Teacher wellbeing: the foundation for thriving classrooms
Wednesday, 28 Jan 2026
The busy start of the new school year can feel jarring, as we rapidly shift from our relaxed holiday mode to full pace. At Life Ed, we know that teacher wellbeing is crucial, and is not separate from student wellbeing - in fact, it underpins it. It is crucial of our teachers to feel supported and connected. Here are our top practical strategies to help teachers protect their wellbeing as a priority:
Reconnect with why you teach
Each week, do something that reignites your passion for teaching and reconnects you to your purpose. Pick a teaching strategy or classroom activity that both you and your students love. It’s a great reminder of the real difference you’re making every day.
Build a growth mindset
New challenges? Treat them as chances to learn alongside your students. The word “yet” works wonders! Replace “I can’t” with “I can yet” and watch your confidence and theirs grow.
Make kindness and gratitude daily habits
Small acts of appreciation or kindness produce positive emotions, improve wellbeing and strengthen social connections. They’re contagious too, creating ripple effects of positivity throughout your school day.
Create clear boundaries between home and school life
Set a reasonable time for leaving school each day (and try stick to it). Pick a daily “off switch” time, so that you can relax your mindset when you get home. Create an end-of-day routine like changing your clothes when you get home, heading out for an afternoon walk, or connecting with family – it signals your brain it’s time to recharge.
Re-establish positive sleeping habits
Good quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your physical and emotional wellbeing. Develop regular night routine, which may include taking a warm bath, reading quietly for a while, or having a warm drink.
Boost your emotional resilience
Consider proactive methods to manage pressure and stress with proven habits that you genuinely enjoy. Prioritise meeting regularly with friends and family, spending time on hobbies you’re enjoying, reading or watching things that make you laugh. Build into your daily habits small stress-busting activities such as yoga, deep breathing exercises or meditation. These activities compound into emotional resilience over the term.
Life Ed works alongside schools to support this consistent, whole-school approach to wellbeing, recognising that when educators are supported, students are more likely to thrive.
By prioritising teacher wellbeing, schools lay the foundation for positive learning environments where both educators and students can feel healthy, connected and ready to learn throughout the whole school year.
