Teaching is one of the most stressful vocations in the country, with high numbers of professionals admitting to feeling the heavy weight of their vocation on a daily basis or at least at some point in their career.

It’s a huge problem and one that is endemic in teaching. Seemingly, this has always been the case and therefore, given its prevalence, mustn't be overlooked. Schools need to adopt robust strategies for helping teachers with stress, otherwise they run the risk of perpetuating the same problems that makes it such a problem in the first place.

In this guide we look at some ideas that have been developed to tackle stress across the board (i.e. not just applicable to teachers), the levels of which in this country were described as “soaring” by a recent BBC investigation.

Identify what is making you stressed

Understanding the source of your disquiet helps you identify just what it is that is making you stressed. In turn, knowing what the trigger is helps you one, anticipate a problem and two, give you something to work towards.

Be more active

This may seem like it isn’t addressing the central problem, but studies have shown that the fitter and healthier you are, the more mentally alert and strong you will be. Additionally, while it won’t diminish stress in its entirety, it will reduce the severity of it.

Fight it head on

People feel a sense of weakness when admitting that they are stressed and will either shy away from it or think of it as a temporary state. This is counter-productive. You need to accept that it is an issue and moreover be adamant that you will work hard towards fighting it.