Moving Beyond Survival Mode – How to Regulate Your Nervous System as a Teacher

Understanding Nervous System Regulation for Teachers – Why You’re Not ‘Just Tired’

Teaching can be a beautiful, fulfilling journey, but it’s also one of the most demanding professions. It’s a role that asks us to give so much of ourselves, often without pause. As the weeks stretch into months and the pressures of the term build, it’s easy to find yourself running on empty. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected before the halfway mark of the year, you’re not alone. This isn’t a sign of weakness or a lack of resilience – it’s often a signal from your nervous system, asking you to slow down and find balance.

In this post, we’ll explore why teaching can feel so draining, how our nervous systems respond to chronic stress, and gentle ways to move from survival mode into a state of calm, connection, and clarity. These are small steps, but they have the power to create profound shifts over time – both in your teaching life and beyond.

Understanding Your Nervous System – Why You’re Not ‘Just Tired’

To understand why you might feel drained even before the year is halfway over, it helps to know a little about your nervous system. This remarkable, complex network is responsible for regulating your stress responses, helping you feel safe, and keeping your body in balance. But when the demands of teaching push you into a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze, your nervous system can become overworked and dysregulated. This isn’t a flaw – it’s simply your body doing its best to protect you from what it perceives as a threat (Porges, 2023).

When you’re in survival mode, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare you to react quickly. This can be helpful in short bursts – like when you’re managing a noisy classroom or rushing to meet a deadline – but over time, these hormones can leave you feeling drained, anxious, and disconnected (Smith et al., 2024). This ongoing stress can lead to what researchers call ‘allostatic load’ – the cumulative wear and tear on your body and mind from being constantly on high alert (Brown & Miller, 2024).

Recognising the Signs of Nervous System Overload

Sometimes, the signs of nervous system overload can be subtle, creeping in slowly until they become part of your everyday experience. You might notice:

• Chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep

• Frequent headaches or muscle tension

• Irritability or a short temper

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering small details

• Feelings of being disconnected or emotionally numb

If any of these symptoms feel familiar, it might be your body’s way of telling you that you’re operating in survival mode. Take a moment to reflect: When was the last time you felt completely at ease in your classroom? When did you last feel truly present, calm, or connected with your students?

Moving from Survival to Thriving – Practical Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System

Regulating your nervous system isn’t just about pushing through or ignoring these signals – it’s about learning to listen, to soften, and to support yourself in small, meaningful ways. When we talk about nervous system regulation for teachers, it’s not just about managing stress – it’s about creating small, meaningful shifts that help you find calm amidst the chaos. Here are some practical, science-backed strategies to help you move from survival mode into a calmer, more grounded state:

• Grounding Techniques: Focus on sensory details in your environment, like the warmth of a cup of tea, the sound of rain against the windows, or the texture of a favourite pen. These small acts of presence can help your mind find calm amidst the chaos.

• Breathwork: Simple practices like ‘box breathing’ or deep diaphragmatic breathing can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel more centred and at ease (Anderson et al., 2023). Try this: breathe in for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. Repeat a few times, noticing the subtle shift in your body.

• Movement Breaks: Gentle stretching, a slow walk around the playground, or even a few minutes of mindful movement can release physical tension and help your body process stress.

• Nature Connection: Step outside, even for a few minutes, to reconnect with the natural world. Studies show that time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being (Williams & Mitchell, 2023).

  
  

Creating a Resilient Teaching Environment

Beyond individual practices, consider how you can create a more supportive teaching environment. This might include:

• Reducing sensory overwhelm by simplifying your classroom layout and minimising visual clutter.

• Setting clear boundaries around your time and energy, both with colleagues and students.

• Reconnecting with your ‘why’ – the deep, personal reasons you chose this profession. Reflecting on your purpose can reignite your passion and help you weather the challenging days.

Take a moment to consider: What’s one small change you can make this week to create a calmer, more supportive environment for yourself and your students?

Conclusion – You Deserve to Feel Calm, Connected, and Present

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through – it’s about building a teaching life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned with your values. Small, consistent steps can lead to profound shifts over time, helping you move from a state of survival into one of calm, connection, and clarity.

You’re allowed to feel calm. You’re allowed to feel joy. You’re allowed to heal.

As you continue your teaching journey, remember that you’re allowed to slow down, reconnect, and find calm amidst the chaos. 🌱 Your well-being matters – for you and for the students who rely on your calm, steady presence.

Take a deep breath, find your balance, and keep moving forward.

If you found this post helpful, subscribe to The Quiet Teacher for more mindful teaching insights, and join a community of educators creating their dream teaching lives. 💫

With calm and clarity,

Liz 💛

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Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing chronic stress or burnout, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.

References:

• Porges, S. W. (2023). Polyvagal Theory: Understanding the Role of the Vagus Nerve in Stress and Health. Journal of Clinical Psychology.

• Smith, J., & Lee, A. (2024). The Impact of Chronic Stress on Educators. Educational Psychology Review.

• Brown, C., & Miller, T. (2024). Allostatic Load and Teacher Burnout: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of Occupational Health.

• Anderson, M., et al. (2023). The Benefits of Breathwork for Reducing Stress. Mind-Body Medicine Journal.

• Williams, R., & Mitchell, S. (2023). Nature Therapy for Stress Reduction in Teachers. Environmental Health Perspectives.