What Impact Does a Lack of Sleep Have?
Watch the video to explore the impacts that a lack of sleep can have on your physical and mental wellbeing.
We often talk of feeling 'anxious' but is there a difference between this and clinical anxiety? Watch this video to find out . . .
We often talk of feeling 'anxious', but what is the difference between this and 'anxiety'.
Feeling anxious is a natural human response to stress or perceived danger.
Feeling anxious is a temporary emotional state that everyone experiences from time to time, usually in response to a specific stressor or situation. For example, feeling anxious before a big presentation or job interview is a normal response to a stressful situation.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent and excessive worry or fear that can interfere with daily life. Anxiety is not just a temporary emotional state, but rather a chronic condition that can last for months or even years.
While feeling anxious is a normal part of the human experience, anxiety disorder is a medical condition that requires treatment.
Symptoms of anxiety can include physical sensations such as a racing heart, sweating, or difficulty breathing, as well as emotional symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, or a sense of impending doom.
Anxiety in those working in education is often complex. It's specific to the individual, where they work, and how much support they're receiving.
Your experiences of anxiety likely feel personal but may feature themes other teachers encounter. According to one Australian study, common reasons for education staff anxiety include:
Workload: Having an excessive workload and a lack of resources can make you feel anxious. You want to perform well in your job, but it's hard to do so without the right tools.
Pupil behaviour: Children of all ages are complex and when their behaviour becomes challenging, it's difficult not to take it personally. Feeling as though you're struggling with one or more of your pupils naturally causes feelings of concern.
Organisational factors: If you're not getting enough support in your role, you may feel isolated.
Scrutiny: Teachers face a lot of scrutiny coming from all angles. Although some of it is developmental, sometimes a lack of praise raises anxiety levels.
A recent Ofsted report echoes this as well, with many teachers agreeing they love their profession, but poor occupational wellbeing negatively impacts their lives.
You can explore how to manage anxiety by following our top tips in the 'Managing Anxiety' guide.
Watch the video to explore the impacts that a lack of sleep can have on your physical and mental wellbeing.
