Introduction

Oh, August. If you live in the United States, August signals back-to-school season. It’s a time to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and hello to the demands of teacher-life once again. While it can be an exciting time and a fresh start, it can also be a stressful time if you’re a teacher. Going from a relaxed pace to a rigid routine can take a toll on your body and mind.

To better manage your stress levels and set yourself up for success, it’s crucial to take proactive steps now rather than reacting to the stressors later. These strategies can make the difference between a stressful school year and a smooth one. 

Here are my 5 tips for teachers to reduce stress this school year. These are practical tips you can implement today to prioritize your wellness above all else. 

5 Back-to-School Tips to Reduce Stress

Tip 1: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Start

As the great Taylor Swift once said, if you fail to plan you plan to fail. Setting yourself and your classroom up in an organized way will start your year off on the right foot. 

Walking back into your classroom can feel overwhelming. The tasks seem endless. Take a breath. It will all get done in due time. Here are a few ways you can get organized before the first day of school:

  • Take things step by step – don’t overwhelm yourself thinking you have to get it all done in one day. Prioritize the big tasks and work from there.
  • Create orgainized lists – have emails to send, copies to make, or bulletin board letters to laminate? Put each task on its own separate list (I love Google Keep for this!).
  • Write it out – put everything down on a piece of paper you have to do to prepare for the school year. Getting your thoughts out on paper will alleviate the noise going on inside of your head.
  • Create an outline of your first day of school plans – often the first day can seem so complex. As you start to prepare for the day, begin with a rough outline of how you envision the day will go. Fill in the details from there and remember, there’s always the second day of school!

Making a clear plan for your back to school season will allow you to conquer those endless tasks like a pro, all while making sure your stress levels don’t get the best of you. 

Tip 2: Establish a Relaxing Morning Routine

Yes, you read that right! A relaxing morning routine seems unheard of. Especially during the days of back to school, kids out the door, dog fed, breakfast made, etc. When you structure your morning routine with calm in mind, you will set your whole day up for a more relaxing approach.

Here’s how you can infuse your mornings with a bit more tranquility:

  • Wake up 30 minutes earlier: Give yourself some quiet time before the rush begins.
  • Start your day with a stretch or some gentle movement: A few minutes of stretching or breathing exercises can work wonders.
  • Read an affirmation or two – words of affirmation aren’t a love language for nothing! Repeat the phrase throughout your day. 
  • Wait before looking at your phone: Give yourself 20-30 minutes before diving into emails or social media.
  • Avoid the news: Instead, enjoy some peaceful moments to yourself.
  • Meditate: Even just five minutes can help center you.
  • Enjoy a healthy, balanced breakfast: Nourish your body to set the stage for a productive day.

Tip 3: Set Realistic Goals for the School Year

As teachers, we love a good goal. We talk about student goals and professional goals all day long. But when it comes to your own goals for the school year, setting realistic ones is key to maintaining your well-being.

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new year and set ambitious goals, but overcommitting can quickly lead to overwhelm. Instead, focus on what truly matters for both you and your students. Prioritize the areas where you want to make the most impact. For instance, instead of committing to meeting with small groups every day, consider setting a goal of 2-3 days a week, which might be more manageable.

By narrowing your focus, you’ll create a clear path forward without the pressure to do it all. It’s okay to pace yourself; setting realistic expectations helps you manage your workload and prevents burnout, keeping you energized and effective all year long.

Tip 4: Create Boundaries to Protect Your Time and Energy

This might be the most important step for your wellness this school year. Setting boundaries between your work life and personal life is crucial. As teachers, we have big hearts and the best of intentions, but sometimes those good intentions can lead to taking on too much.

If something doesn’t bring you joy, it doesn’t belong in this season of your life. Here are a few ideas to help you start setting boundaries:

  • Leave work at work: Stop carrying around stacks of papers in that teacher tote!
  • Set your work hours: Decide when you’re arriving and leaving each day. Unless you love staying late, don’t feel obligated to do so.
  • Remove email from your phone: This one can be tough, but your time outside of school is for you. Unless it’s an emergency, it can wait until tomorrow.
  • Schedule time for your hobbies: Write down when you’re going to do the things that fill your cup.

Tip 5: Practice Self-Care Regularly

Self care is more than a jeans day and chocolate treats on the office counter. True self care can be found in activities that allow you to feel more energized, grounded, and happier. 

To manage the stress that comes with teaching, it’s important to practice genuine self-care on a regular basis. Whether it’s exercise, spending time in nature, meditating, or eating well, taking time for yourself allows you to be your best self for your students.

Conclusion

There you have it—your 5 tips for reducing stress this back-to-school season: planning ahead, establishing a relaxing morning routine, setting realistic goals, creating boundaries, and practicing regular self-care.

I encourage you to start implementing these tips now, so when the school year begins, you’ll feel calm and in control. Remember, teaching is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—professions in the world. Give yourself grace, and allow yourself to feel how you feel. If something isn’t working, it’s okay to change it. Keep putting yourself first, and your students will benefit from the positive energy you bring into the classroom.

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For a more in-depth approach to teacher wellness, check out my course Beat Teacher Burnout 101.