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​​Teaching is one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world, but along with this it can also be more draining than you would expect. Between lesson planning, marking, what may feel like endless emails and the responsibility of caring for young people day in day out - its no wonder some teachers may feel worn thin.

​Burn out doesn't have to be the norm. Balance can be achieved - not through big gestures or or complicated routines, but by making small changes that protect your energy and reminding yourself why you chose this profession.

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Here are a few practical ideas for how to achieve this:

​Set boundaries (and stick to them).

​Its tempting to spend late nights replying to emails and spend hours tweaking tomorrow's lesson plan. This can swallow you up if you let it. You decide when your school day ends, and remember that protecting your time is not selfish - this is what will keep you going in the long term.

​Take a five minute reset.

​You don't always need a full break. Between lessons , try stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, stretching at your desk, or simply closing your eyes for a moment. Tiny pauses in your day can make a big difference to your energy and focus.

​Batch your work.

​Marking and planning can easily spill into every spare moment. Instead, try and set aside a proper block of time to focus on one task at a time. Mark a set of books in one sitting, plan all your lessons in one go - whatever works for you. This is much more efficient than dipping in and out all week, and will prevent you from getting overwhelmed with different tasks that have been left half finished

​Joy journals.

​Not every day is easy, but there are always moments worth remembering: a pupil’s lightbulb moment, a kind comment, a laugh that lifted the whole class. Write down one each day. Looking back will remind you of the heart of teaching when the pressure feels overwhelming.

​Allow yourself to rest.

​A lot of teachers feel guilty for taking a moment to not do anything and stop working. You must remember that rest is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A rested teacher is calmer, more creative, and far more present in the classroom.

​Finding your own balance.

​Balance looks different for everyone. For one teacher, it might be leaving on time twice a week. For another, it’s joining a dance class, running club, or simply spending the evening with family without glancing at schoolwork. What matters is giving yourself permission to live a life outside the classroom.

​ A balanced teacher is a better teacher. By looking after yourself, you’re not just sustaining your own career—you’re also setting a powerful example for your pupils.

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