 | | Now that the holiday period is over, many teachers find their motivation and energy levels have slumped. For ideas on how to regain your zest for life, Teacher Support Network has some useful tips and advice to help teachers motivate themselves and to get back into the swing of things.
Lack of motivation or a feeling of lethargy can be caused by a number of factors including lack of exercise, poor diet and lack of sleep. It may also simply be that as a result of having had time off work, you are finding it difficult to get back into your old routine. If you are a victim of one of the above, the following tips should help.
Exercise
Although some people take the opportunity to get outside for a spot of brisk walking over the festive season, many of us spend hours sitting indoors watching television or chatting with friends. A lack of exercise can make you feel sluggish and lethargic, it can dent your confidence and you can begin to feel a bit down in the dumps.
Now is a good time to plan to do more exercise, whether you intend to join a gym, or just gently increase your activity levels. Benefits of exercise include: feeling more energetic; sleeping better; coping with stress; promoting self-esteem; and can help to take your mind off work or life problems.
Sleep
Make sure you get plenty of sleep and get into a regular sleeping routine. This is especially important if you think you may be suffering from sleep debt caused by a prolonged period of poor sleep or sleeping patterns. If you are struggling to get to sleep or to stay asleep, read Teacher Support Network's factsheet ‘Problem sleeping'.
Diet
The kind of food you eat can also affect your mood, contributing to you feeling grumpy and lethargic, or full of energy and motivation – depending on what you are consuming. Dieting can also affect your energy levels. Although many people start the new year with a diet, following the heavy meals during the festive period, it is often better to just eat more healthily and start exercising more, than it is to start dieting.
Motivation
Once you have ensured that your diet is balanced; that you are getting regular sleep (and enough of it!); and that your activity levels are appropriate, then you can focus on improving your motivation levels even further. Another of TSN's factsheets, ‘Motivating yourself’ offers some tips on how to motivate yourself at work.
If you are feeling low or anxious about the new year and want to speak with one of Teacher Support Network's qualified counsellors, then call them on one of the telephone numbers below:
08000 562 561 if you are a teacher in England;
08000 855 088 if you are a teacher in Wales; and
08000 32 99 52 if you work within adult, further or higher education.
Alternatively, search Teacher Support Network's InfoCentre of factsheets on a range of issues by visiting the Teacher Support Network website.
Share your tips on getting over those winter blues in the TES Health and Wellbeing staffroom. Click here to join a debate.
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