When the School Year Feels Overwhelming: Simple Tips to Help You Breathe

The first few weeks of school are always a whirlwind. New students, fresh lesson plans, back-to-school nights, and a never-ending to-do list that seems to grow faster than you can check things off. If you’re already feeling stretched thin—take a deep breath. You’re not alone.

Here are a few gentle reminders (and some practical tips) to help you manage the stress without letting it take over:

1. Don’t Panic When You Fall Behind

Here’s the truth: you will fall behind at some point. We all do. Papers pile up, meetings pop onto your calendar, and suddenly that perfectly planned lesson isn’t so perfect anymore. Instead of panicking, remember that teaching is about progress, not perfection. Kids won’t remember that you had to push Tuesday’s activity to Wednesday—they’ll remember how you showed up for them with energy and care.

2. Keep Tools in Your Back Pocket

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. Free tools like YouTube can be a lifesaver for quick, engaging brain breaks or mini-lessons. And don’t forget about all the free resources on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)—sometimes a ready-made worksheet or activity is exactly what you need to give yourself a little breathing room.

And if you find something on TPT (or even on The Prep Desk) that saves you an hour or two of prep time, don’t feel guilty about spending a few dollars. Your time and sanity are worth it.

3. Make “Good Enough” Your Motto

Not every anchor chart has to be Pinterest-perfect, and not every lesson needs six differentiated extensions. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough. The magic happens in your connection with students, not in flawless bulletin boards.

4. Find One Small Way to Recharge

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Maybe that means taking a ten-minute walk after school, keeping a stash of tea in your desk, or listening to a podcast on the drive home. Small moments of recharge add up—and your students benefit when you’re calmer and more centered.

5. Laugh When You Can

Stress feels lighter when you let yourself laugh. Share a silly riddle with your class, or let them tell you their favorite knock-knock joke. Kids love seeing that you’re human—and laughter has a way of reminding us that teaching can still be joyful.

Final Thought: The school year will have ups and downs, but you don’t have to carry the weight of it all on your own. Use the tools available to you, give yourself permission to let go of the guilt, and remember—you’re doing a good job.