As
we get ready to head back to school, or for some of us we may already be back,
it is so important to make sure that self-care is a part of your schedule. I
say this because I know that as teachers, we can get very busy. From our schools
to our homes, we have a lot that needs to get done. As for me, I can start
working on a project and get all excited when I get to cross it off my to do
list, only then to realize that I still have five other things to still cross
off. Yes, at times it may feel like we have a continuous to do list, yes and
you may be wondering why I am suggesting to add one more thing to that list.
Well, in my experience, I truly believe that when we take care of ourselves and
add self-care to our schedules, we are then able to give our best selves to our
job, our students, our family and friends, and to the world.
I
believe that it is crucial for teachers to take care of themselves outside of
the classroom in order to be their best selves inside of the classroom. I know
that our lists are long, but it is so important to add self-care into our
schedules. For every individual, self-care looks different and it is up to you
to determine what re-energizes, renews, and restores you! For me, self-care can
be in the simplest form of a walk or pausing to watch the sunset. It can also
be in the form of a workout, a pedicure, reading a good book, or even just
soaking in a bubble bath. Each of us has our own way to relax, to renew, and to
recharge. By knowing what form of self-care works for you, you are then able to
set aside time for it in your schedule. I know it may seem silly to schedule
time to go on a walk, but sometimes if we don’t intentionally set that time
aside, we can get distracted and end up working on something else entirely. Then,
we end up not having any time left to walk at the end of the day.
As we head back to work, I challenge
you to intentionally take time for self-care. Put it in your schedule and see
what happens! I firmly believe that when we take care of our self, we can better take care of others
and be our best selves, fully recharged, renewed, and restored. Here are a few
practical ways we as teachers can add a few self-care moments to our schedules.
Make a
Weekly Workout Schedule
When I set my mind on working out and write it
down in my planner, it is more than likely that I will commit to it. This does
not work for everyone however; again, you have to know yourself and what
self-care looks like for you. Here is an example of what a weekly workout
schedule might look like.
Stay
Hydrated
As teachers we are on our feet almost all day
with our students, sometimes barely having time to sit down for our full lunch
time. It is so important that you stay hydrated. Drink your water! One way to
help you drink even more water is by infusing it. Here are some flavors you can
try next time and bring to school with you:
lemon & orange
strawberry & mint
strawberry & orange
lemon & lime
raspberry & orange
pineapple & mint
Eat Healthy
I don’t know about you, but after the holidays,
I feel like it is time for a sugar detox. What are you packing in your lunch?
Make sure that you are including proteins, fruits, and veggies. I personally
love using sectioned plastic containers to make sure I am packing a
well-balanced meal. This way I am making sure that I am nourishing my body at
school.
Breathe
Yes, this one is a simple one, but sometimes
overlooked. Take time in your day to pause and take a few deep breathes.
Whenever I feel stressed or getting to the point of being overwhelmed, I just
pause for a moment to take a deep breathe or two. Focus on your breathing and
try to pay attention to your breaths. Are you giving yourself moments
throughout the day to stop and inhale peace and exhale stress and tension?
Although these are only a few examples, I
challenge you to make sure you are including self-care on your schedule as you
head back to your classroom.
You got this my friend!
You got this my friend!