Learning to Breathe Again: Taking Time to Grow as an Educator

Why Slowing Down Helps Me Grow: Reflections on Taking a Step Back to Move Forward

After working for seven intense years teaching at universities across the UK — one year in Leeds, two years in Reading, one year in Durham, and two years in Glasgow — I realized I was constantly giving, giving, and giving. As a teacher, researcher, and mentor, I poured my energy into inspiring students, developing courses, creating assessments, leading projects, and organizing cultural programs.

I loved my work, and I was proud of what I achieved. But eventually, I began to notice the signs of burnout and exhaustion that many of us in education face but rarely talk about. I was draining my own reserves, running on autopilot, and losing the spark that first led me into teaching — the spark of curiosity, growth, and genuine connection.

The Courage to Pause: Why I Took a Year for Myself

In a world that often tells us to “keep going,” choosing to pause takes courage. After six years of constant work, I made a decision to give myself what felt like a “self-directed sabbatical.” I stepped away from teaching for a year to focus on learning, reflecting, and simply breathing again.

I used this time to pursue a new degree — an MSc in Psycholinguistics at the University of Edinburgh — expanding my knowledge beyond what I had been taught for years. Being a student again, sitting in classrooms, and discussing new ideas with brilliant minds reminded me what it feels like to be on the other side of the classroom. It refreshed my empathy for learners and sparked new ways of thinking about language, cognition, and education.

Learning Beyond Our Own Fields: How New Worlds Spark Fresh Ideas

Sometimes, when we stay too long in our own professional circles, we unknowingly become narrower in our thinking. We repeat the same methods, the same content, and the same conversations without realizing we’ve stopped growing.

Stepping into different fields, meeting people from other industries, and listening to voices outside our usual network can be incredibly transformative. This year, I’ve connected with researchers in cognitive science, psychologists, language educators from different backgrounds, and even tech developers. These experiences helped me reframe old problems and imagine new solutions.

For example, learning about how the brain processes language has made me rethink how I design materials for students. Exploring AI-assisted language tools opened up new possibilities for future classrooms. Discussing language motivation and learner psychology with experts has helped me reflect on what truly drives students to keep learning.

Connecting to the Bigger World and to Our Inner World

One thing I’ve learned is that we can’t inspire others if we don’t take time to nurture ourselves. Teaching, like any giving profession, requires constant output of emotional, intellectual, and creative energy. But if we never pause to replenish those energies, we risk burning out and losing our sense of purpose.

This year of stepping back has helped me reconnect with both the bigger world and my inner world. I’ve had time to reflect on who I want to be as a teacher, a researcher, and a person. I’ve had time to read, think, and observe the world without rushing, and through that, I’ve been able to realign my professional life with my deeper values.

Why Teachers and Educators Need Time to Breathe

As teachers, we often feel the pressure to keep giving — to constantly be “on,” supporting our students, creating new content, and meeting institutional demands. But teaching is a creative act, and like all creative acts, it requires space and nourishment.

Taking time away from teaching has reminded me that:

• Rest is productive — It allows us to return refreshed and ready to give our best.

• New learning fuels new teaching — When we grow, we have more to give.

• Broader perspectives make us better educators — Learning from other industries, disciplines, and communities helps us avoid narrow thinking.

• Reflection brings clarity — Stepping back helps us understand what works, what doesn’t, and where we want to go next.

What I Gained from My Year of Learning and Reflection

Now, as I reflect on this year, I feel grateful and renewed. I have gained:

• Fresh academic knowledge to enhance my teaching and research.

• New ideas for integrating psychology and cognitive science into language education.

• Better understanding of technology-enhanced learning and AI tools.

• Connections with inspiring people beyond my usual field, expanding my career network.

• Personal clarity on how I want to approach teaching and mentorship moving forward.

Most importantly, I have regained a deep sense of joy and purpose in what I do — something I could have lost if I had continued to “push through” without pause.

Final Thoughts: Why We All Need to Slow Down to Speed Up

To anyone feeling overwhelmed, tired, or creatively stuck, I hope my story reminds you that it’s okay to pause. Sometimes, stepping back is exactly what we need to move forward — with more energy, wisdom, and compassion.

Whether you’re a teacher, a researcher, or a professional in any field, you deserve time to breathe, to learn, and to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Now, after this period of reflection and growth, I’m ready to share again — to teach, to collaborate, and to inspire others, with new insights and renewed passion.

If you are also navigating a period of transition, reflection, or growth, I would love to connect and exchange ideas — because we all grow stronger when we learn from each other.

Let’s continue to grow, reflect, and inspire together.