Teacher's Guide to Low Stress in Remote Learning Classroom
Image Credit: “Classroom” by -Marlith- is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Preparing lectures, covering course material, managing a room full of different personalities, meeting learning standards, stacking up unmarked papers, and whatnot. Being a teacher can be beautiful, yet also one of the most challenging professions.
But now with the advent of online learning and a completely foreign teaching environment, teachers are finding it much harder to be effective at their jobs during the quarantine. Especially those teachers that are unfamiliar with technology can have a particularly difficult time adjusting to this new routine because their instructional strategy has changed drastically.
Not to mention, other than being there for their students, teachers also have their personal lives to take care of such as managing kids and doing chores around the house.
Amidst all this, it is important for teachers not to ignore their wellbeing and take care of themselves. If not approached in the right manner, remote teaching can expose a teacher to increased levels of stress and may even lead to burnouts.
But things don’t have to be this way. Teachers can effectively manage their stress while keeping up with their work by establishing healthy daily self-care practices.
Image Credit: “Teacher” by kevin dooley is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Here are a few self-care strategies that we recommend for teachers working in remote classrooms.
1. Set boundaries for school-related communication
Between home and work, make sure you only pay attention to one thing at a time and don’t mix up. Put aside a few hours of the day and let your students know only to contact you during that time slot. If you don’t do this, you may end up online all day and this will interfere with your personal life creating stress. Plan your day in advance and keep work and personal life as separate as possible.
2. Build a strong network
No matter how brilliant you are at your job, it’s always alright to ask for help and it makes your job a lot easier. Talking to someone about your worries is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Make sure that for both personal and professional life, you have the support you need to get help in your work or to talk about things you may be carrying on your shoulders.
If you need someone to talk to, Joven Health has professional counselors available to help you through whatever is causing you stress.
3. Adjust your workspace
Having a messy and cluttered room full of distractions can make it harder for you to be calm and focus on your work. Inform your family beforehand to not disturb you and keep your room clean and even. Also, take some time to get familiar with your digital workspace such as the platform you use for communicating. Use online tools for organizing your work Even a little bit of organization and decluttering can help you be more productive and reduce stress.
4. Learn relaxation techniques
Burning both ends of the candle to meet your work requirements without giving yourself some time off is bound to drain you out. Instead of working constantly, take timely breaks, and use relaxation techniques as they can quickly calm your mind and body. Stretching, meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, etc are all techniques that are easy to implement but can be highly effective in warding off stress.
5. Work together
Better collaboration with the students and their parents can make it easier for everyone. Things are different than they usually are and it is completely fine for both teachers and students if they cannot be their usual best in remote learning. Try to keep in touch with the parents of your students through email and get valuable feedback so you can be sure their emotional, physical, and intellectual needs are being met.
Joven Health works with schools, parents, and students to create a comprehensive therapy plan to help students succeed. Please set up a meeting with us if you think we can help students at your school!
6. Don’t forget the essentials
Exercise is one of the best natural ways to release built-up tension. Putting aside even half an hour each day to get away from the computer for a workout can benefit a great deal. Moreover, lack of sleep and stress can run in cycles one causing the other. Make sleep a priority and make sure you get enough. Exercise, sleep, taking care of your diet, etc may seem like small steps but can go a long way in reducing stress and improving your well-being.
