The holidays are a time for fellowship, celebration, and festivities. However, the holidays oftentimes bring about elevated stress levels. An American Psychological Association survey found that although most people (78%) experience positive emotions during the holidays, 38 percent of people indicated a higher level of stress. In addition, work is a primary source of stress. In a 2017 survey from the American Federation of Teachers, 61% of teachers say they are stressed out. Compound that with teachers needing to manage the potential elevated holiday stress from students and it is the perfect storm for compromised mental health.
Nebraska Teacher of the Year Sydney Jensen shares the importance of the emotional well-being of teachers:
It is so important for teachers to practice self-care. Especially during the holiday season, teachers need a boost to power through and get through it all. We surveyed our Curriki community on holiday and stress and they indicated the following as significant holiday stressors:
The time it takes to travel is the most difficult to deal with during the holidays because I’d rather spend that time at home catching up on housework.
I have a lot of work and need to prepare exams. After that I have to grade all of them.
Winter blues Spending a lot of money Being a young adult means Christmas is less magical
Getting grades all posted and checked off before we can leave for the holidays.
Missing my parents who have passed away
Are any of these stressors relatable? Our community shared the following as suggestions for de-stressing and improving mental health during the holidays:
Whatever you do, make sure you take time out to assess your own mental health despite how busy the season gets. You deserve to enjoy it just the same as everyone else!
Happy Holidays!
