For Awareness: Teacher’s Story About Stress and Health

A teacher recently shared an experience that highlights the urgent need for teacher self-care.

She arrived at school early for her first class at 6:00 AM and taught straight through until the third period. Her fourth class was on the second floor. While checking her students’ work during an activity, she suddenly felt dizzy. Thinking it was just fatigue from teaching, she sat down.

By the time only five minutes were left before recess, she realized she might faint. She left early at 8:55 AM, hoping that a 30-minute break before her 9:30 class would help. But the dizziness continued.

She texted her husband, explaining she couldn’t manage anymore. He picked her up and took her to the hospital. After blood tests and check-ups, the results came back normal.

When the doctor asked if she was stressed, she admitted the workload at school had been overwhelming — grading, paperwork, lesson plans, and tight deadlines. At home, she had no major problems. The doctor concluded that stress from teaching was the main cause of her severe headache and dizziness.

The doctor’s advice was simple: Rest.

Why Teacher Well-Being Matters

This story is a reminder that teacher burnout is real and can happen to anyone. Here’s why protecting your health is just as important as your lesson plans:

1. Your body has limits. Even the most passionate teacher will struggle if they ignore signs of exhaustion
2. Stress affects your physical health. It can cause headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, and more.
3. Healthy teachers teach better. Students benefit most when their teachers are energetic, focused, and patient.

Common Signs of Teacher Burnout

• Ongoing tiredness despite rest
• Frequent headaches or dizziness
• Irritability or mood changes
• Loss of motivation to teach
• Trouble focusing during class

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to take action before stress affects your teaching and your life.

Practical Tips for Teachers to Reduce Stress

1. Set Work Boundaries

Avoid taking too much schoolwork home. Finish grading and planning within school hours when possible.

2. Take Short Breaks

Five minutes between classes can be enough to hydrate, stretch, and recharge.

3. Share Tasks With Colleagues

Team up with other teachers to prepare lessons and share resources.

4. Use Weekends for Rest

Dedicate at least one day of the weekend to rest and personal time.

5. Seek Support Early

Talk to a supervisor, counselor, or trusted colleague if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The Bigger Message for Educators

Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it can also drain your energy if you don’t take care of yourself. Like the teacher in this story, many educators push themselves until their body forces them to stop.

The truth is simple — you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your physical and mental health is not selfish; it’s part of being a good teacher. Healthy teachers inspire healthy learning.

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