It’s inevitable that there comes a point in our lives that we want to run away from our problems. But…we’re not here to sympathise about you or to cry about it but to act on it. Let me fill you in with some teacher tips on keeping a positive work life balance.
Why is it important?
First of all, YOU are important to the school and so is every single employee that works for a company.
Being exhausted and a lack of motivation can lead to workers undermining the entire organisation. All it takes is the realisation of how amazing you can be! You’re probably thinking ‘if only a miracle were to happen’ or ‘I’ve tried everything’… reflect and think if you’ve stuck to it?
Your work life balance is down to you to achieve. Your school will make demands, but you can say “no”. As long as you explain reasonably that you would not be able to complete additional tasks satisfactorily or there would be a detrimental effect on your other work, then if the school persists, you have reason to reduce your work elsewhere as warned.
Free time
Reserve Friday evening for you!
No ifs, no buts, Friday evening is yours. So order that takeaway and movie you’ve been meaning to watch. Go to a park and spend some quality time with your family, you don’t always have to be marking .
Online tools
There are various online tools like Dropbox or Evernote to keep organise with all report marking. It also saves you from carrying all those stacks of books. I guess there’s always that sense of achievement marking through the last book and dumping the last one on top.
If you find yourself struggling with time, perhaps ask yourself: How much is this going to benefit my class? How will it benefit my colleagues? Is it statutory? If the answer is ‘no’ or not that much’, move on.
Word limit
Set word or page limits for work. This helps students concentrate on structure and the topic at hand. Great exam skills! This will also decrease the hours spent reviewing and marking.
Take up a hobby
Keeping fit and healthy is the journey to a happy balanced life. It will not only make you feel rested for the following morning but also decrease depression by 30%. If you really want to take it to the next step, start a step club in your school with fitbits.
Are you wanting to be a little more ambitious? Run to school or change your route by running after school – you choose! If you live too far from home there’s also the opportunity to cycle. It’s all about motivation, and if that means getting a diary to note how far you’ve ran then just do it.
Sleep
When do you work best? When you are well rested!
Make sure you have a set sleep routine and stick to it!
Positive mindset
Maintain a positive aura and ‘’surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel, energies are contagious.’’ Be encouraging and support others you never know when you might just need them! Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to speak about your problems- get it solved now rather than later. At the same point, if you are surrounded by people complaining, they will be bringing you down. Change where you sit, who you talk to or try and change the topic of conversation to something positive.
