We asked you to share your own top tips for dealing with the daily stresses and strains of work with us via our e-newsletter and we got a fantastic response. Many thanks to those of you who contributed and we hope you find them useful!

Work-life Balance

Stop work at least two hours before you go to bed and do something else such as taking a bath or reading a book before getting ready to go to bed. Take time out away from school/college - go for a walk in the lunch hour and get right away from it all.

If you enjoy it, then organise a dinner party at the weekend to get socialising and stop thinking about work.

Make sure that you leave school/college early one night a week and do something that is just for you - develop a passion for something non-school/college related, play a sport or even learn a new musical instrument. Being in the position of learner and doing something physical or that uses a different part of your brain can be extremely therapeutic.

Health and Wellbeing

Healthy eating, regular exercise.

Laughing is a huge release of stress; playing with the dog also helps.

I am a Christian priest and so I find prayer deeply healing.

I practice Yoga and usually go to one class a week.

Go for a cycle ride, get some fresh air.

BREATHE OUT the frustration and negative feelings and BREATHE IN thinking of nourishing yourself and new positive feelings

I couldn’t cope with classroom stage fright but practical sessions were great (I was teaching horticulture). Thus it was that I discovered that for me what works is PHYSICAL EXERCISE.

Why not try some simple relaxation techniques, or meditation, to help you relax. This can be only 5-10 minutes a day but could make all the difference to how you are feeling. Take a look at our factsheets on Quick Mental Relaxation and Relaxation Techniques.

Social Life

Distraction - making time to read a book, go for a walk, spend time with friends or your support network and don’t feel guilty. If you are unhealthy you are not going to do a good job.

Taking up a craft as a hobby. Often practical handiwork can relieve stress as it helps your brain think in a different way and can calm you down.

I listen to music, and I take a break in between. I go for trips once in a while.

Make sure you get out and socialise as much as you can - it's good to see people that have nothing to do with work and can talk to you about something else!

Support

Share with your friends.

Don't be brave - share your concerns with others. Don't try to match others they could be in the same boat as you! Use your Union representative too.

Think positive and be grateful for the privilege of being able to help young people. Don't listen to negative people and ideas. Teaching is a great job!

With special thanks to*

Mini Kodiat - UK Academy in India
ZJL - Roysia Middle School, Royston, Herts.
Cy – Disability Awareness Teacher.
Revd Linda Isiorho

*Not everyone who contributed wanted to be named.