In this article, I’ll give you a few ways teachers can practice self-care throughout the school year to keep themselves feeling good and feeling ready to teach.
Self-care is important for everyone to take part in, especially teachers. Think about it. Educators spend the majority of their day helping others become their most successful selves.
It’s important for teachers to take time to prioritize themselves and work on becoming their most successful selves too!
Here are a few ways teachers can slow down and practice some self-care.
Reflect & Meditate
Most teachers are used to being go-go-go all the time. Sit and quite simply, do nothing every once in a while to switch it up. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, taking time to sit with yourself and have the chance to reflect on your day can put you in the right frame of mind and set the stage for what you do next.
Mediating and taking time to sit with yourself, your feelings, and your thoughts can help keep you grounded and balanced when stressful moments flare-up. Getting in touch with yourself can help you better react and handle situations that arise in the future.
Set Boundaries and Time for Yourself
It’s okay to say, “No.” Often times, teachers take on a hefty weight to their shoulders, providing emotional and educational support to students. At the end of the day, it’s okay to say, “No” to activities that drain you further.
Friends, family, and colleagues should understand when you take action and set boundaries to protect yourself, emotional wellbeing, and your energy. When setting boundaries and taking time for yourself, it’s important to not feel guilty or retract your boundaries later on.
Use the time you set aside for yourself to actually take care of yourself!
Fill Your Cup
You can’t pour into anyone else’s cup until you’ve filled up your own.
Most teachers have at least a handful of students at any given time. You do the math; that’s a lot of cups to fill. As a teacher, strive to succeed when it comes to self-care. Your students will
appreciate when you’re fully present, supportive, and full of optimism and excitement to teach them.