Episode #54 | Melo Calarco - Beating Burnout: Game-Changing Strategies for Teachers

In this episode with Melo Calarco, we dive into the practical tools and powerful mindset shifts teachers can use to protect their wellbeing, prevent burnout, and perform at their best. Drawing on decades of experience, including cycling 30,000km across five continents, Melo shares transformational strategies tailored for educators working in high-pressure environments. 6 Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is the #1 skill to prevent burnout: Melo explains why you “can’t change what you don’t notice”—and how educators must tune into early signs of stress and exhaustion before they spiral into burnout. Burnout is more than tiredness, it’s complete depletion: He outlines the three core indicators of burnout: persistent exhaustion, emotional detachment, and a loss of professional efficacy—plus how to tell if you’re “just stressed” or truly burnt out. Micro-breaks are a game-changer for teacher wellbeing: Teachers often wait until holidays to rest. Melo recommends 90-second breath breaks throughout the day to recharge, reset the nervous system, and protect long-term energy. Role modelling wellbeing isn’t optional, it’s essential: From meditation to mindful breaks, Melo emphasises that educators who model wellbeing practices help students develop their own emotional regulation skills. A strong school culture can prevent staff burnout: Toxic environments can amplify stress. Melo encourages open conversations, shared resources, and checking in on colleagues regularly to build a healthier team dynamic. Train your mind like your body—with challenge and consistency: Drawing on personal routines and endurance feats, Melo urges teachers to seek discomfort intentionally and build mental resilience through daily habits—even just one push-up or a 5-minute breath session.