With December right around the corner, we have officially entered the run-up to Christmas. That means the kids will start getting overly excited, which naturally makes teaching a little challenging. We know that working in the education sector isn’t always easy, and it’s more important than ever before to protect your winter well-being.
Jump to…
- Collaborate with colleagues
- Get involved with the festivities
- Lean on your support system
- Celebrate when you can
- Mental health support for teachers – see resources!
- Become a member!
The chaotic behaviour always begins when December starts, and while it could be easy to pop a film on the screen, we know that you can make these final weeks count. To help you survive the festive period and overcome the end-of-term exhaustion, we have created some resources teaching teachers about mental health and how to deal with anxiety in the winter.
Collaborate With Colleagues
By no means is this tip reinventing the wheel, but more often than not, we forget that our fellow colleagues are going through the same thing. Equally, we forget that they are available to help us and vice versa. Educators and mental health are a topic we don’t talk about enough.
When things get tough, and you feel overwhelmed, why not lean on a colleague’s shoulder to assist you? Whether you are borrowing some resources or you need their help with a task, teamwork can make all the difference.
Lean Into The Festivities
Why not embrace winter in your classroom? From winter-themed tasks to decorations for your room, there are multiple ways in which you can embrace winter in the classroom. Teachers who embrace the time of year and can incorporate playful elements into their teaching will always be appreciated by their students and will find it easier to protect their winter wellbeing.
Lean On Your Support System
There will be days when work is overwhelming and you have a negative mindset—it happens to the best of us. During these moments, it’s important to lean on your support systems, like your friends and family. If things are extremely serious, please don’t shy away from professional help.
Leaning on your support system can be as simple as reaching out to your head of department/ manager at work to let them know how you’re feeling. Think about ways they could help you and take the pressure off a bit. You should also communicate how you’re feeling at home and communicate with your loved ones.
Celebrate When You Can
Sometimes, during the festive period, we have to celebrate at unconventional hours within the day, but that doesn’t make it any less festive. Whether you want to watch a festive film on Netflix, bake a festive treat, or spend time with loved ones, celebrate the festive period when you can. As soon as term finishes, you should put your feet up and relax.
Mental Health Support For Teachers
We all know that the festive period can be a challenging time, and anxiety in the winter can creep up on you, but remember that there is support should you need it. You are not alone.
Your GP: If you are struggling with your mental health in winter, it is perfectly ok to speak with your GP. You may find that you’re struggling with anxiety in the winter or from seasonal depression (SAD), and talking to a GP may help. But remember, you do not need to be suffering from a specific mental health problem to receive support. For more information on speaking to your GP, please click here.
Talking Treatments: Treatments, such as counselling, can help you explore your worries and feelings with a professional. By speaking to a professional, you can overcome some of your frustrations or difficulties and shift to a positive space.
Mental Health Helplines: Sometimes, speaking to someone can make a real difference, and there are helplines with trained professionals available. We know that mental health support for teachers is sometimes neglected, and with the festive period in full swing, we want you to know that there is support available if you need it. The charities listed below won’t judge, and they could help you make sense of any feelings you are having.
- Samaritans – 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7).
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day)
- SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- Papyrus HOPELINE – Available to 35 & under – 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm)
- The MIX – Available to those under 25 – 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day)
- Nightline – Available to Students – Nightline Website.
- Switchboard – LGBTQIA+ Support – 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day)
- C.A.L.L – Available to those who lie in Wales – Website.
How to Sign Up for FREE
Discounts for Teachers is a FREE to-join and FREE-to-use discount scheme for Teachers & Education Staff that has been around for 20+ years. We’re all about making your life a little lovelier with our money-saving offers.
More From Us
If you enjoyed this blog, then make sure you check out more from us. We have a variety of blogs for you to enjoy, from Top 5 Hacks for Back to School, Money Saving Travel Hacks, to Tips to Save on Your Weekly Food Shop.
Check out our blog regularly so you never miss out.
