he stress and pressure involved with being an English teacher has a massive impact on the mental health of English teachers all over the world. This tension revolves around a number of factors, including the workload and the emotional labour involved in teaching English as a foreign language. In this article, we discuss these stress-contributing factors as well as some tips and tricks for keeping sane as someone working in TEFL.
The stress and pressure involved with being an English teacher has a massive impact on the mental health of English teachers all over the world. This tension revolves around a number of factors, including the workload and the emotional labour involved in teaching English as a foreign language. In this article, we discuss these stress-contributing factors as well as some tips and tricks for keeping sane as someone working in TEFL.
Mental health of English teachers: What’s the big deal?
Every profession comes with its stressors. The key to battling burnout is identifying each one and finding effective ways to cope with them. When it comes to English teachers, there are quite a few stressors. But before we get into that, why is the mental health of English teaches a big deal?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that in the 21st century, mental health is no longer taking a backseat. This is the way things always should have been. But why?
First of all, mental health is a crucial aspect of anyone’s overall well-being. It affects everything in our daily lives–from our eating habits, to our sleep schedule, to our professional outlook, and even the course of our careers. The state of our mental health affects how we think, how we feel, and how we act. Therefore, it has a big say in how our relationships, careers, and personal lives turn out.
Second of all, mental health has a direct impact on physical health. Let’s face it–you can’t work if you’re sick. Countless studies show that it has a huge impact on the body, which is why poor mental health can lead to illnesses such as depression, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and even cardiovascular diseases. This correlation alone should be a big enough incentive to take mental health seriously.
As English teachers, taking care of our mental health can positively affect different aspects of our lives–both professionally and personally. It can improve our overall quality of life, increase our resilience, and even help prevent mental disorders. While there are so many other ways that maintaining our mental health is beneficial, let’s first talk about why we are stressed. What is it about TEFL that can be such a cause for stress? Let’s dig through this together.
Mental health of English teachers: Why can TEFL get stressful?
English teachers are an important part of the education system–especially on an international scale. Because TEFL is an interpersonal profession, the mental health of teachers is crucial to their ability to be effective in the classroom. It has a direct impact on their teaching and interactions with their students.
According to research, English teachers face high levels of stress, which can negatively impact their mental health. Battling stress and burnout is one thing, while being an effective English teacher is another. With all these things on the same plate, taking care of one’s mental health can be a challenge for English teachers. What causes this stress in the first place?
Mental health of English teachers: The workload and pressure are heavy loads
Firstly, one big factor that causes stress among English teachers is their workload. English teachers have to constantly monitor the progress of their students. They must constantly check exercises, grade papers, and correct students during feedback. As one can imagine, teaching English as a foreign language comes with a lot of corrections. Otherwise, how do students learn?
Additionally, the fact that many students end up taking some sort of English level test puts a different level of pressure on their teacher. Many teachers may feel the weighty responsibility to ensure that their students meet high academic standards and pass such standardised tests. This stressor has a big impact on the mental health of teachers.
Mental health of English teachers: There is emotional labour involved
Secondly, another factor that can impact the mental health of English teachers is the emotional labour involved in teaching. Every effective English teacher knows that the key to creating a great class dynamic is establishing an emotional connection with students. This is where things get draining. Not only is every student different, but also, every class session is different.
Many times, English teachers have to provide emotional support to students. Whether they are struggling with personal issues or just having a bad day, English teachers must deal with these emotions as well as how they manifest. Especially when working with children and teenagers, the emotional aspect of teaching English is a given.
Furthermore, because English teachers themselves are also human, they have their own emotions to deal with. Essentially then, English teachers must remain on top of their own emotional state while helping to manage that of their students. This can be emotionally draining, which is why the emotional aspect of being an English teacher has a big effect on mental health as well.
Mental health of English teachers: The job never ends
Thirdly, another aspect that affects the mental health of English teachers is the fact that their job doesn’t end. Sure, an English class period has a definite start and a definite end. For example, you could start at ten o’clock in the morning and end at eleven o’clock. However, as any English teacher knows, there’s a lot of work that goes on before and after that time frame.
What makes being an educator in TEFL different from other professions is that it’s not exactly a job that you can leave at the workplace. English teachers constantly think about their lesson plans, come up with activities, and are on the lookout for new ideas. These all take place outside the classroom. This makes it hard for people working in TEFL not to bring their work home with them after class.
All the “off-hour” work that many English teachers do, tends to put a strain on their personal lives as well. It can affect their relationships and even their “me time” which is important in such a profession. Furthermore, there’s a big tendency for English teachers to feel undervalued and unappreciated, which can lead to burnout.
Mental health of English teachers: Helpful tips and tricks
Though these stressors can be overwhelming, there are various ways English teachers can successfully manage stress and avoid burnout. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to take care of your mental health as an English teacher.
Mental health tips and tricks for English teachers: Make time for self-care
As an English teacher, you are used to putting the needs of your students first. But remember that you cannot give to others what you don’t first give to yourself. One great way to take care of your mental health as someone working in TEFL is to purposefully set aside time for self-care.
From having a spa day, a good skincare session, or even a blocked time of the day where you put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode…there are so many ways you can show yourself love. It’s important that while doing these things, you really make it a point to focus on yourself and no one else.
It can be difficult at first, especially if you’re used to feeling guilty for doing things non-TEFL related. But remember, at the end of the day, your worth lies beyond anything you could accomplish in your English classroom. Though it’s common for English teachers to feel unnecessary guilt for not using all their free time to do something for their lessons, remember to fight this self-destructive belief. TEFL is a big part of your life, yes. But it is not life itself.
Mental health tips and tricks for English teachers: It’s all about perspective
Sometimes, it helps to think of self-care time as an investment in your career as an English teacher. For example, you could think, “It’s Saturday and I want to watch a movie, but I feel bad for not planning my lesson.” Or, you could instead, train your mind to see it this way: “If I enjoy and relax today, I’ll have a clearer mindset for lesson planning tomorrow morning.”
Many times, when we do things from a state of stress, they actually take much longer to complete. Doing things from a state of peace and creativity, on the other hand, is a real time-saver. Plus, you get to bypass all the negative emotions and stressors.
Mental health tips and tricks for English teachers: Get moving and eat right
Another great way to combat stress and burnout is to get yourself moving. Being active not only gets the happy hormones running, but it also does wonders for your body–both physically and mentally. From helping you shed fat and gain muscle, to boosting your self-esteem and concentration, keeping fit is a great way to keep your mental health in good shape. Plus, it helps improve your sleep and overall well-being.
Whether it’s a weight-lifting session at the gym or a blocked time where you do yoga, moving your body is key to your mental health. You can even get creative with your commitment to being active, as the gym isn’t the only place to do so. You can enrol in a Zumba class. Or you can start learning how to box. You can go for walks in the park and bring a friend with you.
In addition, because the food you consume has a direct impact on your energy levels and well-being, make sure you’re showing your body love by giving it good things to eat. As an English teacher, it can be tempting to settle for fast food or take-out to save time. But hearty and healthy meals can be quick and simple to prepare too! Furthermore, even food preparation is a form of self-care.
Mental health tips and tricks for English teachers: Don’t isolate yourself
As an English teacher, there’s a certain pressure to prove that you’ve got everything together. You may feel like you’re the only one struggling to stay on top of your workload in and out of your classroom. Or, you may sometimes compare yourself with other TEFL colleagues who seem to have it all together. This oftentimes can lead to self-isolation. The false belief that everyone else you work with has everything figured out. And you don’t.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. You’d be surprised to find out that so many English teachers go through the same things. Though everyone has their own way of coping, the struggles are common. One effective way of keeping your mental health up is getting together with fellow English teachers.
Whether you meet each other for coffee or for lunch on a weekend, you’ll be surprised to find out just how much your fellow English teachers relate. Getting involved with your peers and colleagues fosters an environment full of support and understanding. Many times, finding out that you’re not the only one going through a specific challenge is liberating.
Besides sharing your struggles, you and your colleagues can exchange tips and tricks. After all, there’s always something new we can learn from each other. Furthermore, the sense of community helps you remember that as an English teacher, you are never alone.
Mental health tips and tricks for English teachers: Don’t be afraid to seek professional help
If you feel that you need professional help with managing your mental health, there is no shame at all in reaching out for it. Depending on what kind of help you need, there are different professionals you can consult with. Whether it’s a life coach, a therapist, or a psychiatrist, getting a professional involved with your mental health concerns is a brave thing to do. Especially if you are really struggling.
Luckily, in the 21st century, so many stigmas surrounding mental health have been broken. As we all do our part to prioritise it and break the remaining biases and stigmas surrounding this prevalent aspect of life, we take part in changing the world and paving the way for the generations to come.
Mental health of English teachers: Breaking barriers
Given that the mental health of English teachers is a relevant issue in the TEFL world, it is important to acknowledge this aspect of the profession. By doing so, English teachers all around the world will feel more supported, seen, and understood. In recognising the challenges unique to the TEFL profession, providing a safe place to talk about such issues, and offering resources and support, we can all make a difference.
By taking the time to talk about the importance of the mental health of English teachers, we make a positive impact. How? By helping to ensure that English teachers all around the world feel acknowledged, seen, and most of all, valued–as they should be. After all, being a teacher is a most honourable profession.
Don’t forget that getting proper training to be an English teacher can help alleviate a lot of stress. If you’re looking for a course that will help you specialise in teaching English as a foreign language, check out the EBC Trinity CertTESOL course. Getting Trinity CertTESOL certification is a great way to increase your job opportunities as well. After all, the certificate is accepted and recognised by the British Council. Furthermore, EBC offers its graduates access to its lifetime and worldwide job placement programme.
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