Recognising the Signs and Finding Balance in Your Teaching
As an instructor, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle—preparing classes, motivating students, and constantly giving your all. But over time, that energy can start to dwindle. Whether it’s physical exhaustion or mental overload, burnout can sneak up on even the most passionate instructors. If you’ve found yourself feeling drained or disconnected from the joy that first drew you to teaching pole or aerial fitness, you're not alone. Here’s how you can beat instructor burnout, protect your energy, and stay inspired.
1. Recognise the Signs of Burnout Early
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up slowly, often in the form of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or even resentful of your classes. The first step is recognising these feelings before they completely take over. You might notice:
Increased irritability
Lack of enthusiasm for teaching
Physical fatigue or soreness
Feeling mentally foggy or disengaged If any of these sound familiar, take a step back and reflect on your current workload and mindset.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s easy to say "yes" to every class, every extra shift, or every special request that comes your way. But you’re not a robot! Setting healthy boundaries is essential for maintaining your well-being as an instructor. It’s OK to say no when you need to. Consider:
Limiting the number of classes you teach each week.
Setting specific hours for your work, and stick to them.
Taking breaks in between classes to recharge.
Scheduling personal time that’s just for you—no work, no teaching, just you.
3. Find Joy in Your Practice Again
Teaching pole and aerial is a passion, and it’s easy to lose sight of that when you're focused on scheduling, logistics, and the pressures of running a studio. Reconnect with your own practice. Get back to the basics, try new moves, or simply dance for the fun of it.
Take time to do something you love—whether it’s a play class, a jam session with fellow instructors, or just dancing without the pressure of performing.
Remember why you fell in love with pole and aerial in the first place. That feeling is what you want to pass on to your students.
4. Delegate and Ask for Help
If you're a studio owner, the tasks can be never ending. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Whether it’s administrative tasks or sharing class preparation duties with other instructors, delegating can help relieve the burden. You don't have to be the one to handle everything—your team is there for a reason.
Consider outsourcing tasks like social media management, admin work, or student communications if possible.
If you’re running a studio, rely on other instructors to help you with covering classes when needed.
5. Prioritise Your Health
As instructors, we often put our students’ needs above our own, but our health must come first. Make sure you’re balancing your physical, mental, and emotional needs:
Get enough sleep.
Eat nourishing, unprocessed foods to fuel your body.
Stay hydrated.
Don’t forget to take rest days—your body needs them just as much as your students do.
6. Take Time for Reflection and Mindfulness
Mindfulness isn’t just for your students—it can be a powerful tool for instructors, too. Taking time to reflect on your teaching practice can help you stay connected with your passion and identify any areas where you might need a change.
Consider keeping a journal to reflect on your feelings and experiences.
Practise breathing exercises or meditation to help clear your mind after a long day of teaching.
Engage in moments of self-care to recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
7. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)
Instructor burnout often stems from a lack of recognition. Whether it’s a personal achievement or the progress your students are making, it’s important to take a moment to celebrate.
Reflect on the positive impact you’ve made on your students.
Celebrate your own growth as an instructor—whether it’s learning a new skill, tackling a new teaching method, or simply mastering a piece of choreography.
Acknowledge the small victories—like having a student tell you how grateful they are for your expertise.
8. Use the "Mindfulness in Motion" Journal for Support
Sometimes, all you need is a little reminder to stay present and connected to your journey. Our “Mindfulness in Motion” journal isn’t just for your students—it’s a fantastic tool for instructors too. It helps you reflect on your teaching, track your personal goals, and create space for self-care.
Log your classes and note any challenges or wins—this can help you see where you’re excelling and where you need to adjust.
Use the journal as a way to track your personal practice, goals, and overall wellness.
Write down moments of gratitude to remind yourself of the joy that teaching brings, even on the tough days.
Conclusion: Be Kind to Yourself
As an instructor, you give so much of yourself to your students. But don’t forget to nurture yourself in return. Burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to define your teaching career. By setting boundaries, prioritising your health, and reconnecting with your love for pole and aerial fitness, you can keep the flame alive. And remember, it’s OK to take a step back when needed. Your passion for teaching will shine brighter when you’ve taken the time to recharge.
Ready to start journaling? Check out our Mindfulness in Motion Journals here!
Stay mindful and keep elevating your journey.
Leah Rose x
Comments