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Stress Busting Hacks for Early Childhood Educators
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If I start to feel stressed I put on some music. If I’m in the classroom we have a dance party.
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While I’m at work, I like to take a moment to share a humorous story with my coworker or a thing I saw earlier that day. At home, I like to read, crochet, listen to classical/instrumental music and take relaxing baths.
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My favorite way to destress is to take deep breaths, but in a little bit of a different way. I like to sing a lot like, I’m performing at a concert sing, or whistle while I’m working because it promotes taking deep breaths through an activity and it usually ends up lasting 2, 3, or 4 minutes since that’s how long a song is. it has helped me not clench my jaw as much and stay in tune with my body more.
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Great insight, Jay! Singing while working is a creative way to combine deep breathing with joy. Keep it up!
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My favorite way to deal with stress is by listening to Audio books
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For me, the thing that brings me the best stress relief is being able to sit own and read a book or play a video game. It is something that gets my mind off of the thing I am stressing about and makes sure that I am having a moment to breathe.
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Great strategies, Tiffany! Reading and gaming are excellent ways to unwind and recharge. Self-care is essential for educators!
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I do breathing exercises. I also listening to music.
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Great strategies, Sheree! Breathing exercises and music are effective ways to reduce stress and enhance focus. Keep it up!
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I love to read books and just escape to another world when I’m stressed!
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Great strategy, Molly! Reading is a wonderful way to unwind and recharge your mind. Keep it up!
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The FIRST thing I think of, is doing an activity I LIKE. I love glitter, I love mess, I love doing things with the kids they WANT to do. Playing in mud or painting a giant table. Its fun. Messy. And they are learning !
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Tiffany, your approach to stress relief through engaging, messy activities is inspiring! It fosters joy and learning for both you and the children!
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I ensure I follow a daily schedule to get into a good routine, I get a lot of sleep, eat healthy, and ensure I make time for self care daily.
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Great strategies, Jessica! A consistent routine and self-care are essential for maintaining well-being as an educator. Keep it up!
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A bathroom break works for me. It gives me a chance to just be alone and quiet long enough to get myself regrouped.
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Great strategy, Toni! Taking a moment for yourself is essential for recharging and maintaining focus.
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One of my main stress busting hacks is practicing yoga regularly, often daily; it has enhanced my physical and mental health tremendously and I have been such a happier and more positive person since then. Also, if I am ever experiencing having a hard time keeping my cool in the classroom, I like to sit on a chair and turn up my 5 senses to come back to the present moment.
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Great insights, Amelie! Yoga and mindfulness are powerful tools for stress relief. Keep sharing your positivity!
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One of my favorite ways to keep stress away is taking a quick “reset moment” during the day. Sometimes that means a one‑minute vacation—closing my eyes, taking a deep breath, and imagining a peaceful place. Other times I put on calming music, especially soft instrumental or nature sounds, just to help my mind slow down. I also try to celebrate small wins, even tiny ones, because acknowledging progress always boosts my mood.Another thing that helps is stepping away from screens and doing something simple, like stretching, walking outside for fresh air, or drinking water slowly and intentionally. Those little pauses make a big difference. And honestly, talking with coworkers and sharing a laugh is one of the best stress‑busters of all—it reminds me I’m not carrying everything alone.I love hearing what works for other people because everyone has their own little tricks. It’s amazing how small habits can create a big sense of calm.
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When stressed I like to do many different things. Turn on music and have a short dance party, obnoxiously laugh loud doing different tones and pitches, lie on the floor, go outside and sit in the sun with eyes closed, lie down outside and watch the clouds. Is there a few things I do in the learning center as well as in my personal life. I’ve always laughed and smiled for the worst of everything.It’s my natural defense mechanism. Music plays a huge part of my life its motivation, stress relieving i’m good for the soul. If I am extremely stressed I clean!
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Jessica, your creative stress-busting techniques are inspiring! Music and laughter truly enhance both personal and educational environments. Keep shining!
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My go to stress busting would definitely be having a cut off time for work, after a certain time I try my best to ignore everything that is not of utmost importance. This gives me enough time to rest and reset before the next day of work
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Shanice, setting clear boundaries is a smart stress-busting strategy—prioritizing rest and reset shows great self-care awareness.
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I manage stress by taking short breaks, listening to calming music, and focusing on positive moments from the day. Exercise and spending time with family also help me relax and recharge.
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Polly, your stress management strategies are excellent—balancing breaks, music, exercise, and family time shows a holistic approach to self-care.
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