Have you ever seen an experienced, resilient teacher adapting to changes effortlessly and wondered how you can do it too?
It turns out there’s no real mystery to it other than simple everyday habits.
Now, if the word “habits” makes you wince a little, I get it. It sounds like a lot of work.
But it’s true what they say:
If you can stick with a new habit long enough, you’ll forget it’s a habit.
Good habits can definitely help you become a more resilient teacher and still find time for yourself. I know because I made it my mission to stay adaptable and thrive in the ever-changing educational landscape. At first, I got tripped up by rigid routines and unexpected policy shifts.
I couldn’t maintain a positive outlook or keep up with new teaching technologies.
So if you’ve been struggling to stay consistent, find the time, or adapt to changes, you’re not alone. Most people either try to overhaul their entire routine at once or give up after a few setbacks.
The real key to success is having a strict routine you can follow without fail, and that includes making time for self-care, having a flexible mindset, and building a support network.
Read on to discover 3 easy habits to help you become a resilient teacher.
#1. Schedule “Me” Time
Honestly, at first it was hard to follow through with this one because I wasn’t used to it.
However, scheduling “me” time is critical for your state of mind and peace.
So if you find it challenging to incorporate into your routine, you’re not alone.
Many teachers feel guilty for taking time for themselves or think they need hours to truly unwind.
This guilt often stems from a sense of responsibility to their students, colleagues, and even their families, believing that every spare moment should be dedicated to improving lesson plans, grading, or addressing students’ needs.
The overwhelming workload and constant demands of teaching can make it seem impossible to carve out personal time without neglecting other duties.
Additionally, some teachers might fear judgment from peers or supervisors, worrying that taking time for self-care might be perceived as laziness or a lack of dedication.
Others may have internalized the idea that to be a good teacher, they must be selfless, always putting others’ needs before their own.
Another common roadblock is the misconception that effective self-care requires lengthy periods of uninterrupted time.
The reality is that self-care can be integrated into short, manageable intervals throughout the day.
But remember, you can’t be an effective teacher without putting yourself first at some point during the day.
Here’s the good news:
You don’t need to devote hours to yourself to feel refreshed.
Start off by committing to 20 minutes a day or one day a week where you can spend more focused time on self-care. Once you make it part of your routine, it will become a regular habit that you no longer can live without!
You can also set clearly defined goals to help you schedule “me” time every day.
Keep in mind that “me” time looks different for everyone, so what works for another teacher may not work for you, and that’s okay. All you have to do is commit and the rest will follow.
Cal Newport, in his book “Deep Work,” emphasizes the importance of having “shutdown routines” at the end of the workday.
These routines signal to your brain that the workday is over, helping you to disengage from work-related stress and allowing your brain to rest and recover.
Without proper shutdown routines and solid blocks of non-working time, our brains remain in a state of shallow work, which can be detrimental to overall productivity and mental health.
Having a support system will make it easier and help you stay accountable.
One of the best decisions I made while trying to carve out more time for me was to buddy up with a friend. So give your teacher bestie a call! When you have someone counting on you, you’re more inclined to stick with it.
(Want more tips on getting the support you need? Read this post.)
Another thing that helps is to start off slow. Try taking a walk for a half hour. Or run a quick errand. You might feel guilty at first but it’s actually a good sign! You’re starting to find more balance. High-five!
And if you’re really ready to set “me” time in stone, use a habit tracker app like Way of Life to lock it in so you always set aside time for it.
#2. Cultivate a Flexible Mindset
A flexible mindset is essential for becoming a resilient teacher.
The educational landscape is constantly changing, with new policies, technologies, and teaching methodologies emerging regularly. Being able to adapt to these changes without becoming overwhelmed is key to thriving as an educator.
Initially, I struggled with maintaining a positive outlook when faced with sudden changes. It felt easier to stick to familiar routines, even when they weren’t working well.
However, cultivating a flexible mindset allowed me to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Here’s how you can develop a flexible mindset:
Embrace Continuous Learning
Stay curious and open to new ideas. Engage in professional development opportunities and be willing to experiment with new teaching techniques.
For instance, attend workshops, webinars, and conferences related to the latest educational trends. Subscribe to journals and read up on innovative practices.
When you make learning a lifelong habit, you’ll find it easier to adapt to changes because you’re always prepared for what’s coming next.
Reframe Challenges
Instead of viewing changes as obstacles, see them as chances to innovate and improve. This shift in perspective can reduce stress and increase your adaptability.
For example, when a new teaching technology is introduced, instead of resisting it, think about how it could make your teaching more effective or engaging for your students.
This positive outlook will make it easier to adapt and integrate new tools into your teaching practice.
Practice Mindfulness
Being present in the moment can help you respond to changes with a calm and focused mind. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, can enhance your ability to stay flexible.
Set aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before starting your class or spending a few minutes meditating during your break.
Mindfulness helps you (and your students) stay grounded and focused, making it easier to handle unexpected changes.
You might also like the Teacher Mindset Cheat Sheet with mindset prompts and a reflection journal to guide your flexible mindset.
Download your free Teacher Mindset Cheat Sheet now >>
#3. Build a Support Network
Having a strong support network is crucial for becoming a resilient teacher. Teaching can often feel isolating, especially when facing challenges alone.
Building connections with colleagues, mentors, and even online communities can provide the support and encouragement needed to navigate changes in the educational environment.
When I started reaching out to others for support, I found that sharing experiences and solutions made it easier to adapt to new situations.
Here’s how you can build a support network:
- Connect with Colleagues: Form or join a peer support group where you can share ideas, challenges, and successes. Regular meetings or informal check-ins can foster a sense of community. For instance, set up a weekly lunch or coffee break with fellow teachers to discuss what’s working and what’s not in your classrooms. These conversations can provide fresh perspectives and practical solutions to common problems.
- Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can offer guidance and advice based on their experience. A mentor can provide valuable insights and help you navigate changes more effectively. Mentors can also help you see potential pitfalls and provide strategies to avoid them. If you don’t have a mentor, consider reaching out to experienced colleagues or joining professional organizations that offer mentorship programs.
- Engage in Online Communities: Participate in online forums or social media groups for educators. These platforms can be great resources for advice, resources, and support from a broader community. Join groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, where educators share tips, resources, and encouragement. Online communities can also be a great place to find innovative ideas and stay updated on the latest trends in education.
You may think that forming a support network is time-consuming and won’t make much of a difference, but the truth is that having a network can significantly enhance your resilience and adaptability. When you have a support system, you gain emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of belonging. Even if you start by connecting with one or two colleagues, it will gradually expand your network and provide more robust support.
When you build a support network, you boost your ability to handle stress and change. Even if you start by participating in an online forum once a week, it will help you feel less isolated and more connected to a community of like-minded educators.
Here are a few other ways to strengthen your support network:
- Attend Professional Development Events: These events are excellent opportunities to meet other educators, share experiences, and build relationships.
- Collaborate on Projects: Working on collaborative projects with other teachers can foster a sense of teamwork and mutual support.
- Offer and Accept Help: Don’t hesitate to offer help to others and accept help when needed. This reciprocity strengthens your network and builds trust.
Wrapping it up
Whether you’re new to teaching, have been at it for a while, or just want a way to stay balanced and focused, these habits will help you become a resilient teacher.
All you need to do is stick to a routine.
Remember it takes time and dedication, and failure is part of the process. So if you go off track at any point, that’s completely normal. Don’t beat yourself up and lose time worrying about it. Get right back to it. You got this!
To help you stay on track, I created a free Teacher Mindset Cheat Sheet. It’s a step-by-step guide to shifting your mindset, including a Reflection Journal with mindfulness tips and mindset journal prompts.
Click here to download the Teacher Mindset Cheat Sheet >>
