From worksheets and educational games to articles and tunes, here are the best mental health resources for teachers
In this fast-forward world, where things change in a blink of an eye the role of teachers has become more crucial as they are expected to build emotionally strong and healthy students. However, society often neglects to address or even discuss the mental health of teachers themselves. There are many mental health resources available for teachers today. While resources related to mental health have been (rightfully) front and center for supporting students, parents, and others, less focus has been paid to maintaining the mental health of the educators who are also trying to find balance in this new normal and remote teaching. This article features the top 10 best mental health resources for teachers in 2022.
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Onward and Onwardthebook.com
For self-work, insight, or to ground and unwind, Onward is one of the best mental health resources for teachers. Teachers must focus on their own mental wellness similar to the skills and strategies they use to help their students. Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar tackles the issue of teacher stress and burnout with a detailed path to resiliency to help teachers weather challenging times. Onwardthebook.com is the companion website to the book. Start Your Journey here.
Why Recharging Matters
Harvard Business Review covers in-depth how the lack of time people take to rest and recover could be holding back their collective ability to be resilient and successful. Recharging yourself matters and there is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself.
Gratitude Journal Prompts & PDF
As per the studies, gratitude has a strong positive impact on psychological well-being. A great first step in the practice of gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal in which you can take inventory and note the positive forces and people in your life that surround you. It is one of the best mental health resources for teachers in 2022.
Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
The self-care app Shine is designed to help you through tough times. The team behind the app also created a helpful resource page for anxiety and mental health in a global climate of uncertainty. The site includes free toolkits, guided meditations, breathing simulations, expert advice, and much more.
Model Self-compassion
Now, more than ever, people need to be incredibly kind to themselves to help maintain mental wellness. Educators teach students this all of the time– the basics of self-compassion, kind self-talk, and a growth mindset. Now is the time to also turn it inwards. In doing so, one will benefit his or her own mental wellness and also be able to model it for others in their life.
Poetry and Reflections
Poetry can provide comfort and boost mood during periods of stress, trauma, and grief. Its powerful combination of words, metaphor, and meter helps us better express ourselves and make sense of the world and our place in it. It is one of the best mental health resources for teachers in 2022.
Reach Out
If you feel like you are having a tough time, and are struggling in any way with enjoying things, balancing your mood, or finding time to take care of yourself– or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself– please reach out to a counselor. All of the resources that we shared for students can also be utilized by educators. Psychology today has a fantastic therapist directory, and your health insurance can also help you locate a counselor, most of whom have switched to offering telehealth services.
Songs of Comfort
Music is said to enhance intelligence and focus, improve mental health, and boost the immune system as well as self-esteem and confidence. It can be used to relax, boost and lift our mood, or improve concentration. Music can also be used to aid in insomnia, helping to encourage and induce a deeper sleep. It is one of the best mental health resources for teachers in 2022.
Self-Care for Educators and Students
Breathe for Change has several resources teachers can share with students & families either for at-home use or for use during synchronous, online learning. Resources include a family guide for well-being, mindfulness activities for the online classroom, and an online guide for classroom compassion and courage.
Mindfulness Activities for the Classroom
Explore 18 quick and effective mindfulness activities you can do with your class, most of which can translate to a virtual remote environment. Activities include explicit directions and scripts for teachers that can be used as-is or adapted. It is one of the best mental health resources for teachers in 2022.