In this podcast you’ll hear stories, information and actionable ideas from positive education and wellbeing experts, school wellbeing coordinators, teachers and sports coaches. The purpose of the podcast is that you takeaway ideas that you can execute in your classroom, across your school, at your sports club and in your organisation, plus tips and tricks that you can apply in your own life.
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In this podcast you’ll hear stories, information and actionable ideas from positive education and wellbeing experts, school wellbeing coordinators, teachers and sports coaches. The purpose of the podcast is that you takeaway ideas that you can execute in your classroom, across your school, at your sports club and in your organisation, plus tips and tricks that you can apply in your own life.
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 burnoutMelo 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 depletionHe 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 wellbeingTeachers 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 essentialFrom 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 burnoutToxic 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 consistencyDrawing 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.
More About Melo Calarco
As a TEDx Speaker and multi award-winning author, Melo loves sharing his passion with the world speaking about wellbeing, high-performance, resilience, mindfulness, mental health and so much more.
His workshops and keynotes have been described as ‘truly transformational’ drawing from his unique life lessons while cycling over 30,000km across five continents, where Melo learned to manage stress, build mental endurance, and overcome many challenges, including near-death experiences.
He now shares this profound experience with global companies and high performers to help them operate at their best, without the risk of burning out.
Beating Burnout Finding Balance Book
Website and Free Sample Chapter: https://www.melocalarco.com/the-bookLinkedin Melo CalarcoMelo Calarco Tedx Talk:Click to Watch
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The Positive Education Podcast With Ash Manuel
In this podcast you’ll hear stories, information and actionable ideas from positive education and wellbeing experts, school wellbeing coordinators, teachers and sports coaches. The purpose of the podcast is that you takeaway ideas that you can execute in your classroom, across your school, at your sports club and in your organisation, plus tips and tricks that you can apply in your own life.
