jt Educators: Coping with Festive Pressures brochure

An Educators Guide to Navigating the Festive Season

Our wellbeing booklet, crafted for teaching & support staff, offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to navigate pressure during the most hectic time of year!

www.justteachers.co.uk

Understanding your holiday stress Increased Workload: Christmas coincides with the end of the school term, bringing a surge in marking work, reporting and administrative tasks. Elevated workload can lead to fatigue, burnout and increased stress levels.

Festive Commitments: You may find it hard to balance professional and personal commitments.

Striking the right balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life harmony to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

We encourage you to communicate any work-related challenges to a school colleague, line manager, or even your dedicated JT education consultant.

Please don’t suffer in silence.

Financial Pressure: December can bring financial strains as you feel the pressure to purchase gifts for colleagues or host activities for students. Financial stress can affect your mental health significantly.

Emotional Toll: For some people, Christmas can be a reminder of personal challenges, losses, or loneliness, contributing to emotional stress which can affect interpersonal relationships and job satisfaction.

Practical tips for handling festive pressures

PLAN AHEAD

WORKLOAD

Create a Christmas-specific to-do list, prioritising tasks based on importance.

Use a calendar to track key dates, meetings & school activities.

Anticipate potential changes & have a plan B in case.

Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks.

Set clear boundaries between work & personal time.

Ask your colleagues for support, they may already have the resources you need.

HANDLING EMOTIONS

PERSONAL PRESSURES

Surround yourself with people who will uplift your mood.

Recognise and accept your emotions, & know that you’re not alone in your feelings.

Reflect on positive moments & achievements from throughout the year.

Plan Christmas spending wisely by setting a budget.

Simplify celebrations & enjoy meaningful & cost-effective traditions.

Communicate with family about Christmas expectations & commit realistically.

Creating supportive classroom environments During the festive season, a positive classroom atmosphere is crucial, to create an inclusive and joyful learning environment for both yourself and your students.

1. Embody the holiday spirit by infusing the classroom with warmth and cheer. Consider DIY festive decorations and relaxing activities such as mindful colouring, christmas crafts & festive puzzles.

2. Recognise that this time of year will involve various festivities and commitments for both yourself and your students, so slow down the pace of lessons to allow students time to reflect on what they’ve learnt and incorporate festive theming to sustain engagement.

3. December can be a challenging time for some children, so it's key to recognise diverse traditions, fostering inclusivity.

Encourage sharing traditions to build understanding among peers. Stick to regular routines and show support through small acts of kindness. Providing a listening ear can help alleviate the emotional stress a child may be feeling at this time of year.

Festive self-care for educators In the flurry of the festive season, educators play a pivotal role in shaping young minds. However, it's equally crucial for you to prioritise your own well-being.

Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.

Maintain a balanced diet & exercise routine and ensure adequate rest.

Create time for yourself unwind with a TV series, listen to music or simply relax.

Practice mindfulness techniques that can boost your mental wellbeing, such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga.

Make time for selfreflection, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or counsellor.

Keep your mind active by learning new skills, solving puzzles or reading a new book.

Wellbeing resources This brochure is just the beginning of your self-care journey. There's a wealth of online and offline resources available to further support your well-being.

Embracing these resources can significantly contribute to your resilience and happiness, ensuring you thrive personally and professionally, all-year-round.

ONLINE RESOURCES

OFFLINE RESOURCES

Mind: Mental health charity providing support

Consult with your GP for professional mental health support

Education Support: Offering mental health and well-being support for educators Headspace: Meditation and mindfulness app for stress reduction NHS Every Mind Matters: An online platform providing practical mental health tips

Seek support from professional mental health therapists or counsellors Check for local well-being support groups The Samaritans: Provides confidential emotional support Call for free 24/7 on 116 123