How to get to the end of term without falling on your face

Wondering how you’re going to get to the end of term? Feel like you’re crawling towards the finish line? We hear you. You’ve put everything you have into this year and you’re exhausted, but don’t fall on your face just yet. Here are some top tips to get you over the finish line and into the holidays.

Change is as good as a rest

We’ve seen lots of exhausted enthusiasm over the last couple of weeks. It’s been wonderful to see students out and about, putting their learning into practise. But the truth of the matter is, getting out is a blessing. A welcome change. A bit of ‘something different’ to facilitate the idea of rest.

None of you have ever led a class through a global pandemic before. Furthermore, not one of you has led young people out of a global pandemic before. There are lots of burdens of responsibility at school and at home, and right now it can feel like the pressure is on as much as ever.

The impact on mental health in the school environment is an unknown quantity and yet a real conundrum at present. Many say their mental health has suffered in ways they’ve never experienced before.

Your response to stress

Stress responses are meant to be the body and brain’s way of saying, ‘make a change’ or ‘it’s not working.’ But everyone has been stuck in a perpetual cycle of anxiety and fear about the future, not just for yourselves but for the youngsters in your charge. The impact is now visible and yet there is obvious fatigue.

Finding the energy to get through the days and weeks of the year, whilst recognising all of the work ahead, is a minefield. But some simple thoughts can give you a break by taking a little of that pressure off.

5 thoughts to remember as you head to the end of term

• You’re doing great - your endless enthusiasm that engages and inspires pupils makes a difference every day. We think you’re awesome.

• This too shall pass - it’s temporary. It doesn’t feel like it, but it will come to an end. You may be crossing off the days and that’s fine. Keeping that finish line in sight can make a huge difference.

• You are a skilled-up superhero! Schools have learnt lots... and quickly. There are so many lessons to take away from this year. As a result of this year, you’ve become more adaptable, flexible and resilient - not just with your teaching skills, but as a person too.

• It’s so important - your work is valuable, and teachers/support staff are needed more than ever. Educating and supporting children through the next stages of their life after all this will be vital to healing the country.

• VIP’s to the front of the queue - put yourself first in order to support others. Have moments of quiet selfishness so that you connect to what it is that you need. And then embrace it. 

It’s so important to be kind to ourselves and each other. No two experiences are the same. Everyone’s currently fighting a battle to get a little respite, which is edging nearer by the day - and when it gets here, we hope you enjoy it. You thoroughly deserve it.

If you’re wondering how you can feel more positive moving forward into next academic year, why not register for your FREE space on our Finding Your Oomph webinar for teachers? Helping you get your teaching motivation back.