The first day of the school year always brings butterflies for teachers, students, and parents. Teachers are typically eager to meet their students for the first time, but due to COVID-19, many teachers have expressed their concerns about returning to the classroom. School districts are being presented with new social distancing challenges that they never faced in the past. The uncertainty and worry about creating and maintaining an effective learning environment that is safe and socially distanced have teachers, parents, and students facing increased levels of stress and anxiety. Therefore, learning how to manage anxiety during this time is important for all involved, especially teachers.

If you are a teacher, you are understandably concerned and looking for ways to manage your anxiety about the return to the Fall 2020 school year. As we draw closer to the start of your teaching year, try the following to improve your anxiety symptoms. Harmony Bay Wellness can help teachers concerned about returning to school during COVID-19 manage anxiety and other mental health issues.

How to Manage Anxiety: Be Prepared

Organize your classroom properly to make the transition into the school year seem more seamless. Make sure that the furniture placement abides by the school’s rules. Have plenty of cleaning supplies, masks, and hand sanitizer around. Get creative and make signs to remind students of the social distancing guidelines. Create a checklist of everything you need before you get back into the classroom.

Learn How to Manage Your Feelings

There are many anxiety management techniques you can practice to help you manage your emotions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, a great place to start is with these techniques:

• Get plenty of exercise: Exercise can help the body release endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that boost mood.
• Get creative: Knitting, drawing, or taking up a new creative hobby can help ease anxiety and take your mind off your worries.
• Talk to a friend: Verbalizing your feelings can help you work through them.
• Write your emotions down in a journal: Writing down your thoughts is an excellent way to clear your mind and let go of any negative thoughts you may be holding onto.
• Listen to music: Upbeat music can be an instant mood changer.

Recognize Negative Feelings You May Be Experiencing

Some warning signs that should not be overlooked are rapid heartbeat, insomnia, sweating, stomach issues, and trouble concentrating. If these feelings persist, you may need to reach out to a licensed therapist in South Jersey to help you work through your mental health struggles. Being aware of your feelings is often the first step in getting the support you need to improve or maintain your mental health. Fortunately, Harmony Bay Wellness offers numerous therapies to assist individuals in learning how to identify their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms such as:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Stress reduction therapy
• Emotional abuse therapy
• Anxiety therapy
• Depression therapy

These and other therapeutic approaches can help individuals manage anxiety during these times.

Avoid Burn-Out

We all feel burnt out now and then. A job such as teaching young children can be very stressful. Teaching during a pandemic is added stress. Make sure you are taking breaks and spending some self-care time to avoid feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Spend time with friends and family. If time allows, take a day off if needed.

Anxiety Treatment at Harmony Bay Wellness

If you are a teacher who is feeling overwhelming amounts of anxiety about returning to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic, Harmony Bay Wellness’s licensed therapists and psychiatrists can provide the support you need. Our facility in Clementon, New Jersey treats a variety of mental health concerns including, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anxiety should not disrupt your daily life. Reach out to us today at [Direct].