Window of tolerance exercise

This is a practical tool to help teachers and education staff understand emotional regulation, beat stress and burnout, build resilience, and support wellbeing in education settings.

Guides / 1 min read

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The Window of Tolerance, developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, describes the optimal zone for a person to function in everyday life.

When we’re within this window, we are emotionally regulated and have the capacity to cope with everyday challenges. But when stress pushes us outside of it, we may feel overwhelmed, shut down, or react in ways that aren’t helpful to ourselves or others.

In education settings, where emotional demands are high, understanding this concept can help teachers, leaders, and staff build greater self-awareness and compassion and beat stress and burnout.

What’s in the exercise?

This downloadable activity is designed for use in team meetings or wellbeing sessions. It includes:

A simple group check-in to explore how people are feeling
A visual explanation of the Window of Tolerance
Guided reflection questions to spark discussion and insight

Whether you're a school leader, wellbeing lead, or classroom teacher, this tool can help foster emotional intelligence and strengthen relationships across your team.

Why it matters

Helps educators recognise and regulate emotional responses
Builds compassion and understanding among colleagues
Supports resilience and wellbeing in high-pressure environments
Encourages open, reflective conversations in teams

Use this tool to support your team’s wellbeing and emotional awareness.

Download the Window of Tolerance exercise and give it a try!

Download the exercise

Window of Tolerance exercise for individuals and teams

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Teachers and education staff can call Education Support's free emotional support helpline, open 24/7: 08000 562 561

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About the author

Emily Kenneally is a UK-based communications specialist working across teacher mental health, social prescribing, and workplace wellbeing in education. She has over 10 years’ experience in the charity sector.

She is a trauma-informed mindfulness practitioner, trained in non-clinical Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) at NHS Sussex Mindfulness Centre, and holds a Master of Design from the University of Brighton.

Since 2019, she has delivered wellbeing workshops to 1,400 adults and children across education and healthcare, including at the University of Surrey and NHS Sussex.

She joined Education Support as Content and Media Manager in 2022, co-producing 100+ teacher wellbeing resources with educators and partners, including The Mental Health Foundation and NAHT, contributing to BBC News reporting of the Teacher Wellbeing Index.