How TeachersCope-up with Stress Amid the Pandemic

Mary Cris G. Quito

The new normal style of learning - distance learning - has changed the lives of teachers. Since teachers now stay at home, they have to balance their personal lives which includes taking care of their own families and doing household chores; and the professional tasks of preparing and conducting lessons, and monitoring their students.

These changes have caused stress and pressure to many educators. In addition to their mountain of work, the pandemic has added to the worries of teachers.

To avoid burnout mental health stress, teachers need time to self-care.

Despite the load of work of they have to do both for their household, and for their classes, teachers have carve out some time to prioritize the other things that help them feel balanced.

Some of these things include activities like exercising, reading, or spending time doing a hobby. Or, having a good sleep.

All these activities are crucial in maintaining the mental health of teachers.

Moreover, teachers should also set reasonable expectations for themselves. Since students study online or at home using modules, teachers need to understand that they can’t be as productive as before and that’s okay. Thus, setting small realistic goals and expectations can make teachers feel more fulfilled and help maintain their mental health.

Teachers need to take a break once in a while, too, so they can maintain their mental health.

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The author is Teacher II at San Matias National High School