Teaching is demanding, and by the end of the day, you might feel completely drained—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
You’re not alone in this feeling. It’s not just about doing too much (even though you likely are); it’s often about the sheer number of decisions you’re making every day.
This is called decision fatigue, and while you can’t control everything that makes teaching tough, you can manage this one part of it.
A Real-Life Example: Managing Decision Fatigue
When my neurotypical adult son was younger, he, like most children, would persistently ask for what he wanted, trying to wear me down. Not out of defiance, but because that’s what kids do.
My response was always consistent: “You’ve asked, and I’ve given you my answer. My answer is not changing.” I delivered it with love and compassion, which helped me stay calm and be the parent I wanted to be.
I applied the same approach in the classroom. I knew that challenging behaviors would test my patience, especially when I was tired. So, I planned how I wanted to respond to those situations. I practiced these responses (and their variations) until they became second nature, ensuring I could meet my students’ needs without being overwhelmed by the constant decision-making.
Why This Matters: Connecting to Your Experience
Just like me, you likely face similar challenges every day in your classroom.
Whether it’s dealing with a student who struggles with impulse control or managing your workload, the decisions can add up and leave you feeling exhausted.
By preparing in advance and having a consistent plan, you can manage how these decisions affect you.
Strategies You Can Use Right Now
Let’s connect this to actionable steps you can take:
1. Routines to Reduce On-the-Spot Decisions
Setting up routines can help minimize the number of decisions you need to make throughout the day. Here are some ways to do that:
- Behavior Management: One of the most effective ways to reduce decision fatigue is by automating your response to common behaviors with a simple strategy I used in my own classroom. By creating “If… then…” statements for potential behaviors, you can plan your responses in advance, so you’re not caught off guard when a student acts out. For example, if a student is using a different browser than assigned, your pre-planned response might be, “If you’re not on the correct site, you’ll lose computer privileges for the day.” This way, you know exactly how to respond, reducing the mental effort required in the moment. For more on this, you can read about this behavior management strategy here.
- Lesson Structure: Create a lesson framework that you use daily. For instance, start each lesson with a quick review, followed by new instruction, and end with independent practice. By sticking to a predictable structure, you reduce the mental effort required to plan each day.
- Classroom Procedures: Automate routines like turning in homework or transitioning between activities. For example, have a set spot where students always place completed work, or use a timer that signals when it’s time to switch tasks. This reduces the number of instructions you need to give, freeing up mental energy.
2. Prioritize
Not all decisions are equally important. Prioritizing can help you manage your mental energy more effectively:
- Morning Focus: Tackle the most challenging tasks first thing in the morning when you’re freshest. If you know you need to have a difficult conversation with a student, schedule it early in the day, so you’re not drained before it happens.
- Grading Work: Decide which assignments need detailed feedback and which can be graded more quickly. For example, focus on giving thorough feedback on essays but use a checklist for routine practice. This way, you’re spending your energy where it has the most impact.
3. Reset Your Brain
I know finding time for breaks as a teacher is tough—sometimes, it feels like even getting to the bathroom is a luxury. However, even small moments can make a difference:
- Drink Water: Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle at your desk and take quick sips throughout the day. It’s a small thing, but staying hydrated can keep your energy up and help you feel better, even on the toughest days.
- Mini Mindful Moments: Can’t step away? I get it. Try to sneak in a mini mindful moment while students are reading quietly or transitioning between activities. Take a few deep breaths, roll your shoulders back, and just focus on calming your mind for a few seconds. It won’t solve everything, but it can help you feel just a little bit more centered.
- Using Class Time Wisely: Sometimes, the best “break” is letting the kids do the heavy lifting for a bit. Plan an activity where they’re engaged—like partner work or silent reading—so you can take a minute to sit down, stretch, or just close your eyes and breathe. It’s about finding those small pockets of time to recharge, and in ways that don’t take away from instruction but help you maximize it.
There’s a lot about teaching that you can’t control, but decision fatigue is one thing you can manage (but not remove completely).
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