Welcome Back to the 2026 School Year

Monday, 2 February 2026

Prioritising Teacher Wellness

The beginning of a new school year always brings a mix of emotions. There’s excitement, a touch of nerves, a burst of energy and, if we’re honest, the wish for just one more day of rest. In a time when uncertainty seems to linger in the background, these feelings can feel even more intense. That’s why prioritising teacher wellness isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you strengthen your ability to support your students, colleagues, and community.

Below are some practical wellness strategies to help you nurture balance, resilience, and calm—both inside and outside the classroom.

Put on your oxygen mask first. You’ve heard the phrase on every flight: put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary. Whether your “oxygen mask” looks like daily exercise, quiet reading time, or a walk in nature, make space for the activities that help you breathe easier when life gets hectic.

Wellness looks different for everyone. Mindfulness, balance and wellbeing aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all. A strategy that works well for a colleague may not resonate with you or your students. Wellness can include physical, emotional, social or environmental elements, and your needs will shift over time. Think of balance like a river, always moving, always changing. What supported you six months ago may not be what you need today, and that’s okay.

Shift your mindset. It’s easy to feel weighed down by the endless to‑do list. But reframing your thinking can make a surprising difference. Swap “I have to…” with “I get to…”. “I have to mark 30 tests” becomes “I get to learn from 30 unique perspectives.” This simple shift can turn routine tasks into meaningful moments and reduce stress along the way.

Listen to your body. Stress often shows up physically before we consciously recognise it. Pay attention to those signals, they’re nudges to slow down. Keep up with routine medical appointments, stay aware of current health guidelines, and remember the basics: drink water, rest when you can, and give your body the care it deserves.

Break the “doomscrolling” cycle. Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to negative news can drain your energy. Doomscrolling (endlessly scrolling through gloomy headlines) can sneak up on anyone. Setting time limits, being intentional about why you’re online and choosing activities that spark joy can help you stay grounded and protect your mental space.

Set boundaries and stay flexible. With policies and expectations shifting frequently it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Establishing clear boundaries for yourself and your students helps create structure and reduces stress. At the same time, flexibility is key. Approaching challenges with an open mind encourages creative problem‑solving and models resilience for your students.

Your students are looking to you for stability, encouragement and example. By weaving wellness and mindfulness into your daily routines, you strengthen your capacity to navigate whatever the year brings. Caring for yourself isn’t just beneficial, it’s transformative for everyone around you.