Self-Care
Teaching is a stressful profession which makes the need for consistent self-care vitally important. Physical self-care is essential as we are on our feet, talking nonstop, taking hurried lunch breaks and infrequent bathroom breaks for close to 8 hours a day. Mental self-care is essential as we juggle interactions with students, parents, colleagues and administrators - not always successfully. Emotional self-care is essential as we are all too familiar with the professional doubts, second guessing, and plain worry that can result from a parent email CC’d to your building principal. Self-Care is essential and must become part of your daily habits in order for you to be less stressed and the very best you.
To get us into a self-care mindset, from the very start of a new school year, keep these strategies in mind
Set and maintain firm contact boundaries
Ditch the rolling luggage, wagon, and cart
Acknowledge that decision fatigue is REAL
Understand we have little control over our day to day work life
Keep your successes visible
Physical Self-Care
7-9 hours of sleep/nightly!
Healthy breakfast !
Lunch is a must too!
Hydrate!
Breathe in fresh air!
When sick, stay home!
Mental Self-Care
Remember your WHY!
Start your day with something positive!
Give yourself permission to be human!
Set boundaries!
Ask for help!
Follow BOREDTeachers for needed laughs!
Emotional Self-Care
Dedicate some of your classroom space to YOU!
Decorate with family pictures and seasonal decor!
Live plants are a must!
Play your favorite music as students are working!
Free Period - put those essays away and take a break!
Be kind to you!