7 Self-Care Strategies For Teachers
This is a sampling of ideas for self-care taken from the Edutopia community. Thanks to all those who contributed on Facebook, Twitter and on the Edutopia discussion!
During the day - small ways to stay grounded:
Here are a few items folks keep in their desks for that little pick-me-up during a busy day:
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Protein boost (nuts, granola bar)
- Floss
- Healthy snacks
- Thank you notes
- Stress ball
Got a few minutes during passing time or prep time? Some two-minute strategies to take care of yourself:
- Do a few yoga poses or stretches to get your blood moving
- Get out of the buildling for some fresh air and a change of scenery
- Take a mindful moment and pay attention to your breathing to center yourself
After a tough day, some ideas for energizing or unwinding:
Get creative:
- Knit
- Quilt
- Draw
- Play air guitar
- Bake cookies
- Sing
Connect with others to fill your tank:
- Share projects with fellow teachers
- Make positive phone calls to parents
- Spend time with loved ones
- Spend time with animals
- Give back to your community by volunteering
Look for the positive and hang on to it for a rainy day:
- Keep a folder of kind notes or feedback from students and families
- Keep a notebook of inspirational quotes
- Record something positive each day in your journal
Chill - here were some of your favorite ways to just unwind:
- Watch a mindless TV show
- Take a hot bath
- Read
- Listen to music
- Meditate
- Take the scenic route home
- Eat chocolate
Get your body moving:
- Run
- Dance
- Yoga
- Crossfit
- Go for a walk
Everyone's self-care may look a little different, and there's no single way to take good care of yourself. Try some different strategies until you have a full toolbox: something that energizes you, something that helps you unwind, something that helps you manage when you're having a hard time. Finally, encourage students to do the same. Self-care helps us sustain as teachers and as learners.