Now, more than ever, there is a need for teachers to practice self-care as an important part of their daily teaching routine. We must get over the idea that self-care is unnecessary, self-indulgent, or a selfish use of our time. In fact, self-care promotes long-term health.
According to the National Institute of Mental Illness, there are 6 elements to self-care:
- Physical
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Social
- Professional
Ideally, we should be setting time each day to include a small activity from each one of these elements. Some ideas are listed:
- Make sure to plan at least 10-20 minutes a day to decompress by yourself. This could simply mean closing your door and listening to soothing music at the end of the day.
- Find ways to work on and improve your self-image. You need to improve your sense of compassion for yourself.
- Keep a journal and write in it to work through difficult teaching days when you feel overwhelmed.
- Social support is important. Find ways to connect with loved ones at least once a day. This could be having dinner with your family, calling a friend, or relaxing with your significant other.
For more information on self-care, read the entire article published by Waterford.org, April 10, 2020.
Why Teacher Self-Care Matters and How to Practice Self-Care in Your School