What are practical ways to prioritize teacher self-care?

Remember and repeat daily 'Teaching is just a JOB' and my mantra from my book (Time Smart Teaching) 'Done is betterthan ?? perfect'. Set digital boundaries around school work- for example I keep my school laptop in the boot of my car and I never sync my school email to my phone or personal laptop.This makes it unlikely that I will complete school work at home. See my free 14 day 'Blitz Teacher ?? Burnout' challenge on my youtube channel for more guidance on boundary setting.

Teachers need to be updated with the application of subjects they teach in past, present and future work environments Maintaining a work life balance by self discipline for healthy and productive by teachers as they are perceived by students for building their skills and abilities.

Regular physical exercise, meditation and pursuing my hobbies of reading and embroidery works best for me. Also, I take a few weekend getaways during the year to rejuvenate and relax my mind and body. When there are deadlines for evaluations, I set small goals daily, which are achievable. If I achieve these goals, I pat myself on the back and this internal motivation keeps me going. I also suggest taking small pauses/breaks in between work to get energized.

Setting boundaries when you are an educator is critical! For me it started with getting my work email off my phone so I would stop checking it and responding when I was off contracted time. Establish clear work hours: Define specific work hours and stick to them. Communicate to colleagues, students, and parents when you're available and when you're not, including your response times for emails to students, parents, and colleagues. Let them know you'll address their inquiries during work hours. Also, whenever possible, complete your work at school. Avoid taking piles of grading or lesson planning home, as it can blur the lines between work and personal life. I have a doc with 12 tips to create boundaries; connect & I can share them with you!

I suggest you to spend time with what gives you energy and lift your spirit e.g. art, music, nature, movement, reading a book, spending time with friends and family.

Teachers need self-care simply because they have to care for others. Their role is 24x7! Even parents rely on teachers to share the responsibility of raising their wards. Teachers need constant knowledge upgradation, they need to be self- driven, with high EQ, humorous, finally pragmatic dreamers to achieve their goals. The dual role of managing one’s families while shaping the lives of others needs reaching deep into one’s own wellsprings.

Taking care of yourself first isn't selfish. When you're at your best, you can operate at your highest capacity, and have the space to take care of others. * Engaging in physical movement - anything from walking to yoga. * Spending time in natural settings can promote relaxation and mental well-being. * Explore Creative Outlets: Dedicate time to creative hobbies such as painting, writing, photography, cooking, or playing a musical instrument. By incorporating these fun and fulfilling activities into your life outside of work, you can prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. Remember to listen to your needs and make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Scheduling self-care is a practical way to prioritize teacher self-care. By intentionally setting aside time for activities that promote well-being, teachers can ensure that self-care becomes a regular part of their routine. This can include scheduling time for exercise, relaxation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. By prioritizing self-care in their schedule, teachers can recharge, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and effectiveness in the classroom.

This is essential. You have to refill your cup to pour out into others. I find that if I do not set the time aside then it gets eaten into by tasks or other people. Once it’s nonnegotiable time for yourself. You have a strong and clear boundary.

Esto es vital para poder tener una vida equilibrada. Planear una rutina que me desconecte de cualquier tema de trabajo y concentrarme en mí, en las actividades que agrada realizar me ha recargado la batería interior y mejorado mi vida.

Expressing gratitude can lead to increased happiness. Gratitude plays a key role in promoting well-being and fostering positivity, according to the principles of positive psychology. Research by Nawa and Yamagishi (2021) found that keeping a journal and listing things we are thankful for can enhance motivation both academically and socially. During my discussions with teachers in the "What Teachers Want" PD sessions, many expressed a desire to feel valued and appreciated. It is essential for schools to show gratitude and recognition towards teachers to enhance their motivation and ultimately, their positive achievements.

Feedback feedback feedback! All teachers need sometimes is validation. A mirror which sees their experiences through a more positive perspective. Most teachers are critical of themselves to produce the best learning experiences. When they work with colleagues who see their work without a critical eye, teachers are relieved with the feeling that they are doing the best they can!

Sharing is caring, y tambien en lo que se refiere a hacer valer los logros de nuestros estudiantes y los propios. Cada día, una cosita.

Feedback feedback feedback! All teachers need sometimes is validation. A mirror which sees their experiences through a more positive perspective. Most teachers are critical of themselves to produce the best learning experiences. When they work with colleagues who see their work without a critical eye, teachers are relieved with the feeling that they are doing the best they can!

Practicing gratitude is a practical way to prioritize teacher self-care. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, teachers can shift their focus to the positive aspects of their profession and daily life. This can be done by starting each day with a gratitude practice, such as writing down three things they are grateful for or reflecting on positive moments from the previous day. By acknowledging and appreciating the good in their lives, teachers can enhance their overall well-being, reduce stress, and foster a positive mindset that can positively impact their teaching and interactions with students.

The best kind of support we all can get without even trying really hard is by spending quality time with our family. Nothing better than sitting with your wife/parents/kids/grandparents after a long day at work, it sort of replenishes your energy. And this is where the first point about seeing boundaries becomes really important. Keep your phone away , no doubt solving of students for some time and just be mentally present with the people you are with. As a father, I must accept that you get to learn a lot about the emotional needs of your students in general just by spending time with your kids.

Seeking support is a practical way to prioritize teacher self-care. Teachers can reach out to colleagues, mentors, or support groups for guidance and encouragement. It's important for teachers to have a network of people they can lean on during challenging times. Additionally, seeking support can involve prioritizing professional development opportunities and accessing resources that can enhance teaching skills and well-being. By proactively seeking support, teachers can feel empowered, connected, and better equipped to navigate the demands of their profession while also taking care of their own needs.

Access Bars sessions are fantastic support in which you neither have to worry about confidentiality, nor do you have to take on some other adult's opinion instead of your own. Nevertheless you will feel supported in re-establishing what you yourself know. You will also be relaxing extra thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are bashing around your head and confusing you. You will also feel more centred. I highly recommend weekly Access Bars sessions for teachers, or as often as one needs. If several teachers in a school learn how to do them, they can have free swap sessions in lunch break or after school which makes for a lovely culture of kindness.

Seek support and seek out solutions to your problems and focus on the outcome you want rather than the problem you have to face. It creates a different set of questions in your mind which are much more empowering. When we get stuck in complaining and blaming others we go into a victim mindset. It is a kind of mental resistance. Always remember where your attention goes your energy flows.

Celebrating achievements is a practical way to prioritize teacher self-care. Teachers can take time to recognize and appreciate their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. This can include acknowledging successful lessons, positive feedback from students or parents, or personal milestones in their teaching journey. Celebrating achievements can boost self-confidence, provide a sense of fulfillment, and remind teachers of the positive impact they are making. By intentionally celebrating their successes, teachers can foster a positive and motivated mindset, which can contribute to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

Redefine and reimagine what success looks like. For example, instead of grading papers for a class tonight, what if it's taking a 10 minute break (meditation, walk, music, etc.) *before* grading? The best way to care for others is by starting with ourselves. Care for yourself while caring for your students. You are worthy of the care and attention you provide your students, and there's no better way to model it for them by starting with yourself.

Take the time to stop and smell the roses. Our ability to celebrate our achievements can be very much influenced by how we are naturally predisposed. Some people are more modest so they hide their achievements under a bushel and tend to celebrate the achievements of others. The flip side is some people can blow their own trumpet and forget to include others in the celebration. A balance is needed depending on how you are wired.

Aquí estoy un poco en desacuerdo. Porque para ser flexible y adaptable sería tener que aceptar todas las situaciones que de un momento a otro tiene uno que resolver y preparar sin previo aviso. La carga laboral de por si, en mi caso ya es abundante; este tipo de cosas pueden desequilibrar la planificación y programación previa que se ha estado trabajando anteriormente. Y es muy desgastante a nivel físico, mental y emocional.

The leadership in a school will have a significant impact on the quality of the climate that individual staff members feel. Climate is 'what does it feel like to work here'. Is there clarity of direction, autonomy, reward, and recognition for efforts made? If you can't change the quality of the leadership know you can be in charge of the climate of your classes because you are the leader there and if you deliver a good climate the children will reward you because they will know that you care.