Beating Burnout During the Holiday Hustle: Tips for Teachers to Prioritize Mental Wellness

With Halloween just around the corner, we’re officially entering the busy season. Between the end-of-year assignments, parent conferences, holiday festivities, and the everyday demands of the classroom, it’s easy for teachers to feel overwhelmed and burned out. In fact, the holiday season can be one of the toughest times to find balance. But taking time for self-care and mental wellness can transform how you experience this season.

Inspired by my upcoming book, Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Conquering Teacher Burnout, I want to share some practical strategies you can use to manage the holiday grind and beat burnout before winter break hits. And, if you’re interested, there’s an opportunity to be one of the first to dive into the full book!

1. Reframe the Hustle: Acknowledge the Energy Drain

The first step to managing burnout is acknowledging its presence, especially during high-stress seasons like the holidays. Give yourself permission to feel how you’re feeling. Instead of brushing it off, recognize the energy you’re spending and validate that it’s okay to feel drained.

2. Set Non-Negotiable Boundaries for Rest

Establish non-negotiable “off” times that allow you to fully unwind. That might mean not checking emails after a certain hour, choosing a specific day for complete rest, or creating routines that help you recharge even on busy days.

3. Use Mini Wellness Practices Between Class Periods

Incorporate brief moments of mindfulness or breathing exercises between classes. Even one-minute breaks can make a difference. You might try techniques like box breathing or quick grounding exercises to help you stay centered.

4. Prioritize What Really Matters

As teachers, it’s easy to feel obligated to participate in every festive activity. Prioritize those that truly bring you joy or are meaningful to your students. Say no to things that drain you, and remember that you don’t have to do it all.

5. Have a “Holiday Survival Kit” Ready

Put together a small kit with things that bring you comfort or ease your stress: essential oils, a stress ball, your favorite tea, or even a short playlist. This can be a go-to to help you quickly de-stress during hectic moments.

6. Reconnect with Your Why

When the workload feels overwhelming, take a moment to reflect on why you started teaching in the first place. Remembering your passion and purpose can be a powerful motivator to help you navigate tough days.

Managing burnout, especially during the holiday season, is no easy feat. But remember, you’re not alone in this. Teachers everywhere are feeling the weight, and my goal is to support you through it.

If you’d like even more strategies and support, consider being an early reader for Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Conquering Teacher Burnout! Early readers will receive:

• A chance to win an Amazon gift card,

• A free signed copy of the book,

• First-look access to a new community of educators just like you, and

• Exclusive bonus content that isn’t in the book!

If you’re interested, sign up today and take this first step toward a brighter, burnout-free season!

Comment below 👉🏾 How do you stay sane during the busy holiday season?