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How I'm Managing Stress During The Teachers' Strike

Guest Blog by Hidesh Bhardwaj

Assistant Principal and educator, Hidesh Bhardwaj, shares how he’s managing stress during the Alberta teachers’ strike through exercise, connection, time in nature, and acts of kindness.

I’m Hidesh Bhardwaj — Assistant Principal, coach, lifelong learner in the mental-health and education space, and I’m also Mabel’s husband. With the current strike by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) creating added stress for so many of us — staff, students, parents, and the wider community — I wanted to share how I’m managing my own mental health during these challenging times. If you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty right now, I hope some of these practices might offer a little relief or inspiration.

When I first became a teacher, I never imagined being part of a strike. Like many of my colleagues, I chose this profession because I care about students and I believe in the power of public education. The recent Alberta Teachers’ Association strike has been stressful for everyone -- educators, families, and students alike. All the uncertainty about what comes next can take a toll on anyone’s mental health.

In times like this, I’ve learned that caring for my own well-being isn’t optional — it’s essential. The reality is that we can’t show up well for others if we’re running on empty ourselves. Writing has always helped me process my own thoughts, so I thought I’d write something for Mabel’s website. When I thought about what topic made the most sense, I decided to share a few ways I’ve been managing my stress lately, in case these ideas can help anyone who is looking for ways to deal with their own life a little better. I included a few references but this isn’t a research paper, and nothing I share is new or groundbreaking. These are just some things that help me keep up my positive energy and enjoy life, no matter what’s going on.

Here are 4 things I'm doing to cope with stress:

Moving My Body: Exercise as a Foundation for Mental Health

Exercise has always been a big part of my life, but as an adult it has turned into one of the most important ways I maintain my mental health. I start nearly every morning with a 30 min bike ride (20 min is probably enough though), and I lift weights three times a week. These routines give me structure, help me clear my mind, and lift my mood. In fact, they help so much that when I miss a day or two of my routine, my family notices and sends me to the gym.

Research consistently shows the link between physical activity and improved mental health. A large review in The British Journal of Sports Medicine (2023) found that exercise is as effective as some forms of therapy and medication for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical activity boosts endorphins, supports better sleep, and helps regulate attention and mood — something I especially notice with my ADHD.

For me, it’s not about performance or perfection. It’s about showing up. On the days I don’t have the energy and feel like skipping my workout, I force myself to get on the bike or get to the gym and at least go through the motions and remind myself: motion improves emotion.

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Lifting My Mood by Lifting Others

One of the simplest ways I take care of my mental health is by doing something kind for someone else. Contributing to others — in small, everyday ways — shifts my focus away from what’s outside my control and reminds me of what I can do. And making someone else smile has always been a surefire way to cheer myself up.

Sometimes that means writing a thank-you note, doing a small chore around the house, or checking in on a friend with a quick text or call. Other times, it’s something like writing this guest blog for Mabel — a small way to contribute to her work and, hopefully, offer something helpful to others.

Research supports this too. A study from the Journal of Happiness Studies (2020) found that performing acts of kindness increases positive emotions and life satisfaction. Helping others not only supports our communities — it literally changes our brain chemistry in ways that foster joy and connection.

Making Time for Enjoyment and Connection

When life feels busy, heavy or unpredictable, it’s easy to let hobbies and fun slip away. But I’ve found that planning things I genuinely enjoy helps me stay grounded, keeps my mood balanced, and helps keep me from feeling overwhelmed.

I play basketball once a week, coach my son’s basketball team, and sometimes unwind with a few video games or an episode of a favourite show — though I try not to overdo it, since too much screen time tends to leave me feeling drained. Just a few days ago, I played pickleball with some of my awesome school staff, and it was a blast. For that hour, we weren’t administrators or teachers — just people laughing, moving, and connecting.

Social connection plays a powerful role in protecting our mental health. A 2023 study in Nature Human Behaviour found that meaningful social contact can buffer the effects of stress and increase resilience. Whether it’s meeting friends, playing a sport, or simply sharing a meal, joy and connection remind us that we’re part of something bigger than the current challenge.

Taking Tech-Free Time Outside

Every day I take a walk to my favourite park, where I can stand near the trees and look toward the mountains. I leave my phone behind — no emails, no notifications — just space to breathe while listening to the soundscapes of my city park.

There’s something calming and peaceful about spending time in nature. Studies have shown that even brief exposure to natural environments lowers cortisol (the body’s stress hormone), reduces heart rate, and improves focus. One study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) found that just 20 minutes outdoors can significantly decrease stress markers.

For me, these quiet moments are a reset. They help me remember that the world is still turning, the seasons are still changing, and peace can exist even in uncertain times.

Closing Thoughts

These strategies aren’t revolutionary, and they don’t make the stress of a strike disappear. But they help me manage it, stay present, connected, and hopeful. I remind myself that while I can’t control every situation, I can control how I care for myself and those around me.

If you’re feeling stretched thin right now, I encourage you to start small. Go for a walk, do something kind for someone, or simply take a few minutes to pay attention to your breath. Once you know what helps you, you can put together a routine and try to do something for your mental health each day. These small acts add up and make a big difference. Remember too, that you’re not alone. There are 51,000 of us standing together. Attending an education walk or rally will be a great reminder of how powerful you and your community of teachers are!

We can’t always change what’s happening around us — but we can choose how we show up and work through it.

Written by Hidesh Bhardwaj, assistant principal and guest contributor for Redesigning Mental Health