- Last year, I left feeling burned out and unbalanced. I want to start strong, but I also want to make it through the whole year with stamina and peace. Any advice?
What a great (and honest) question. So many educators feel this tension—the excitement of a new school year mixed with the fear of falling back into exhaustion.
Here’s one way to think about it: The goal isn’t just a strong start—it’s a sustainable one.
As you prepare to return, consider setting reasonable, realistic, and stress-reducing boundaries.
- Maybe that means setting a boundary of consistently leaving on time two or three nights a week.
- Maybe it’s committing to screen-free Sunday afternoons.
- Maybe it’s inviting a colleague to gently hold you accountable when you start overextending yourself.
And most importantly, don’t forget to ask God how He wants you to show up this year.
In Proverbs 16:9, we’re reminded, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (ESV).”
Sometimes burnout comes not just from doing too much, but from trying to do it all in our own strength.
Ask Him for rhythm. For peace. For stamina. For clarity on what’s yours to carry—and what isn’t. When we let the Holy Spirit lead us in what to do (and not to do), we experience much more of the “light and easy” yoke Jesus describes in Matthew 11:28-30.
This year, don’t just go back. Go forward with intention, community, and God at the center.
Have you found any back-to-school boundaries that helped you build sustainability instead of stress? What keeps your heart and pace aligned in the busy seasons?
Let’s encourage one another—drop your tips or prayer requests in the comments below.
This bi-monthly blog, written by principal Jessica Cabeen, answers teachers’ tough and unfiltered questions about administration with honesty, transparency, and a heart for unity.
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2 Responses
In the past, one of the things that really helped me was to: First, develop routines in each subject I taught. The content changed as we progressed through the curriculum, but the activities and daily/weekly schedules were predictable. Secondly, I then typed those routines into my plan book template leaving blanks to later be filled in with the names of our reading selection, workbook page numbers, etc. That made my lesson planning go so much faster. More of my daily planning periods could be used for grading and making copies. This allowed me to leave school on time or shortly thereafter, most afternoons. I also took home far less schoolwork. Together, those things helped me feel less stressed, especially when I could lock my classroom door with tomorrow’s materials all ready and my desk clean.
Patricia, thank you for the very practical and sound advice. I know educators will appreciate your insight and the strategies you shared. Have a great school year!