Teaching can be a demanding and stressful profession, so it’s crucial for teachers to prioritize self-care to maintain their well-being and effectiveness in the classroom. As teachers in the northern hemisphere look to return to school in about a month’s time, we continue our blog theme for teachers with this post: 5 Self-Care Tips for Teachers:
Set Boundaries: As a teacher, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the job and extend working hours beyond the school day. However, it’s essential to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking work home whenever possible and allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and allows you to recharge. Speaking from experience, this is a tough one for teachers, especially newly-qualified teachers! We’re all keen to do a great job fresh out of college in our first teaching role, but spending too much time on lesson prep over the weekend or holidays is a real concern! If necessary, in those early months, try to use ready-prepared lessons which will leave more time for admin but more importantly, self-care!
Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Teaching can be a high-stress job, and managing stress is vital for overall well-being. Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, to calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Taking just a few minutes each day for these techniques can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Many schools or education departments offer a free subscription to a mindfulness app, such as Smiling Mind. This is a great place to start, easy to use and best of all, doesn’t cost a cent!
Prioritize Sleep: A well-rested teacher is a more effective teacher. Ensure you get enough sleep each night to allow your body and mind to recover. Sleep is crucial for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall health. Establish a consistent sleep routine and try to maintain a relaxing bedtime ritual to improve the quality of your sleep. Some people like using ‘white noise’ apps or meditation music and ambient sounds such as rain, rainforest noise, lapping waves etc…
Find Supportive Networks: Connect with other teachers or join professional groups where you can share experiences, challenges, and ideas. Having a supportive network of colleagues can provide a sense of community and understanding, and it allows you to discuss the highs and lows of teaching. Sharing and receiving support can help you cope with stress and build resilience. In each state of Australia, the teacher registration board offers support and community conferences which teachers can attend (mostly for free). These provide PD opportunities but also have teacher support groups or events each year. If you feel comfortable seeking support on social media platforms, the Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership has a large Facebook community with over 10,000 members and is a great social media support page.
Pursue Hobbies and Interests Outside of Teaching: It’s essential to have interests and hobbies beyond the classroom. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can provide a much-needed break from work-related stress. Whether it’s reading, painting, sports, or gardening, having a hobby allows you to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. For me, it’s fibre arts! Crochet, knitting, spinning, needlework and weaving. Not only to I get to relax and make things I will use and enjoy but I also give my projects away as gifts to family and friends. It’s been a real life-saver for me over my teaching career!
Remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessity for maintaining your well-being and being the best teacher you can be. By incorporating these self-care tips into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of teaching and find more joy and satisfaction in your profession.
