For Teachers Who Love Their Job: Strategies to Keep Going Through the Challenges

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If we’re talking about emotions and feelings, being a teacher is the perfect example of a roller coaster. There are moments when you question why you got into this, and others when you are grateful to be there, in that little world called the classroom.
Being a teacher can feel very demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Despite everything, there’s always a feeling in the chest that there’s something good along the way.
Without idealizing anything, it’s important to find strategies that help maintain well-being and not lose the passion for what you do every day. It doesn’t matter if someone was born to be a teacher or not; what’s essential is to take care of your own well-being. After all, if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll be the most affected, and so will your students.
That’s why here are three foolproof tools that, if practiced daily, can help you get through those moments of despair. Also, your health and vitality will increase, and life will start to change. If these strategies have worked for me, they might work for you too.
1. Perspective
Waking up in the morning with all the responsibilities and stress on your mind can be a trap. For years, many teachers find themselves caught up in worrying about students with problems, families in difficult situations, endless activities to prepare, documents to fill out, meetings, and daily obligations that seem never-ending.
The difference comes from changing that perspective. Imagine going to a party and focusing only on the people you don’t like, ignoring everyone who is enjoying the moment. Instead, it’s more productive to focus on what is working: the class you enjoy teaching, the students who are making progress, or the colleague you enjoy chatting with. The rest will sort itself out.
Remember, the mind can be crueler than reality. Don’t arrive at school only seeing what’s difficult, missing or wrong. Learn to focus on the good and use the challenges to your advantage. As the saying goes, "You either win or you learn.
2. Body Energy
To keep your energy up throughout the day, focus on three key aspects:
- Posture and Physical Presence: Keeping an upright posture is essential. How about adopting a heroic stance? It not only conveys confidence to others but also impacts how you feel. Leaving the house with energy, head held high, and with clear intention sets the tone for the day and influences how you present yourself to others.
- Conscious Breathing: Practicing conscious breathing helps connect with your body and control your emotions. Breathing like a leader, someone who enjoys what they do and is ready to face challenges, helps maintain calm and focus, even during tough times.
- Movement and Body Communication: Moving your body with agility and using your hands to communicate gives power in the classroom. Students notice this. Speaking with a firm and decided voice keeps the class dynamic and prevents the atmosphere from becoming monotonous.
Caring for your body is also crucial for maintaining this energy. Eating well and staying hydrated are key to being at your best. No matter how good your intentions, if you don’t take care of your body, you won’t achieve much. Exercising is also important; you don’t need to run a marathon, but staying active is necessary for a healthy life and to work with vitality.
3. Language and Meaning
Be careful with positive affirmations. Over the years, I’ve found they only work if backed by real effort. You can’t help anyone or achieve anything if you’re expressing judgment or negativity. Being negative when you listen to yourself can make things worse, turning them into self-fulfilling prophecies.
It’s important to speak clearly and name things as they are, but also try to give them a meaning that is favorable to you. A situation that seems trivial to you may be a drama for someone else. So, it’s better to set aside the dramas and give things a meaning that suits you best.
When dealing with a difficult family or a challenging group, instead of looking for blame or thinking that life is against you, see it as an opportunity to resolve something you haven’t been able to overcome for years. These challenges can offer many rewards and are a test for growth as a professional and as a person.
Take time to listen to yourself more than to others. Be aware of your thoughts; stop the negatives and replace them with things that uplift and support you. This is also a valuable lesson you can teach your students.
Here’s a resource that can help you connect better with your group because, remember, in school, everyone needs to grow, both teachers and students.

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