Feeling your best through the final stretch

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 7, 2 October 2026, page no.24

The end of the school year is in sight, and with it comes a chance to finish on a high.

After a year of teaching, planning, problem-solving, and giving so much to your students, it’s no wonder the whiteboard can feel like a workout. 

A little care for yourself can help you head into the holidays feeling your best. Here are a few simple ways to look after yourself as the year comes to a close.

Make space for your energy
It’s natural for your energy to ebb and flow as the year goes on. There’s still plenty happening at school but finding small ways to recharge can help you enjoy the term and save some energy for yourself.

That might mean being more selective about where your energy goes, taking a proper break during the day, creating some space between school and home, and making time for the things you enjoy.

• Prioritise: focus on what’s most important and give yourself permission to leave some things until later.
• Pause: even a few minutes away from the classroom or desk can help you breathe, reset and return with fresh energy.
• Set boundaries: create some space between your school day and your time at home, so you have a chance to properly switch off.
• Recharge: make time for the things that help you feel like yourself — a good night’s sleep, some movement, or catching up with friends.
   

Check in with your body
As you head into the final stretch of the school year, it’s worth giving your body some attention too. After months of being on the go, moving between classrooms and spending plenty of time on your feet, you might have picked up a few aches, stiffness, or niggles. A little care can help you stay comfortable and active.

• Keep moving: regular movement can help maintain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
• Rest and recover: rest helps your body reset, especially after a busy or active day.
• Don’t ignore ongoing pain: if an ache or injury isn’t settling, getting some professional advice can help you work out what’s going on.
• Get support when you need it: physiotherapy can help with everyday aches and stiffness, injuries, and longer-term pain.
• Release tension: remedial massage can help ease muscle tension and support your recovery after a busy or active period.

Support when you need it most
When the whiteboard feels like a workout, a little extra support can help you keep feeling your best.

That’s why Teachers Health has physio and remedial massage on all our Extras cover.* Whether it’s a niggle you’ve been meaning to look into, support with recovery, or simply making time for your wellbeing, Teachers Health Extras cover can help you access these services when you need them most.

As a QTU member, find out how we can support you here.

Teachers Health

*Subject to your level of cover, remaining limits, and waiting periods served.