Sometimes I stumble over my words, or get brain fog, or get stuck on a question. We all have bad days. Maybe you’re stressed about an assignment, dealing with personal stuff, or just drained. If you’re a tutor, you can’t just check out—you have students counting on you. So how do you show up when you’re not feeling 100%?

First, recognise that you don’t have to be perfect. You’re there to help, not to be an all-knowing oracle. If you’re feeling off, give yourself permission to take a breath before your session. A short walk, a few deep breaths, or whatever helps you decompress.

Once you’re in the session, focus on the student. Shifting your attention away from yourself and onto their needs can actually be a relief. Ask more questions, let them explain their thinking, and guide them rather than feeling like you have to carry the conversation. When students take the lead in problem-solving, they often learn more effectively anyway.

It also helps to have a game plan. If your brain feels foggy, stick to structured techniques—work through examples together, ask them to summarise key points, or break problems into smaller steps. These strategies don’t just help the student; they also keep you engaged without draining more energy than necessary. Even something as simple as writing key ideas on a whiteboard or notebook can help maintain focus.

And if you really need it, be honest in a professional way. You don’t have to overshare, but saying something like, “I’m a little low-energy today, so let’s work through this together,” can set a collaborative tone and encourage independence.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. One off day won’t define you as a tutor. Show up, do your best.

Allegra Pezzullo