TEACHERS' MENTAL HEALTH IN THESE TRYING TIMES

Mental health refers to our psychological well-being or inner self. As we face this pandemic crisis, we need to keep our minds healthy and free from stress, depressions, and anxiety. It is also about how we think and act that affects our daily lives. Having a positive mindset can also lead to a positive remedy to every problem that a person might encounter.

As teachers and role models of today, we need to have a healthy mind to promote mental health in every learner, reaching the goal of mental health education. If a teacher has a strong will and desirable personal attributes and qualities, he could positively influence his colleagues and learners, too. In addition, being alert, focus, patient, having a sense of humor, and empathy to pupils will make his mental health more desirable and pleasant. On the flip side, if a teacher has a bad temper, intolerance, unfocused, and aggression, he might possess an undesirable habit with his mental health.

Practicing yoga, Zumba exercise, and sincere meditation could develop teachers' mental health well-being. Having enough rest and the right amount of food intake might help, too. Furthermore, listening to music is like magic that could also lessen our stresses and depressions. In addition, we must be surrounded by positive people, having a positive outlook in life.

As teachers, we must always keep in mind that the future of our learners depends on us, so we need to strengthen our mental health by having a good disposition and behavior when it comes to communicating and practice fairness in dealing with them even in distance learning.

--oOo-The author is Teacher III at San Rafael Elementary School, San Felipe, Zambales