Managing Stress in Early Years: Practical Tips for a Happier Workday

Working in Early Years is deeply rewarding—but let’s be honest, it can also be incredibly demanding. From juggling paperwork, safeguarding responsibilities, and behaviour management to giving every child the care and attention they deserve, it’s no surprise that stress can creep in. If you're feeling stretched, you're not alone.

The good news? There are practical, realistic ways to manage stress and create a happier, healthier workday—without compromising the quality of care or your wellbeing.

Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help Early Years professionals across the UK manage stress and reclaim some calm in their day.

Start with a Calm Morning Routine

Your workday often mirrors how your morning begins. Try to arrive 10–15 minutes early if possible—not to start work, but to give yourself a moment to settle.

Try this:

• Grab a drink and take a few deep breaths before entering the room.

• Set 2–3 intentions for the day: “I will be patient,” “I will take my breaks,” “I will ask for help if needed.”

A calm start can help anchor your mindset before the day gets busy.

Break the Day into Manageable Chunks

Rather than viewing the day as one long stretch, divide it into parts: morning routine, lunch, planning time, handover. Ticking off each part can give you a sense of control and achievement.

Helpful tip: Use your planning time (even if short) to regroup. Don’t always use it to catch up on tasks—take 5 minutes to reset if needed.

Create a Soothing Environment—for You, Too

While we focus on calming children, we often forget ourselves. A peaceful room helps both children and adults feel more regulated.

Ideas to try:

• Soft background music during quiet times.

• A diffuser or calming scents (if your setting allows).

• A tidy, well-organised space to reduce visual clutter and overstimulation.

Even small environmental changes can lower stress levels for everyone.

Make the Most of Team Support

One of the biggest benefits of working in Early Years is being part of a team. Don’t carry the emotional or physical load alone.

Do this:

• Speak up in team meetings about what’s challenging.

• Swap duties occasionally to give each other a mental break.

• Be open about how you're feeling—others are likely feeling the same.

Managers: Create a culture where wellbeing check-ins are the norm, not the exception.

Learn to Say “Not Right Now”

Many Early Years staff are people-pleasers by nature, often saying yes to everything—even at the expense of their own time and energy.

It’s okay to say:

• “Can I come back to you on that?”

• “Let me finish this task first.”

• “I need a quick moment before I respond.”

Boundaries are not barriers—they are lifelines.

Use Mindful Mini Breaks

You may not have time for yoga in the staffroom, but you can build mindful moments into your day:

• Take 60 seconds to breathe deeply between transitions.

• Step outside at lunchtime—even 5 minutes of fresh air can re-centre you.

• Practice grounding: notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear...

Consistency with these small habits often has a greater impact than occasional big ones.

Be Realistic with Your Own Expectations

You won’t always get everything finished on time. Some days, the messy play corner will stay messy. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Focus on what matters most:

• Are the children safe, cared for, and learning something new?

• Did you do your best with what you had today?

That’s more than enough.

Know When to Ask for Help

Stress becomes a serious issue when it's ignored. If you’re feeling overwhelmed regularly, don’t suffer in silence.

Reach out to:

• Your room leader or manager

• Mental health first aiders (if your setting has one)

• Professional support such as Education Support UK (confidential help for educators)

You deserve support just as much as the children in your care.

 

You do one of the most emotionally demanding jobs out there. You teach, guide, nurture, and manage—all in one day. It's only fair that you care for yourself with the same attention you give to others.

By making small, daily changes and leaning on your team, you can reduce stress and rediscover the joy in what you do best—helping little ones grow.