Strikes hold both promise and peril
Strikes are unsettling because they are uncertain; teachers do not know when a strike will end or how much pay they will lose.
On the other hand, teachers come together during a strike to exercise their collective voice and stand up for the vision of a better future for their profession and for public education.
During this time, the Association recognizes that teachers’ wellness must be at the forefront. While individuals can engage in personal wellness activities, we can also support each other during this stressful time.
Helping You Navigate Workplace Disruptions
Throughout the strike, the Association will be posting regular messages of support focused on teacher well-being.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025—Demoralization
Yesterday, the UCP government legislated teachers and school leaders back to work, imposing a collective agreement using the notwithstanding clause—an attempt to shield itself from being legally challenged. The government also shut down debate and rushed the legislation through in a single day, demonstrating arrogance and a disregard for democratic principles. It did not have to be this way. There were other paths forward, including a negotiated settlement and a genuine effort to address the policy failures that brought us to this point.
Many teachers awoke this morning feeling devastated and demoralized by the government’s actions. After more than three weeks on strike, their collective efforts to advocate for students and public education have been dismissed and overridden.
As Psychology Today explains, “Demoralization is the profound loss and hopelessness that emerges after pushing through layers of difficulties with no end in sight.” Today, many teachers may find this definition resonating deeply. Demoralization is a complex experience, encompassing social, psychological and even spiritual dimensions; if left unaddressed, it can have a real impact on well-being.
So how can teachers and school leaders manage this feeling of demoralization?
First, remember that you are not alone: over 55,000 of your colleagues are experiencing this alongside you. Reach out to one another. Talk about what gives you hope for the future, even in the face of these circumstances. Reflect on the positive outcomes of your dedication to your profession, including the solidarity, courage and advocacy shown over the past few weeks.
It’s also helpful to focus on areas where you still have agency. Whether through political action, reframing your work in sustainable ways or fostering compassionate and supportive school cultures, there are ways to regain a sense of purpose and momentum. These small, intentional acts can help you move through demoralization and toward renewal.
Want to know more about demoralization? Check out these resources.
The Pain of Demoralization Is Like a Broken Heart | Psychology Today
Feeling helpless and hopeless about the world? How to fight it: Happiness expert
It is not defeat that destroys you, it is being demoralized by defeat that destroy you. — Imran Khan
Monday, October 27, 2025 Fairness at Work
Friday, October 25, 2025—Rest
According to “The Science of Deep Rest: A Gateway to Sustained Wellness,” two things are needed for true rest: a sense of physical and social safety and a feeling of psychological safety. In simple terms, we need to feel safe and feel that we belong before our minds and bodies can truly relax.
When these needs are met, our bodies shift out of survival mode. The parasympathetic nervous system activates, helping us feel calm and allowing stress to ease. Deep rest isn’t the same as sleep: it can happen during waking moments and can restore us in as little as ten minutes.
This weekend, give yourself permission to pause. Breathe deeply, sit in stillness and let your body and mind experience the healing power of rest. By caring for ourselves, we strengthen our collective resolve and renew the energy we need to keep moving forward together.
Want some ideas about how to achieve a state of deep rest or learn more about rest in general? Check out these resources:
Seven Types of Rest to Help Restore Your Body’s Energy
Four Quick Ways to Truly Rest | UCSF Magazine
How to Engage All 5 Senses for an Evening of Deep Relaxation | CBC Life
In rest and reflection, a new inspiration can be found.
—Bryan McGill
Thursday, October 23, 2025—The Science of Breathwork
When you’re on strike, uncertainty and tension can keep your body in a constant state of high alert. Breathwork is one of the simplest and most evidence-based ways to interrupt that stress cycle.
The Science Behind It
When we’re stressed, the sympathetic nervous system takes over—our heart rate rises, muscles tighten and stress hormones flood the bloodstream. Slow, intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural “rest and digest” response. This lowers cortisol levels, steadies the heart and allows the mind to focus.
Research from Stanford neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman and Harvard’s Center for Wellness shows that specific breathing techniques, like slow exhalations or the physiological sigh, can quickly regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
Try the 4-2-6 Reset:
- Exhale fully through the mouth.
- Inhale through the nose for 4 counts.
- Hold for 2 counts.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth for 6 counts.
- Repeat for 1–2 minutes.
Notice how your shoulders drop and your thoughts slow—this is your nervous system recalibrating in real time.
Taking a minute to breathe with intention helps you restore balance so you can sustain energy and hope during this challenging time.
Want to know more about how breathwork can help you thrive? Check out these articles and videos.
The Benefits of Deep Breathing and Why It Works | Psychology Today
Breathing Techniques a “Powerful Aid to Healing”
A Neuroscientist Explains How Breathing Impacts the Brain
Deep breaths are like little love notes to your body.
— Unknown
Wednesday, October 22—Self-Compassion
Caring for others is at the heart of teaching. Every day, teachers show compassion by noticing suffering, feeling empathy and taking steps to help students and families. Compassion is essential for schools to thrive—it’s part of our shared humanity and biological makeup.
Yet, one vital aspect is often forgotten: self-compassion. In today’s classrooms, the high level of needs can leave teachers feeling like what they do is never enough. This moral distress—knowing what the right thing to do is but lacking the time or resources to do it—can lead to frustration and, over time, burnout.
Kristin Neff, PhD (at self-compassion.org), identifies three core dimensions of self-compassion:
- Self-Kindness. Treat yourself as you would a trusted friend. Notice when your inner voice is harsh and reframe your self-talk with gentleness and understanding.
- Common Humanity. Remember that every teacher faces similar struggles. Recognizing this shared experience helps you feel less isolated in your challenges.
- Mindfulness. Slow down and allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Mindfulness helps you process those feelings and respond with care rather than criticism.
Today, offer yourself the same kindness you extend to others. A moment of self-compassion is not indulgent; it’s a quiet act of strength that sustains your well-being and your capacity to care for those around you.
Want to know more about self-compassion and teaching? Check out these sources:
- “How Self-Compassion Can Help Prevent Teacher Burnout,” by Vicki Zakrzewski, PhD, on the Greater Good Magazine’s website
- “Why Aren’t We Teaching Self-Compassion to Our Teachers?” by Vanessa Clark, on Global Compassion Coalition’s website
Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.
―Louise L Hay
Tuesday, October 21—Nature
Feeling disconnected or stressed? Nature may be the antidote you need.
Spending time in nature is a powerful way to recenter and lift your mood. It doesn’t require elaborate plans or long trips—just a few mindful minutes outdoors can make a difference. Taking a five-minute walk in a park or spending ten minutes by a river, listening to the water flow, can help calm your mind and restore balance.
Research consistently supports the link between time in nature and well-being. For example, in the 30 Days Wild experiment (PLOS One study published in 2016), 18,500 participants engaged with nature daily for a month. Researchers found sustained increases in participants’ connection to nature, happiness, health and pro-environmental behaviours.
Even brief, regular contact with nature can nurture your wellbeing. Step outside today and let the outdoors do its quiet work.
Want to know more about the positive impact of nature on well-being? Check out the following resources:
- “‘Psychology Works’ Fact Sheet: Benefits of Nature Exposure”—Canadian Psychological Association
- “Nurtured by Nature”—American Psychological Association
All my life through, the new sights of nature made me rejoice like a child.
—Marie Curie
Monday, October 20—Managing Anger During the Strike
As we enter the 10th day of the strike, many teachers may feel anger over the lack of progress at the bargaining table. This frustration runs deep, rooted in years of being unheard and undervalued by the Government of Alberta. According to the recently released TALIS 2024 report, only 13 per cent of Alberta teachers feel that policymakers respect their views—a sharp 25-point decline from 2018.
This erosion of respect reflects government actions that have harmed the profession. A new funding formula has reduced support for public education while increasing funding for private schools, creating untenable conditions in classrooms. Mandated tests and curriculum changes have also been imposed without consultation, further eroding trust.
Anger is a natural and informative emotion; it signals that something important is at stake. But if left unmanaged, it can lead to resentment, conflict and mental or physical distress. Acknowledging your anger and channeling it into constructive goals—such as advocating for fair compensation and better working conditions—can help sustain your wellbeing and your sense of purpose during this challenging time.
If you want to know more about anger, what it is, how it impacts your body and what to do about anger, check out the resources from the Canadian Mental Health Association (“Feling Angry”—CMHA Alberta Division) and the Berkely Well-Being Institute (“Anger: Definition, Expression and Management”) Another helpful resource is “How to DO Anger,” found on Leadership Freak's blog.
Anybody can become angry—that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.
―Aristotle
Friday, October 17—Staying Grounded with Habits
During uncertain times—such as a strike—establishing routines can restore a sense of control and stability. Predictable habits not only structure your day but also strengthen your overall well-being. The Ontario Psychological Association highlights the strong connection between consistent routines and mental health.
Harvard Health identifies five key habits for good health:
- Practising mindfulness or meditation daily
- Getting adequate sleep
- Eating nutritious, whole foods
- Taking movement breaks throughout the day
- Avoiding toxins such as wildfire smoke and microplastics
It’s never too late to build healthy habits—but during a strike, doing so is especially vital for maintaining both mental and physical resilience.
Difficult times disrupt your conventional ways of thinking and push you to forge better habits of thought, performance and being.
—Robin Sharma
Thursday, October 16—Managing Guilt
As we enter the eighth day of strike action, many teachers and school leaders still worry about their students. Leaving classrooms and offices behind can feel like leaving a part of yourself—because caring deeply is at the heart of this profession.
That care can bring feelings of guilt. But guilt is not your enemy; it’s an ethical signal that you value your students’ success and well-being. This compassion is one of your superpowers.
In 2025, Alberta classrooms face serious challenges and strike action is a painful but necessary step to ensure the government takes these issues seriously. Remember that by standing together, you are acting in your students’ best interests and shaping a stronger future for public education.
Want to know more about guilt as an emotion? Here is an article from Psychology Today Canada.
Guilt is also a way for us to express to others that we are a person of good conscience.
—Tom Hodgkinson
Wednesday, October 15—Giving Back
Generosity isn’t just good for others—it’s good for us too. Research by Ashley Whillans, PhD, shared in The Conversation Canada, shows that giving to others can boost happiness and overall health.
Teachers know this well. You chose this profession to make a difference, and that spirit of generosity continues even during a strike. Across Alberta, ATA locals are finding creative ways to give back: organizing community gatherings, raising awareness about the need to properly fund education, and supporting local charities, food banks and blood drives.
For example, Edmonton Public Local 37 and Edmonton Catholic Local 54 are teaming up on community initiatives—learn more through Local 54’s Strike Hub. Also, Calgary Public Local 38, Calgary Catholic Local 55, Rocky View Local 35 and Palliser Local 19 are collaborating to serve teachers and families in the Calgary region. You can find more information on Calgary Public Local 38’s website. You can also check your local’s Facebook or Instagram pages for activities near you. There are excellent initiatives all over the province.
“It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert.”
—Jacques Yves Cousteau
October 14—Anxiety
Today is an important day for Alberta teachers.
The ATA bargaining team is meeting with the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Committee (TEBA) today to continue negotiations. For many, this brings a sense of hope that the strike—now in its second week—might soon come to an end. For others, the uncertainty around what happens next can stir up anxiety, and that’s completely normal.
Anxiety is our body’s way of responding to stress. The American Psychological Association describes it as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” In other words, it’s our mind’s way of reminding us that we care deeply about what happens.
If you’re feeling anxious today, take a moment to pause and breathe. You might find some simple and helpful ideas in the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Quick Tips to Reduce Anxiety. And remember: you’re not alone. Across the province, locals have organized activities and strike offices to help teachers stay connected and supported.
“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”
—Thich Nhat Hanh
Friday, October 10—Choosing Balance with Social Media
- Strikes bring uncertainty, and it's natural to want to stay informed. Phones make that easy—but they can also draw us into dreaded "doomscroll," where we keep refreshing feeds for updates.
- Instead of getting stuck in the scroll, try these small shifts:
- Choose limits: Notice how much time you're spending online and set gentle boundaries for yourself.
- Choose useful information: Ask, Is this new? Is it helpful? Do I need it right now?
- Choose real connection: Swap some screen time for time with colleagues, friends or family.
- Choose rest: Put your phone down before bed to give your mind and body space to recharge.
- This weekend, give yourself permission to step away—get outside, breathe deeply and remind yourself that you're not alone in this.
- For more insight, see this Mayo Clinic article: Doomscrolling: Stop the scroll, protect your mental health - Mayo Clinic Press
"Mindfulness gives you time. Time gives you choices. Choices, skillfully made, lead to freedom."
- Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Thursday, October 9—Fueling Your Body
- Are you taking care of your basic nutritional needs during the strike? As teachers, we often put our own needs last—even something as simple as remembering to eat or drink water. For example, in June 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alberta Teachers’ Association asked teachers if they ate regularly and stayed hydrated while working from home. Over 2,500 teachers responded, and only 20 per cent said they always met those needs.
- Strike action can be draining, so it’s important to fuel both your soul and your body. Today’s focus is on giving your body the nutrition it needs to stay strong.
- If meal prep feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—support is out there. A helpful place to start is this ASEBP resource: Nutrition | Self-Care
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
—English proverb
Wednesday, October 8—Staying Connected
- We’re social creatures, wired to connect and to belong. The Othering and Belonging Institute reminds us that belonging means creating a world where everyone is seen, valued and supported—a world where each person’s humanity is recognized, and even our planet is included in our circle of care. If there was ever a time to lean into building such a world, it’s now.
- Being on strike can sometimes feel lonely, which is why staying connected really matters. Reaching out to colleagues helps keep our sense of community strong, and leaning on friends and family outside of school makes a big difference too.
- Think about simple ways to connect: stop by your local strike office, go for a walk with a colleague in the park, grab coffee together or share a meal. These moments remind us that we’re not alone—and they bring us back to why we’re here: standing up for public education and fair working conditions.
- If you’d like to learn more about how social support boosts well-being, check out this great article on the HEARTcare Educators site by registered psychologist Chantel Fillion.
“True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world.”
— Brené Brown
Tuesday, October 7—Building Hope
- Hope is a gritty concept, it is not just about wishing for something to get better—it’s far more than that. Having hope means that you have the agency to make change and that you have considered different pathways for change.
- This strike action, taken together with your 51,000 colleagues, represents hope for a better future for public education and for you as teaching professionals. However, strikes are also very challenging for everyone involved.
- If you are having trouble feeling hopeful, here’s a quick video by Dr Denise Larson at the University of Alberta that shows three ways to build hope.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
— Nelson Mandela
Monday, October 6, 2025—Creating a Routine
- Strikes change your normal work routines, creating stress and uncertainty. To take charge of the day, it may be helpful to craft your own routine during the strike. Consider creating a routine for yourself and your family with the help of the prompts below:
- What are your priorities today?
- What goals do you wish to accomplish? (taking a walk, cooking a nice meal, reading a book, finding your strike office, connecting with a friend)
- Allocate time blocks.
- Be sure to build in wellness breaks and activities.
- Be flexible with your ambitions and be kind to yourself.
- Write down your routine or use apps to outline your plan for the day.
- Reflect and plan for tomorrow.
- Here is a set of resources from ASEBP that focus on stress, burnout and fatigue:
Managing Stress, Fatigue, and Burnout | ASEBP Wellness
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller
