.
3. Advocate for yourself in stressful situations. It is okay to feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. Be sure to speak up for yourself in those situations and ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of awareness. Your administration and colleagues would much rather help you out before a situation escalates.
4. Seek hobbies outside of work. It is not uncommon for teachers to get lost in their profession, and pretty much “live” on campus. Make it a point to find joy in activities outside of education. Try a sport or activity you’ve never tried before. Who knows? It could be the beginning of something great.
5. Be flexible, not just with others, but with yourself. Just like we understand when our students need breaks or grace, we need to do the same for ourselves. It is okay not to have it all together all of the time. Give yourself soft deadlines where applicable.
6. Bring zen to the classroom. Why not bring calmness into your everyday work life too? Promote mental health in the classroom in little but meaningful ways. Have yoga and breathing technique sessions when you can with your students. In addition, diffuse calming scents and play instrumental music. This calming atmosphere will not only benefit you but your students as well. Learn more about ways to promote mindfulness in the classroom in our blog.  

How are you maintaining your mental health this May? Share your tips with us at Arizona PBS Kids on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (6) and Logan (4). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.