How Instructors Can Help Students Learn Good Mental Health Habits
Many people suffer from mental health struggles as a result of job-related stress, even in jobs that they would say they enjoy. As an instructor in cosmetology, barbering, makeup artistry, or skin care therapy, you have a responsibility to help your students prepare for the possible mental health challenges that come with working in these fields. Many students are unaware of the mental toll that long hours or demanding clients can take on beauty professionals.
In Health and Style Institute’s teacher training program, we equip cosmetology, makeup, barbering, and skin care therapy instructors to help students prepare for this type of stress.
In this article, we’ll look at how those in teaching positions can equip students with resilience and good mental health habits so that they don’t end up burned out by the mental demands of their jobs.
Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Beauty Industry
Cosmetology professionals and instructors need to learn to recognize the signs of mental health struggles both in themselves and in colleagues or students. These can often include:
- A drop in the quality of work or passion for work
- Irritability or short temper over small issues
- Cancelling appointments or calling in sick more often
- Taking longer than usual to complete routine tasks
- Withdrawing from team activities or social gatherings
How to Manage Your Mental Health in the Beauty Industry
Cosmetologists, makeup artists, barbers, and skin care therapists all need to practice good mental health habits to keep burnout at bay and hold on to their passion for the profession. As an instructor, instilling these habits is just as important as the technical skills that you teach.
- Make your happiness a priority: Allocate time to engage in activities that make you happy and calm. Whether it’s a jog in the park, quiet meditation, or simply enjoying a movie with your family, do what makes you feel good.
- Learn how to deflate stress: Mastering simple techniques such as taking deep, controlled breaths, relaxing your muscles one group at a time, or using mental imagery can significantly lower your stress levels and anxiety.
- Look for connections within the community: Become part of a network or group within the cosmetology field. Sharing stories and solutions with peers who face similar challenges can be incredibly reassuring.
- Know when to say “no”: Avoid overcommitting yourself. Delineating your professional and personal lives can reduce stress and prevent burnout.
- Reach out when needed: Sometimes, just talking things over with someone you trust can lighten your burden. If necessary, consult with a mental health professional for guidance.
- Take a break if you need one: Recognize the signs of feeling overwhelmed and give yourself a breather.
Of course, cosmetology teaching positions come with their own type of stress. When you’re trying to be a constant source of positive energy for your students, it’s easy to neglect your own mental well-being. So take time for self-examination and make sure that you’re practicing what you preach when it comes to mental health. Remember, adopting good mental health habits not only helps you but also sets a great example for your students.
Shape the Future of the Beauty Industry with HSI
Mental health awareness in the beauty industry is essential, and it all starts with exceptional educators. To become a cosmetologist, makeup artist, barbering, or skincare teacher, your first step is to enroll in a course that sets a strong foundation like the one offered by Health and Style Institute.
Our comprehensive curriculum at HSI is designed not just to impart knowledge but also to refine your teaching style to effectively inspire your students. Enroll in the HSI teacher training program today and start your journey toward making a profound difference in students’ lives.
More on cosmetology teacher training
