JessicaAs the school year ends, many teachers find themselves exhausted, and you don’t have to ask most what does teacher burnout feel like. You can see it in how a teacher acts, moves through their day, and shows it on their face. The long hours, endless grading, and constant pressure to meet deadlines catch up at the end of the year, even for the most dedicated educators.
Dealing with end-of-year teacher burnout can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for managing burnout and reigniting your passion for teaching at the end of the year. Various tools and resources are available to help you navigate this difficult time, from self-care practices and boundary-setting to seeking support from colleagues and mentors.
One of my favorite resources is this FUN printable to-do list pdf that helps you get organized now! You can find download it here for FREE! It’s my go-to way to organize all my thoughts when I’m feeling the end-of-year teacher tiredness.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, keep reading for tips on managing and overcoming end-of-year teacher burnout.
Signs and Symptoms
What does teacher burnout feel like? Teacher burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Recognizing the signs of burnout can be difficult, as they often develop gradually over time. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
➡ Physical Exhaustion
➡ Emotional Exhaustion
➡ Depersonalization
➡ Decreased Professional Competence
Why is Teacher Burnout So High?
Many factors can contribute to end-of-year teacher burnout. Some of the most common causes include:
➡ High Workload
➡ Lack of Support
➡ Lack of Control
➡ Personal Life Stressors
The combination of these factors leads to emotional exhaustion, physical exhaustion, and depersonalization, making the end of the year especially hard for teachers.
Strategies for Preventing Teacher Burnout
When you know what does teacher burnout feel like you can prevent it with a proactive approach to self-care and stress management. Here are some strategies that can help:
➡ Set Realistic Goals
Break down your workload into manageable tasks and prioritize your responsibilities. It can help you stay focused and motivated, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed with too many tasks at the end of the year. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable ones, and create a timeline for completing them.
➡ Prioritize Self-Care
As the end of the school year approaches, it can be easy to become consumed with finishing lesson plans, grading papers, and wrapping up other responsibilities. However, it is important to prioritize self-care during this busy time.
Prioritizing self-care can include taking breaks throughout the day, getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
➡ Celebrate Accomplishments
Teachers need to reflect on their accomplishments throughout the school year and celebrate their successes. This can help to boost morale and reduce stress. Celebrate with students, colleagues and friends, and family!
Resources for Dealing with Teacher Burnout
There are many resources available to help teachers manage and overcome burnout. Here are some resources to consider:
Mental Health Resources for Educators (Article)
Teacher Burnout: 4 Warning Signs & How to Prevent It (Article)
180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators (Book) – I am not an affiliate of Amazon or Tina Boogren, but I appreciate this book and recommend it to you to help you if you are looking for ways to practice self-care at this time or any during the year.
Dealing with teacher burnout can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. By setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, and celebrating your accomplishments, you can navigate this difficult time at the end of the year and move through the last weeks with a new mindset. To help you, grab this FUN printable to do list pdf to get yourself organized and set realistic goals! You’ll no longer have to ask what does teacher burnout feel like, because you’ll have a plan! You got this!
