ASU Launches Psychological Self-Regulation Video Series to Combat Teacher Burnout in Adygea

ASU has launched a series of videos featuring exercises designed to promote psychological self-regulation among teachers. This program was developed as part of the second phase of the "Prevention of Professional Burnout in Teachers of the Republic of Adygea" project. Initiated in 2023, the project represents a collaboration between Adyghe State University and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Adygea. It is also integrated into the university’s "Adygea – Territory of Health" initiative, which is a component of the broader "Priority 2030" program. The videos are now available on the university's Rutube channel, and links highlighting the benefits of this training will soon be shared across teachers' personal accounts throughout the region on the Dnevnik.ru platform.

The teaching profession is associated with a significant risk of burnout. This is largely due to psycho-emotional stress. This is supported by research conducted by the ASU team based on a survey of over 1,800 teachers in Adygea (2023). During the project, specialists conducted a series of training sessions and classes, followed by testing. The most effective methods and exercises formed the basis of the videos.

This is the second video series that allows anyone to maintain physical and emotional health without specifically attending groups and classes at ASU. In April, as part of the project, the team posted a series of physical exercises developed for teachers . These exercises can be performed during breaks during the day or between classes to relieve stress, restore emotional balance, and promote normal functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems.

The series of exercises for psychological self-regulation was selected and demonstrated in a video by Asya Bersirova, PhD in psychology and lecturer at Adyghe State University. A total of eight videos have been prepared: four are psychological self-training exercises, and four are elements of art therapy that don't require any special artistic skills but promote self-diagnosis and self-regulation. Each exercise requires only 5-15 minutes a day. The exercises are most effective if grouped together—one from the first cycle, one from the second. This will allow you to disconnect from current tasks and troubles and focus on your inner world with correct, beneficial, and non-self-destructive attitudes.

"These seemingly simple exercises are highly beneficial when practiced consistently, as they encourage individuals to focus on the positive aspects of daily life, cultivate a positive mindset and creativity, understand and embrace their emotions, uncover their inner strengths and reserves, and achieve emotional harmony," explained Asya Bersirova.

As a reminder, the "Preventing Professional Burnout in RA Teachers" project began with a large-scale study of the problem and causes of teacher burnout. Following this, a set of activities was developed, including yoga and breathing exercises for teachers in pilot schools, psychological training sessions, sports complexes, and short hiking trips. A series of videos, made publicly available free of charge, will help more teachers and educators maintain their emotional and physical well-being, regardless of their place of work.