Dealing with Mental Health Amidst the Pandemic

A variety of contributors drain emotional resources of teachers especially now that we are experiencing a pandemic. One of the most common manifestation of this emotional drain is burnout.

According to studies, burnout is a powerful force that rips into the health, and safety of an educator. But, there are some strategies to mitigate its effects.

Staying up late and unhealthy eating habits contribute diminishes the energy of an educator to fight off burnout. When burnout strikes, it brings associated emotions like exhaustion and frustration to the surface and can spawn unhealthy habits and even addiction.

Thus, it is crucial that teachers do away with negative coping mechanisms, and dedicate time, energy, and practice positive mechanisms that provide long-term benefits, including activities like exercise, meditation, and counseling instead.

Moreover, part of the battle with burnout relates to how educators perceive themselves. Many educators feel that they cannot be enough or do enough for their students. This leads them to work harder and do more, further depleting their time and energy.

To overcome this challenge, teachers should begin with a positive view of self-efficacy. Teachers who believe in their ability and take pride in what they bring to their workday suffer less from wishing they were more or could do mor e.

Studies suggest that burnout is contagious. Teachers who surround themselves with burned-out peers are more likely to become burned out. So, mentorship and support plays a vital role in managing you and your fellow teachers’frustrations.

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I at Basa Air Base Elementary School