Self Care for Teachers

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School is back in full force and so is the drain on every teacher. It’s important to practice good self care through the entire school year, not half way through!

There are lots of ways to take care of your self as a teacher, both on and off the clock! (Although we know many teachers are never quite off the clock!)

Teachers at home

It’s hard as a teacher not to bring your work home. You worry about your students, you plan activities and other school related tasks. While this might be a necessary evil, you can limit it. Here is a list of ways to ensure that you take care of yourself during your personal time.

• Set boundaries. Don’t allow your classroom or school to invade your home life. Set time that you can work on school related tasks and stick to it.
• Essential Oils and Diffuser. There are many great recipes on Pinterest that you can use to de-stress, focus, support your immune system, etc.
• Make (and keep) a date with friends. Plan a fun, relaxing outing!
• Leave your teacher bag AT SCHOOL at least one day a week.
• Go for a walk. Enjoy the scenery. Breathe.
• Yoga. You can take a class in town or find a class on You Tube.
• Read a book. Go ahead, Start working on a book that doesn’t have an AR sticker on it.
• Learn a new skill (not teacher related). Try a jewelry making class, painting or even rock climbing!
• Take care of your skin! Try our a new face mask or skin routine!
• Do your nails! Book a mani/pedi or grab some of your favorite polish.
• While you are waiting for your nails to dry, watch a favorite show!

Teaching the teacher

Self care is not limited to home and personal time. There a things you can do that you might not even realize, while you are working.

• Eat nutritiously. Don’t skip meals or grab something quick. Take time to eat a healthy breakfast, pack a few protein snack and have a good lunch. It is important to not only model good eating behaviors for students, but to keep you feeling your best.
• Stay hydrated. We all know about teachers and their bladders. Potty breaks may be few and far between, but you need to stay hydrated.
• Use your work time effectively. If you find yourself bringing more and more work home, you need to evaluate how you are using your time at work. Are you getting wrapped up in conversations with co workers? Are you taking on extra duties to help others out? It’s great to be a team player, but not to your own detriment. Ensure that you are making the most of your work time to reduce your work-at-home time.
• Maintain life away from school. Teachers are incredibly invested on their students. but there is life outside of the classroom. Try to focus on your classroom when you are in it, but allow your personal life to take your focus when you are out of the classroom.

Take Care of Other Teachers

Maybe you have self care down. But, I would bet you have a co worker who is struggling. It could be any one from a new teacher to a seasoned teacher. Reach out and share your own self care tips with them. Be accountability partners for each other. Sometimes we don’t even realize we aren’t taking care of ourselves until someone else points it out.

READ Selfish Decisions That Are Actually Healthy

Are you a teacher? Share your self care tips by commenting! I’d love to add them to the list!