Managing Stress During the Busy End-of-Year Rush

This time of year in schools is… A LOT!
Marking, reports, organising events, trying to tie everything together while still being present for your students (and yourself).

It is SO normal to feel stretched thin right now.

I often describe it as having a “stress bucket”.
Everything goes into the same bucket- workload, emotions, noise, deadlines, personal life, unexpected tasks, and the energy you give to others.

And then one tiny thing, like the photocopier breaking, a comment from a parent, or a student needing support, can be the moment the bucket spills over.

Not because the small thing is big.
But because you’re already carrying so much.

So instead of trying to “push through” (which teachers are excellent at), let’s talk about some ways to support yourself during this busy season, gently and realistically.

1. Protect Your Energy With Boundaries

This is the hardest part, especially for educators who care deeply.

But boundaries are what help you stay well, and stay you.

Some simple ones that can make a difference:

• Leave when you said you would. Don’t rewrite the lesson for the 6th time.

• Say “not this term” when extra jobs come your way.

• Check emails a few times a day, not all day.

• Block out small pockets of quiet time, even 10 minutes counts.

It’s not about doing less because you don’t care.
It is about caring enough about yourself to stop running on empty.

2. Build Yourself Up Before the Day Takes Over

Small daily habits can expand your capacity so much. Even tiny ones. Try:

• Getting outside for a few minutes of fresh air and sunlight.

• Prioritising sleep (even if it means leaving dishes until tomorrow — they’ll survive).

• Packing your bag or lunch the night before to give yourself a softer morning.

• Taking a few slow deep breaths between classes. It helps.

These little things are quiet acts of self-support.
They remind your nervous system: I’m safe. I’m okay. I can slow down.

3. Let Stress Out; Don’t Just Hold It

When stress is already sitting in the body, we need to release it, not numb it.

Instead of automatically reaching for scrolling, snacking, or collapsing in front of Netflix (which we all do!), why don’t you try mixing in things that genuinely help your body unwind:

• Move your body, even with a 5-minute walk or stretch.

• Talk to someone who “gets it.”

• Put on a song and just breathe, dance or lie on the floor.

• Try a grounding exercise:
  Look for 5 things you can see
  4 you can touch
  3 you can hear
  2 you can smell
  1 you can taste

These are the small shifts that reset your body and mind, not just distract them.

A Gentle Reminder

You are a human being first.
Your value isn’t in how productive you are or how much you can hold.
You show up for everyone else every day.
This is your invitation to show up for you too.

So as you move through these next few weeks, ask yourself:

• What is one boundary I’m going to protect?

You’re doing your best. And your best is enough.