Getting a good work/life balance is difficult if you're a teacher. Marking can take up your breaks and your lunchtime, and planning can take a long time each day too. This is on top of the other paperwork you have to complete, as well as extra-curricular activities such as school shows and clubs.
To save time, and your sanity, it is important to be as efficient as possible in your planning. This doesn't mean skimping on preparation but if you can cut corners in a good way then that's a bonus. There are a lot of websites where you can find excellent ready-made resources to use in your lessons. From reading comprehension to natural sciences resources, there is something for every need.
Apart from using ready-made resources, there are other ways you can reduce the level your teaching work intrudes into your home life. Some people make sure they do not leave school until their marking and planning is done, working late rather than taking work home. Others take work home but set a rigid time to finish.
It is also important to relax during the day if you can. Most teachers either mark work or do other teaching related activities during the lunch break. Try and get out for a walk or do something that isn't related to teaching and you will be more refreshed in the afternoon.
Teaching is never an easy job and a teacher is almost always thinking about his or her work but if you switch off sometimes then your health and your life will undoubtedly improve.
