Summer Self Care
Tips and Resources for Managing Teacher- Self
Why is This Important?
You became a teacher because you want to make a difference, because you love children; because you enjoy seeing the expression on a child’s face when he or she finally understands a new concept. It is that passion that makes you a great teacher—the same passion that can also lead to burn-out. Avoiding burn-out is one reason self-care is important. You cannot care for others if you do not take care of yourself. Another reason self-care is important is to enable you to be an effective teacher. If you are tired, either emotionally or physically, you cannot do your job well. Finally and possibly most important, self-care is important so you can model good balance and healthy boundaries to your students and co-workers. With the burnout issues teachers face, taking care of themselves through work/life balance is important, but it isn’t enough, Teachers need to give themselves permission to be self-compassionate for the stress they’re under. As teachers, we care for our students every day but often forget about caring for ourselves.
S.E.L. Component: Belly Breathe- Great for Kids!
Ideas for Self Care
1. Do some deep breathing. Did you know you can trick your brain into thinking everything is fine (no need for those stress hormones, thank you very much!) with slow, deliberate breathing?
2. Reach out to your fellow teachers. Vent with your coworkers and hold each other accountable for your self-care contract.
3. Take a 15-minute timeout. Schedule your timeouts as periods during the day when you have no interruptions. Soon you’ll look forward to this mini-recharge.
4. Get moving! Even if you don’t have time for a formal exercise plan, you can see stress-relieving benefits from minor activity like yoga in your living room.
5. Get back to nature. Teachers don’t have a lot of time for long hikes or adventure trips, but being with nature can be as simple as taking a walk or stopping by a park after work, or taking a short walk.
6. Disconnect from technology. Constant digital stimulation can increase your anxiety or sense that “you aren’t doing enough.” Plan some no-tech time.
7. Reflect on the little things. Think about all of the things for which you are grateful. Even when life is stormy, you can always find one bright moment to reflect on.
8. Nurture your artsy side. Artistic expression is one of the most therapeutic techniques for relieving stress. You might try drawing, painting, photography, or crafting.
9. Create a comfort kit. For those days when you’re feeling particularly defeated, a comfort kit reminds you that everything will be okay. It can include anything you love, from your favorite tea to a note from your BFF. Find the POSITIVE.
10. Pamper yourself. Set aside some time during the summer and the school year for something special. It could be a nice dinner, a manicure, or a weekend daytrip, experiences that will help you refuel and recharge for the school days ahead.