How do you limit and manage stress of the job?

[carrottopper]

I am an anxious person and quickly feel stressed. My mind doesn't switch off easily and my body shows physical signs of tension. What do you do to limit stress, switch off and manage the pressures? Leaving the profession is not an option at the moment. I've been teaching nearly 20 years but the constant changes and lack of control feeling like the job is spinning around me are not getting easier!

I'm sorry to hear that the job is making you stressed/anxious Are you able to speak to anyone in school about it to get support. As someone who line manages people, I'd want to know if someone in my team felt this way so that I could help.

Personally, I love the job but I do feel the stress at times (I guess we all do).

I am very strict with keeping an evening and at least one weekend day completely free. I do things for myself/with my family so that at least I have had some free time.

I am finding exercise helps, although at first it can just feel like another thing to do. I run but whatever you fancy -I was doing pilates which helped with physical tension.

Having a cut off time in the evening also helps me as then I can unwind before bed.

I have got into live marking this last year and will continue to develop it this year which helps with the workload.

This might sound a bit odd but I keep a little list in my diary/planner of positive things that have happened each day -usually funny things kids have said/done that made me smile or when they understand something etc. I do it because if I am feeling stressed I can look over the list and remember that no matter what chaos the govt/ofsted/whoever have stirred up, ultimately it's about the children and we do make a difference to them.

I feel similarly OP, although haven't been teaching as long. I love live marking and it has made a real difference to my time spent but I don't know how it will be possible in September because I'm not supposed to walk between the rows of children to mark over their shoulder. I am KS2 primary, and it was suggested TA take out children for 15 min activity half way through lesson and I would whip round and mark so far, then kids come back. I might have a go at this otherwise I won't know what they're writing! I spoke to my GP over the holiday and am waiting an assessment for CBT talking therapy. I am anxious anyway and covid has taken me pretty much to my boundary of what I can cope with. I use the calm app a lot and it works for me. I wish you well.