Avoiding Music Teacher Burn-out

Avoiding teacher burnout is agreeably important, but is often easier said than done. For me, as a music teacher, I find a certain teaching energy drain - reward cycle in place. Rehearsals can be so rewarding, but are often emotionally draining (even when satisfying). As a major concert approaches, the drain continues and even escalates, which seems to be somewhat cumulative day by day. A successful concert or performance tour is amazingly refilling in energy, as are those moments in rehearsal when the singers just seem to get it, or conquer a difficult passage.

I would describe burnout as being drained of teaching/emotional energy, which happens over time. This occurs when the drain amount is greater than the refilling. Day to day refilling of ones emotional energy tank becomes so important. Luckily, I find that one can do a lot of refilling away from the classroom. In fact, on a day to day basis, I find much of the best refilling is done by taking a break and doing other activities (generally in the evening). I would like to recommend three activities that have helped me refill my teaching energy tank.

1. Running/Walking: Few things restore me like this activity. Stress just sort of melts away. Classroom/rehearsal challenges become easier to deal with. I can just mentally relax while pushing myself physically, or just think about whatever, or even pray while running. I don't run with headphones, and I have doubts that the same activity would be so restorative (at least for me) if I wasn't so free to think.

2. Gardening: Tending plants can be quite restorative also, although not to the degree that running or walking is. For me, this is probably because, even though gardening is so fun and rewarding, it is at times a chore which in a busy time can feel demanding. Overall, however, it is relaxing, and very exciting to see seeds become sprouts, then little plants, then grand plants producing flowers, fruit, etc....

3. Personal devotion time: Spending time with God by reading the Bible and praying is perhaps the best restoration there is. As I claim His promises for wisdom, peace, and guidance, I receive strength for a new day's tasks. There is nothing that can surpass spending time with God.