Welcome to The Flourishing Teacher's Field Guide.

It’s true. Unless we learn how to make a change, our professional lives can take over our personal worlds. If, like me, you've ever felt like teaching has consumed your whole identity, this one's for you.

Let's jump in...

Why Do Teachers Give Everything Away?

Of all the challenges I’ve faced as a teacher, this is in my top three (along with anxiety and imposter syndrome).

I used to think being a dedicated teacher meant being available 24/7.

My school email was on my phone. My weekends were for marking. My evenings were for planning. My holidays were for catching up on all the things I hadn't managed to do during term time.

Sound familiar? I’m hoping it doesn’t but I’m guessing it does.

As we explored in our article on emotional labour, teachers often pour so much into their professional roles that there's nothing left for themselves.

The trouble was, I thought this made me a better teacher. More committed. More professional.

What it actually did was slowly erode my sense of self until I barely knew who I was beyond my classroom persona.

It wasn't until I hit a wall of complete exhaustion and had to take a break from teaching for a while that I realised something had to change. And the change wasn't about working harder or being more organised.

It was about reclaiming my right to exist beyond my teaching role.

Research from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that teachers who maintain clear boundaries between work and personal life report 60% lower burnout rates and 45% higher job satisfaction.

Here's how to start reclaiming your space...

3 Science-Based Ways To Set Boundaries That Actually Work

1. The Zone Strategy

Think of your life as having different zones - each with its own rules, expectations and boundaries. Research from work-life balance expert Dr Ellen Ernst Kossek shows that people who create clear zones experience 40% less work-related stress.

Create your zones:

• Physical zones (where you do/don't work)

• Digital zones (when you are/aren't available)

• Emotional zones (what you will/won't take on)

Start by choosing just one boundary in each zone. For example:

• No marking in the bedroom

• No emails after 6pm

• No taking on extra duties this term

Try these boundary scripts:

• "I don't check emails outside of school hours, but I'll look at this first thing tomorrow."

• "I'd love to help, but I've committed to protecting my Wednesday evenings."

• "Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm not taking on additional responsibilities this term."

2. The Permission Protocol

Many of us struggle with guilt when setting boundaries. That's where the Permission Protocol comes in - a research-backed approach to boundary setting that starts with giving yourself explicit permission to have limits.

Try this three-step approach:

1. Write yourself a permission slip for one boundary

2. Share your boundary with one trusted colleague

3. Practice a simple script for maintaining your limit

For instance: "I give myself permission to leave work by 5pm twice this week. I've committed to a yoga class, and that's important for my wellbeing."

Common objections and responses:

• "But what will others think?" They'll adjust, just as you would for them. We’re about positivity, not toxic positivity.

• "What if something urgent comes up?" True emergencies are rare and can be handled as exceptions. But true emergencies are few and far between.

• "Won't it affect my career?" Setting healthy boundaries often leads to better performance. That good for you and your school in the long term.

• "But my students need me." That’s true. But they need you at your best, not your most depleted.

3. The Space Reclamation Method

Sometimes, we just need to be intentional. Whether we like it or not.

This strategy focuses on actively reclaiming spaces in your life that work has invaded. Dr Amy Shah's research shows that intentionally reclaiming personal space reduces anxiety by 35%.

Start with:

• One physical space (clear work items from one room)

• One time space (protect one evening completely)

• One mental space (ban work talk during one activity)

Remember: You're not reducing your effectiveness as a teacher. You're ensuring your sustainability as a person.

Troubleshooting Your Boundary Worries

When boundaries get pushed:

• Restate your boundary calmly and clearly

• Offer an alternative solution

• Stand firm without apologising

• Remember your 'why'

When you feel guilty:

• Remind yourself that boundaries benefit everyone

• Focus on the quality of your work, not quantity

• Consider how you'd advise a colleague

• Return to your permission statement

When emergencies arise:

• Decide what constitutes a true emergency

• Have a plan for genuine exceptions

• Return to your boundaries immediately after

• Learn from each experience

What Are You Waiting For?

We believe that teachers achieve extraordinary things under challenging circumstances and that we all deserve to be valued, supported and celebrated.

That's what this newsletter is all about.

If you haven't subscribed yet, why not join the Marigold community? You'll get weekly strategies for sustaining your wellbeing, avoiding burnout and flourishing as a person, not just a teacher.

And best of all?

It's free and always will be.

You can find out more about what to expect in this weekly newsletter here, or just go straight to our sign-up form.

Get Exclusive Access To Our Free Online Course…

As valued subscribers, we’re delighted to offer you free lifetime access to our short course in teacher wellbeing. It’s just part of the value you get from being a member of the Marigold community.

Our five lessons introduce you to some essential elements of teacher wellbeing:

• How to compartmentalise your life and work

• How to manage your work/life balance

• How to boost your productivity and efficiency

• How to get the support you need

• How to build a positive mindset

Click the link below and start getting value from the course now!

Thank You For Everything

Remember, setting boundaries isn't selfish - it's essential. 

You can't pour from an empty cup, and you can't be the teacher your students need if you've lost yourself in the process.

If no one else says it today, thank you for all the amazing work you do. Thank you for the person you are. Just remember that you deserve to have a life beyond that work.

Here's a quick reminder of our boundary-setting strategies:

Remember, you're more than your marking, your lesson observations and your planning.

You're you. And that's all you need to be.