Self-Care for Educators

Teaching is undeniably one of the most rewarding professions, but it can also be extremely demanding. As educators, you spend your days nurturing young minds, imparting knowledge, and fostering growth. However, amidst the daily routine of creating lesson plans, grading papers, or thinking about how you can help a student who is struggling, you neglect to look after yourself. Burnout, stress, and exhaustion become constant companions, and self-care seems to take a back seat.

Many educators tend to think that self-care is selfish, as it takes time away from their work and responsibilities. However, the fact remains that taking care of yourself - your physical health, social-emotional well-being, and mental health - will empower you to be the best version of yourself for your students and your families.

Self-care can be done in many ways – big and small – depending on your daily schedule, your values, and your preferences.

Tips for Self-Care

Begin the day on a positive note:

Carve out some alone time in the morning. Wake up 15 minutes earlier if you have to. Starting your day with something that empowers you makes all the difference. It could be meditation, philosophy, exercise, reading, music, art – anything that resonates with you, calms you down, and makes you feel ready to face the day with an uplifted spirit.

Take care of your physical health:

Being physically healthy gives you the required energy to do your best at work and home. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night, eating a balanced diet, and making exercise a part of your daily routine will positively impact not just your physical health, but your mental health, too.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance:

Set clear boundaries for yourself. This may include saying ‘no’ to volunteering on a school committee or doing extra work, even though you may be happy to do it. Stretching yourself too thin can impact your health and your effectiveness.

On busy days, when you need to take work home, like grading papers or creating lesson plans, ensure that you allocate some time for relaxation and personal activities, too.

Be aware of your de-stressors:

What are the activities that make you feel calmer and fill your heart with joy? Identify a few you can engage in when you are feeling stressed or bogged down with the challenges of daily life. It could be reading, listening to music, taking a few deep breaths, painting, going for a walk, etc.

Journalling:

Make a note of the small victories you have as an educator - the moments of sheer joy and the positive impact you have on your students. Journalling these precious moments can be a powerful reminder that the ceaseless efforts you make on a daily basis, no matter how small, are contributing to a brighter future.

Engage in hobbies:

Use holidays and weekends to nurture your passion or hobbies. It could be playing a sport, learning a musical instrument, or reading a good book. This will help you unwind and promote your mental well-being.

Invest in professional development:

There is no end to learning and growth. Attend workshops, conferences, and online teacher development courses to stay inspired and motivated, and nurture your passion as an educator. Whether you enhance your existing talents and abilities or learn something new, both go a long way in increasing your self-confidence and making you feel good about yourself.

Have a social life:

While it is important to have some alone time, the importance of spending time with family and friends cannot be overlooked. Whether it is a phone call with those who love and encourage you, dinner with family, or an after-dinner walk with your child, spouse, or close friend, it can go a long way toward enhancing your mental well-being.

Self-reflect:

When things don’t go as planned, take a moment to self-reflect. Acknowledge your part in it and make changes as needed. While self-reflection is important, it is also imperative that you cut yourself some slack. Instead of putting yourself down, strive to do your best the next time around.

Ask for help, when needed:

You don’t need to do it all alone. When the going gets tough, ask for assistance from your peers, seek support from your family, or be open to meeting a counsellor, if required. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it simply shows that you value your health and well-being.

As educators, your impact is immeasurable. Your students are watching you and learning from you all the time. You play a pivotal role in shaping the future. In order to give your best to your students, you must first prioritize your well-being. The concept of self-care for teachers is about creating a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle that nurtures both personal and professional growth and makes them a good role model. Always remember, taking care of yourself is not an indulgence - it is a necessity.