Teaching Tip: Supporting Mental Wellness in the Classroom During Stressful Times
- ESLC
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Adult learners have a lot going on outside the classroom. They might be working long
hours, caring for family, adjusting to a new culture, or dealing with big life changes. When things in the community feel stressful, those challenges can feel even heavier. As teachers, we can’t take away every worry, but we can create a space that feels calm and supportive. When students feel safe and cared for, they learn better. Here are some ideas for bringing mental wellness into your class in ways that are simple, practical, and easy to fit into your teaching plans.
Why It Matters
Learning a language is already hard work. Students often worry about making mistakes or
feel frustrated when they can’t express themselves the way they want. When stress gets added on top of that, it’s even harder to focus and remember what you learn. A few small wellness practices can make the classroom feel like a break from that stress instead of another source of it.
Start with a Quick Check-In
A simple check-in helps students feel seen and sets the tone for class. It only takes a minute or two and works at any level.
Ask students to show thumbs up, sideways, or down to share how they feel.
Use pictures for students to point to.
Teach a few feeling words like happy, tired, worried, and let volunteers share.
This gives you a sense of how the group is doing and helps students practice real-life language too.
Take Short Breaks
When stress is high, attention drops fast. A short break can help everyone reset and focus again. Instead of pushing through, pause for a minute or two. It can help to put a timer up in a visible place, like on the board. You can find visual timers on YouTube.
Try these ideas:
Stretch break: Ask students to stand, reach up, or roll their shoulders.
Breathing pause: Guide a simple breathing exercise (see below for examples).
Water break: Let students grab water and practice a quick English question with a partner.
Activity changeup: Create a natural break without halting instruction by including activities that get students up and moving or just working with a new partner than the one they usually work with.
Incorporate Breathing and Movement
Breathing exercises are one of the easiest ways to calm the body and mind. They work best when you use clear, simple language and make them optional. Here are three you can try:
Box Breathing
Breathe in for 4 counts.
Hold for 4.
Breathe out for 4.
Hold for 4. Repeat a few times.
Belly Breathing
Put one hand on your stomach.
Take a big breath so your stomach rises.
Breathe out slowly and feel your stomach go down.
Longer Exhale
Breathe in for 4 counts.
Breathe out for 6 counts.
Move Your Body
Stress shows up in the body. Light movement helps release stress. Try:
Shoulder rolls with a deep breath.
Gentle twists while sitting.
Standing and reaching for the ceiling.
You can teach language at the same time by saying phrases like “Lift your arms” or “Roll your shoulders back.” Incorporating counting aloud into this can be great practice for literacy and beginning classes, too. Feel free to combine body movements with the previously mentioned breathing exercises.
Build a Sense of Community
Feeling connected to others lowers stress. Even small activities can help students feel like they belong.
Start class with a short partner conversation like “How was your day?”
Use group tasks where students work together to solve a problem.
Celebrate birthdays or other special moments.
Model Calm for Your Students
Students notice your energy. If you seem calm, they feel calmer too. Before class, try these activities for yourself:
A quick breathing exercise.
Writing down something you’re thankful for.
Setting a simple intention like “I will listen with patience today.”
Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your students.
Be Respectful and Inclusive
Many adult learners have lived through hard experiences. Always make wellness activities optional, giving voice and choice in everything we do. Don’t require anyone to close their eyes. Avoid touching students. Keep the language positive and supportive.
Final Thoughts
We can’t control the things students face outside class, but we can make our classrooms feel like a safe place. A few minutes of breathing, stretching, or checking in can help everyone feel more focused and ready to learn.
Resources for Study:
Affective Filter Hypothesis
Movement and Learning
Breathing to Reduce Stress
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