September is the real New Year for teachers.

The fresh stationery, the big plans, the “this term I’ll finally…” promises.

But here’s the problem: 83% of teachers drop their health goals by week three.

In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired, Martin and Dan dive into why habits collapse so quickly, the chaotic reality of teacher life (hello messy desktops and copy-of-copy Canva files 😂), and the simple systems that actually stick.

From meal prep hacks to the infamous “balloon” stress analogy, we’ll show you how to make September resolutions last longer than the first staff meeting biscuits.

Teachers give enough during term time - so why are so many still handing over ten hours a week of their summer for free?

In this episode, we dig into the hidden cost of “getting ahead” over the holidays, from laminating marathons to cupboard clear-outs that don’t last two weeks. We share our own wake-up calls - including the summers we finally stopped working - and how putting ourselves first made us better teachers, healthier humans, and actually happier to return in September.

If you’ve ever found yourself in school on a blazing hot August afternoon wondering why am I here?… this one’s for you.

In this episode, we dive into the guilt, burnout, and people-pleasing that haunts teachers all summer long. From laminating on holiday to buying IKEA baskets in July, we unpack why switching off feels so hard – and how school culture often rewards martyrdom over rest.

We talk about the pressure to prep, the fear of judgement from colleagues, and the myth that working in summer somehow buys you time back in the autumn (spoiler: it doesn’t). Whether you’re watching ECTs vlog their classrooms or battling a cupboard full of CDs from 2005, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to earn your rest.