Teaching is an incredibly time-consuming job, and sometimes you’re so busy that there’s no time left over for yourself to eat right or get enough exercise. It can leave you totally stressed out.
You can’t give your students your best without taking care of yourself, so it’s important to practice some self-care throughout the week — it can’t wait until summer. Try these daily tips to improve your physical and mental health so you’ll be recharged and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.
Monday
Start the week off right by stocking your classroom with some healthy snacks — for you. Having a supply of plain popcorn, fresh fruit or pre-cut veggies all ready to go will keep you from binging on sugary staff room treats throughout the week. Keeping a mini-fridge in your classroom will allow for many more choices.
Tuesday
Take five minutes to email a parent(s) about one great thing their child did so far this week. As you can, work your way through your class list over the course of the school year, sending out these good vibes will create amazing classroom karma. It will also make parents feel more connected to the classroom and create natural allies to help kids succeed.
Wednesday
Share “Wild Wednesdays” with your students by making it a day filled with physical activity breaks. Have a dance break between subjects, teach kids a few cardio moves or fill quiet time with 15 minutes of yoga or quiet meditation. Taking time during the day to support good exercise habits and physical health reduces stress and promotes a healthy lifestyle for both you and your students.
Thursday
Turn Thursdays into “Thankful Thursdays” for an easy way to remind yourself why you love teaching. Take a moment alone during your prep to think of one thing you’re thankful for this week: a lesson that went well, a funny student moment, a milestone met. Jot it down in a journal — when you’re having a really bad day, reading through your collection of positive memories will help you get through it.
Friday
Clear your correspondence responsibilities before you leave the building on Friday afternoon. Answer and/or delete any lingering emails to clear your inbox, and fill out any forms you’ve gathered over the week. Drop them in the right mailboxes in the office on your way out, and you’ll come back to a clean desk on Monday morning.
Want to find more inspiring ideas to take your teaching to the next level? Check out these free resources and lesson plans!
