Everyone hates waking up on the wrong side of the bed. But when it feels like the challenges outweigh the rewards every day for years on end…it's time to re-evaluate.

You've had just one too many apathetic students, one too many overbearing parents. You're plain old tired. Suddenly you look around and realize you love your kids dearly, but you're paying a pretty heavy price.

And the burnout alarm bells start a-ringing.

 

Yeah. We hear you, dude.

First things first: if you can identify with these feelings, you're perfectly normal. According to the NEA, a full 46% of us will be out of the classroom within 5 years of starting our careers.
Yeah, it's a pretty depressing statistic. But we bring it up to reinforce your sense of normalcy if you're finding yourself discouraged. Many, many teachers need to step away from teaching for various reasons—whether it's money, increased demands, or any number of things including morale or a poor work environment.

But burning out isn't inevitable. And we've got a few ways to temper this monster.

1. Relax.

Sure, letting this wonderful '80s classic soothe you would be fab. But brainwashing aside, relaxing is easier said than done in education's fast-paced environment. Still, taking a deep breath and relaxing your shoulders—or closing your eyes and just spending a moment inside your brain—is one way to get a quick break in during your busy day.

Did we mention it's easier said than done? Yeah.

2. Create a no-student zone.

Whether you get to be off-duty for recess or can shut your door to the world at lunchtime, sometimes it's all you need to have a chunk of time when no student is allowed to ask you questions, show you their new magic trick, or tell you what breed of robot ate their homework this time. Find a space, set your boundaries, and make it stick.

3. Set limits.

And it goes beyond the space case, too. If you need to say no to students, parents or administrators, hey!, it's allowed. You're human and you really can't do it all. Often folks are very understanding if you have a good reason for saying no to yet another PTA request. Just make sure you're respectful and aren't always saying no. You'll need to pull out your superhero cape on occasion.

4. Break a sweat.

Um, did we just turn into Health Magazine? Well, we've got you covered on health sciences, but for now we're just telling you what you already know with a reminder that breaking a sweat is a commonly known stress-buster and as such it can help with burnout, too. Ironically, working out boosts your energy. That's right, energy to handle the stressors of teaching. Don't have time? Go on a walk. Do a ten-minute ab workout video. Involve your teacher friends. For serious: make this as important as lesson plans and grading; you won't be disappointed.

5. Laugh.

Yes, laugh. If you're not having fun, your kids aren't having fun. A little humor goes a long way to building the kinds of relationships that can sustain you throughout the year.

6. Take a day off.

We're not saying blow through your sick days in the first two weeks. We are saying that when you find yourself in a rut, it might be time for a mental health day. Plan it ahead if you can so you (and the admins) aren't scrambling for a sub the morning of. But once you've got those bases covered, don't deny yourself the need to take that day to do something you find fulfilling, relaxing, or just plain fun.

7. Quit.

Yep. It's an option.

If you do all this stuff and are still feeling like burned to a crisp at the end of the day, don't think less of yourself. It's a common occurrence. Which means it's important to remember that just because teaching is wearing you down, that doesn't mean you're a failure, or that you've wasted your education. Whether it's just taking a year or two away from the classroom or keeping a toe in education by writing or volunteering, we highly recommend keeping your certification current. That way if you decide to go back into the classroom it's no big.

There are loads of reasons teachers give for leaving the profession, but it's clear that most teachers do so after a painstaking realization that they are seeing their own dreams deferred.

Does that make the grand farewell an easy thing? Don't believe it for a shmillisecond. Teachers are heartbroken at the prospect of leaving behind the moments when they connect with students or watch learning unfold. Sometimes there's just so much else contributing to the environment that cutting the ties is all you can do.

Depressed? Don't be. Take a detour to remind yourself of the rewards of teaching if you need a boost. Otherwise, close this browser and get yourself to the beach, stat.