Mid-Year Choir Teacher Mental Health Check-In🎶✨
As choir teachers, we know the stress of running a classroom often takes precedence over our own well-being. Most music teachers I know are workaholics. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave each day. But there isn’t an award for working the hardest!
NOW is the perfect time to press pause ⏸️ and do a little mental health check-in. Let’s reflect on what is going well and what changes we can implement to make your life a little easier!
Here are a few ideas to finish the year strong:
1. Celebrate Your Wins 🎉
Take a moment to look back at everything you’ve accomplished so far. Did you pull off an awesome winter concert? ❄️🎵 Maybe your students hit a new milestone in sight-reading or simply found their confidence on stage. Whatever the win, big or small, it deserves to be celebrated.
Action Tip: Write down three things you’re proud of from this school year. Post them somewhere visible as a daily reminder of your hard work and success. I like to post sweet notes/cards from students on a bulletin board next to my desk.🏆
2. Streamline Your To-Do List ✍️
If the thought of your to-do list is giving you a headache, it’s time to pare it down. Focus on what truly needs your attention now and delegate where possible. Remember, not everything has to be perfect—it just has to get done! ✔️
Action Tip: Use the “3 MITs” method—identify your three Most Important Tasks for the day and tackle those first. And remember, there will always be something on your to-do list so don’t stress! There is always tomorrow!
3. Schedule Time for Self-Care 🧘♀️☕
You’ve likely told your students to "take care of their voices," but are you taking care of yours—figuratively and literally? Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It could be as simple as a 10-minute walk a day🚶♂️, enjoying a favorite snack 🍫, or spending time with a loved one. ❤️
Action Tip: Block out at least 30 minutes of “you time” every day, and treat it like a non-negotiable meeting. 🗓️
4. Connect with Your Choir Community 🤝
Teaching can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Other choir teachers are facing similar challenges, and there’s power in shared experiences. Whether it’s venting about concert prep stress 😩 or exchanging classroom hacks, connecting with peers can make this journey a little more manageable.
Action Tip: Organize a casual coffee meetup ☕ with local music educators or start a group chat with choir teacher friends. 📱
5. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them!) 🚧
Between rehearsals, performances, and grading, it’s easy to let work seep into your personal time. Setting boundaries is key to protecting your mental health.
Action Tip: Decide on a clear “end time” for work each day and stick to it. Turn off your email notifications 📴 and give yourself permission to disconnect. I love my “No School Saturdays”!
6. Plan Something to Look Forward To 🗓️
Sometimes, just knowing there’s something fun on the horizon can give you the energy to push through tough weeks. Whether it’s a personal getaway ✈️, a social outing 🎉, or a new classroom activity 🎭, having something exciting planned can make all the difference.
Action Tip: Each month, plan a fun social outing with friends or family members. Make it something you will look forward to!
The midpoint of the school year is like an intermission in a concert—a time to reset, reflect, and prepare for the next act. 🎭 Check in with yourself now for a happier and healthier rest of the year. 🎵💪You deserve a little rest and relaxation!
Happy Singing (and relaxing!)🎵
