In this raw and honest episode, Martin and Dan dive headfirst into the burnout that nearly broke them — and the slow, messy, powerful journey of pulling themselves out.

They talk about what burnout really looks like in teaching (spoiler: it’s not just being tired), how COVID reshaped classrooms and pushed teachers to the brink, and why so many of us don’t realise we’re burnt out until everything starts to fall apart — health, happiness, relationships, even our sense of self.

From wet play horror stories and toxic appraisal culture to Night Nurse sleep hacks and triple XL shame, this one covers it all — with laughter, truth, and a lot of love for every teacher still in the trenches.

Whether you’re deep in burnout or just starting to feel the edges fray, this episode might be the one that helps you finally go: “Yeah. That’s me. And I need to do something.”

Takeaways

• Most podcasts quit after four episodes; they are at eight.
• Classroom dynamics have changed significantly post-COVID.
• Teacher burnout is a serious issue, with many educators feeling overwhelmed.
• Burnout can take away joy and motivation from teaching.
• Teachers often make over 1500 decisions a day, leading to mental exhaustion.
• Administrative tasks contribute significantly to teacher burnout.
• Emotional attachment to students adds to the stress teachers face.
• Recognizing burnout early is crucial for mental health.
• Hydration and self-care are essential for teachers.
• Teachers often feel they must sacrifice their well-being for their students. The environment in which teachers work significantly affects their mental health.
• Recognizing personal burnout is crucial for teachers.
• Creating supportive work environments can alleviate stress.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining work-life balance.
• Engaging in activities outside of teaching can provide necessary relief.
• Personal growth and self-care are vital for teachers.
• Accountability can help teachers manage their workload effectively.
• Finding a supportive community can combat feelings of isolation.
• Teachers should prioritize their well-being to avoid burnout.
• It's important to remember that recovery from burnout is a journey.

In this episode of Say You Look Tired, Martin and Dan dive deep into the sleep-deprived, caffeine-fuelled world of teaching - from dragging marking to the pub to running on Red Bull and resentment.

They unpack why teachers can’t switch off, how poor sleep wrecks your mood (and your classroom management), and what lockdown forced them to face about their own wellbeing. Dan shares how staying up till 1am “for me time” nearly broke him, and Martin reveals the bedtime routine that Seamus the dog now enforces.

Expect real talk, belly laughs, and some questionable sleep stats - plus the hard truth: you deserve more than just getting by.

From phantom Ofsted visits to soggy chicken tikka sandwiches - anxiety in teaching shows up in ways you’d never expect. In this episode, Martin and Dan get real about the hidden stress of classroom life: the panic before lesson observations, the pressure to be perfect, and the guilt that creeps in when you lose your temper.

They share their own stories of burnout, snack drawer coping mechanisms, and the small habits that made a massive difference - from planning clothes to prepping lunch like it’s a Michelin-starred dish.

Expect humour, honesty, and more than one moment that’ll make you go: “Yep, that’s me.”

Whether you’ve ever cried on a Sunday night, lost your mind over a broken whiteboard pen, or just want to feel a bit more seen - this one’s for you.

Takeaways

• 45% of education staff reported experiencing anxiety in the past year.
• Anxiety in teaching often goes unrecognized until it becomes severe.
• Personal experiences of anxiety can lead to burnout.
• The pressure of lesson observations can exacerbate anxiety.
• Teachers often feel under constant scrutiny in their roles.
• Coping mechanisms, like snacks, are common among teachers.
• The teaching environment can significantly impact mental health.
• Anxiety can affect interactions with students, leading to frustration.
• Recognizing mental health issues is crucial for effective teaching.
• Creating a supportive environment can improve teacher wellbeing. Lesson observations can induce significant anxiety for teachers.
• Book scrutinies often lack meaningful impact on teaching practices.
• Effective planning can alleviate anxiety and improve teaching performance.
• Journaling serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and stress management.
• Creating positive habits can lead to a more productive day.
• Removing oneself from negative environments is crucial for mental health.
• Over-planning lessons can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
• Meal prep can enhance well-being and excitement for the day ahead.
• Delegation is essential for effective teaching and reducing workload.
• Recognizing and addressing perfectionism can help mitigate anxiety. Anxiety is a common experience for educators.
• Self-care practices are essential for managing stress.
• Establishing routines can significantly reduce anxiety.
• Panic attacks can be debilitating but are manageable.
• Creative teaching methods can engage students and alleviate stress.
• Experience in teaching helps in reducing anxiety over time.
• Open communication about struggles can foster a supportive environment.
• Journaling can be a beneficial but challenging practice.
• Understanding that anxiety is prevalent among teachers is important.
• Controlling what you can is key to managing stress.