Top 10 Mental-Health Tips for Teachers in December
December can be a magical month in schools — but for many teachers, it’s also one of the most demanding. With shorter days, packed schedules and rising pressures, looking after your mental health becomes more important than ever, so here at Breathe, we have listed below ten tips to help you navigate the winter term time:
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Set realistic boundaries: don’t take work home unnecessarily
As Breathe recommends, try to “leave work at work” where possible — avoid marking, emails or planning outside contracted hours.
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December can feel especially busy, but by drawing a line between work and personal time, you safeguard your downtime for rest and recharge.
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Use brief mindful-breathing or relaxation breaks between lessons
Simple breathing exercises or brief mindful pauses — even for a few minutes — can lower stress and regulate mood.
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Especially helpful between hectic lessons, or after challenging behaviour or difficult feedback sessions.
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Stay organised — plan to avoid end-of-term chaos
Keeping your workspace organised and planning lessons ahead of time helps you feel more in control and reduces last-minute stress.
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Use a calendar or checklist (for marking, reports, admin) so things don’t pile up towards term-end.
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Schedule short breaks and self-care — exercise, walk or stretch
Light physical activity, a quick walk, a stretch or even a tea break can reset energy and relieve stress.
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With dark, cold December days, moving physically helps counteract low energy or mood dips.
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Connect with colleagues — share struggles and support each other
Talking to fellow teachers, sharing experiences or having a debrief with peers builds a support network and reduces isolation.
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At the end of term, this can also foster a sense of camaraderie — important when workload is heavy or emotions run high.
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Focus on what you can control — let go of what you can’t
Teaching involves a lot of unpredictability; concentrate on aspects you can influence (lesson prep, marking schedule, self-care) rather than stress over factors outside your control.
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This mindset can prevent overthinking and reduce anxiety.
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Cultivate gratitude — notice and celebrate small wins
Take time to reflect on daily positives (a good lesson, student progress, a kind word) — helps shift mindset away from stress or negativity.
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December can be busy and fraught — noticing the small wins anchors you to what’s going well.
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Prioritise good sleep and restful downtime
Adequate sleep and a calming bedtime routine improve mood, concentration and resilience, especially during dark winter evenings.
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Try to “switch off” from school-related thoughts before bed to avoid burnout.
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Seek support when needed — you don’t have to do it all alone
If stress or low mood becomes overwhelming, reach out (mentor, colleague, counsellor, professional). Asking for help is a strength.
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Even outside usual school hours, a support call or chat can make a big difference.
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Use emotional-literacy and wellbeing resources (for yourself and students)
Breathe Education’s “Teacher Wellbeing” and related resources emphasise using evidence-based tools — e.g. emotional-literacy work, understanding anxiety/worry — both for students and staff.
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Embedding wellbeing into your routine (not just for pupils) helps create a healthier school environment and protects your mental health, too.
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Why December Needs Extra Care
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Increased workload — end-of-term assessments, report writing, behaviour challenges, extra admin.
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Winter effect — shorter days, darker mornings/evenings, colder weather — can weigh on mood & energy.
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Social & emotional pressures — holiday expectations (yours and families’), end-of-term stress, emotional demands from students (holiday anxiety, family situations).
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Burnout risk — continuous intensity through the term without adequate rest can erode resilience.
These tips help you build resilience, maintain balance, and protect your emotional well-being — while continuing to support your students well.
For more information, check out: www.breathe-edu.co.uk/category/teacher-wellbeing
