If you’re anything like me, something about returning after Spring Break brings a heavy wave of burnout. I still love what I do — but sometimes, it gets draining.

At some point, I realized I was pouring so much into my students and the constant demands of teaching… that I wasn’t pouring anything into myself.

That moment hit hard.

I had to pause and ask: What actually brings me joy? What makes me feel fulfilled, restful, and balanced — beyond the classroom?

I didn’t notice it all at once. It started with little things — hitting snooze more often, feeling irritated over things that wouldn’t usually bother me, losing that spark during lessons I used to love teaching. My to-do list never seemed to end, but my energy always did. I would go home, exhausted, yet still mentally replaying the day and wondering if I was doing enough.

The hardest part? I felt guilty for feeling this way. I mean, I chose this career. I love my students. But the truth is — even when you love what you do, it can still wear you down. And that’s okay.

What Helped Me Find Balance Again

Finding balance didn’t happen overnight — but once I started making intentional changes, I felt the shift. It started with prioritizing what actually needed to be done versus what I thought had to be done. That mindset alone lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Not everything had to be perfect. Not everything had to happen today.

I became more mindful about how I used my time. I committed to leaving work at a consistent time every day and chose one day a week to stay a little later and get ahead. That small shift gave me structure and grace.

I also made space for myself. I picked one thing I genuinely enjoyed and committed to doing it daily — even if it was just for 30 minutes. That simple act became a reminder that I matter too.

I set a bedtime and stuck to it and I made it a realistic time so that if I fell asleep before that time, I felt good. I reminded myself often of the impact I’m making, not just on students’ academics, but on their lives. I also reminded myself that having no balance doesn’t just affect me — it can affect everyone around me.

Most importantly, I let go of the pressure for every day to go perfectly. I started embracing routine — not just in my classroom, but in my life. That rhythm brought me peace.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on empty — please know you’re not alone. Teaching takes heart, energy, and so much of you. But it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to choose you too.

Give yourself permission to reset, even in small ways. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’ve been giving so much for so long.

You’re still showing up. And that matters more than you know.

Let’s Talk 💬

Have you ever felt burnt out as a teacher? What helped you through it — or what do you wish someone had told you? Let’s support each other in the comments below. 💛