Stress & Burnout
This term describes the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often seen in helping professions.
What is burnout?
Taking a 10-minute walk during your planning period is an example of this type of self-care.
What is physical self-care?
Mindfulness helps teachers and students stay focused on this.
What is the present moment?
A student who is unusually quiet, tired, or irritable may be showing signs of this.
What is emotional distress or mental health struggle?
What is Kimmapiiypitsinni?
Kindness to others
One simple way to reduce stress in the classroom is to pause and focus on this—something you do all day without thinking.
What is breathing?
Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day is part of this mindfulness-based practice.
What is gratitude journaling?
This quick mindfulness technique uses your five senses to ground you: see, hear, touch, smell, taste.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 method?
One way to support students’ emotional regulation is to teach them to identify and name these.
What are feelings or emotions?
This hormone, known as the "stress hormone," increases when we feel anxious or overworked.
What is cortisol?
This type of rest involves taking a break from technology and screens.
What is digital rest or a digital detox?
This mindful breathing technique involves inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding for four.
What is box breathing?
When a student opens up about their struggles, the most important first step is to do this.
What is listen without judgment?
A key sign of burnout is this, when a teacher feels emotionally distant or detached from their students.
What is depersonalization?
Teachers who engage in this reflective practice can better understand their emotions and triggers.
What is journaling?
Integrating short moments of silence or calm at the start of class is known as this kind of routine.
What is a mindfulness moment or calm start?
Teachers should refer a student to this professional when there are concerns about their mental health or safety.
Who is the school counselor or psychologist?
This self-care practice encourages teachers to set boundaries between work and home life.
What is work-life balance?
This acronym reminds us of basic physical needs that affect our emotional health: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness
What is HALT?
This branch of psychology focuses on cultivating strengths and positive emotions rather than reducing symptoms.
What is positive psychology?
This approach to discipline focuses on repairing harm and building relationships rather than punishment.
What is restorative practices?