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Admittedly, this blog is a little late in the day. I almost didn’t write it at all given that teachers know they need to take a break over school holidays and they don’t need to feel guilty about that. But then I remembered what teacher-guilt feels like and the tension that lies between knowing what you should do, actually feeling empowered to do it, and then doing it without feeling guilty. A recent NASWUT workforce survey of members* highlighted a growing mental health ‘crisis’ for teachers, illustrating that now is the time to address the demand and strain on colleagues because the cracks are increasingly more visible. My decision to write this piece was determined by the belief that it might help at least one committed colleague who hasn’t enjoyed their ‘first week off’ by letting them know: you’re not alone. For those colleagues, I wanted to offer some support in navigating the countless competing demands of a school holiday.
Why don’t school holidays feel restful?
Every teacher knows that school holidays are both a blessing and a curse: the first week is often blighted by an illness which has skilfully avoided launching itself full throttle until the end of term. In the second week, teachers find themselves worrying about the return to work: jobs they need to do, books they have to mark, and the list goes mercilessly on. Throw in a few familial responsibilities such as becoming your kids’ 24/7 free childcare/entertainer/taxi service, as well as any additional jobs you’ve taken on from school like revision sessions, school performance rehearsals and sports events, and even a 2-week break will be over before you’ve left an impression on the sofa. The time you’ve been looking forward to has been ruthlessly snapped up and you can find yourself - the night before the return to work - struggling to sleep and reliving the decisions that led you to lose your much-anticipated break. Or perhaps, you’ve been on holiday or focused on yourself, and now you feel guilt about things that you haven’t achieved or are overwhelmed by fears of not being fully prepared for the return. Neither position is ideal.
There has to be a better way.
So, what can you do? Well, if you don’t have any schoolwork that has to be done, stop reading this blog now, relax, rest and enjoy the holiday. You’re sorted.
Unfortunately, I’m very aware that not everyone will feel this is possible. So, for those of you for whom taking a break whilst on school holidays is a struggle, why don’t you try the suggestions below. Don’t go looking for gold dust, these are common sense ideas. I’m just reminding you that you have permission to do it.
4 Ways to a Guilt-free Break
1. Create 3 lists:
o For school (only list things you must do, limit the number of tasks/hours)
o For me
o For others
2. Work out when you are least/most productive. This will help you use your productive time more effectively.
3. Create your Guilt-free Break Timetable
4. Stick to your plan
You might be annoyed right now, thinking well why didn’t you mention all this before? Or perhaps the simplicity of the idea is irking you. If you feel like that, I understand. I can only hope that this will reach one or two of those in need, currently on the back end of week one and eager to make the most of the week ahead.
Thanks but I’m still sinking ...
Teaching as a profession tends to attract people who are ultra-committed viewing their pupils as their own children, and who will often let their own health and wellbeing go to the wall, before saying ‘no’ or asking for help. I’m not criticising teachers: this kind of commitment is why you entered the profession, and it might have something to do with why you’ve been successful. I also recall just how hard it felt to switch off from work, really put yourself first and have any energy left to socialise with anything even approaching gusto.
But the truth is, giving so much of yourself when you have other responsibilities or just need a break will eventually swallow you whole. That’s why it’s more important to get things in perspective, make time for yourself and those you care about. Look, if Obama still had time to play basketball whilst he was running America, you can take some time out to rest.
If nothing else, please hold onto these points:
You deserve to enjoy this break.
You will be healthier, happier and more capable of being effective when you are well-rested.
You don’t need to feel guilty about being focused and realistic.
REMEMBER! You chose to become a teacher because you genuinely care about helping every child you teach achieve their best. You are already doing a great job.
* Guardian Article: Teachers’ mental health ‘crisis’ prompts call for suicide prevention strategy (Matthew Weaver Sunday 31 March 2024)
Final important messages. This is just a blog from an educator like you, but if you are really struggling, have been experiencing mental health problems or suicidal thoughts, you should seek professional support such as educationsupport.org.uk. Tell a loved one how you’re feeling, speak to your GP, contact the Samaritans or use the MIND helpline link. There are a number of teacher networks and organisations too where you can find a community. You could start here.
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