In my last post, I wrote about how teachers can keep students motivated and engaged at the end of the year. But if you’re a teacher, you’re also concerned about keeping yourself going at the end of the year! Here are 18 self-care tips for this busy (or busier than usual) time of year. If you’re not a teacher, these tips will work for you too!
1 – Try 1-2 minutes of mindful deep breathing. Just take a moment to close your eyes (if possible) and take deep inhales for a count of four and then exhale to a count of four. Even if you can only spare 30 seconds, it makes a difference. I hate having recess or lunch duty, so I really try to do this at those times. I have to keep my eyes open, but it still calms and relaxes me to where I almost enjoy the duty after all!
2 – Go to bed earlier, even by just 15 minutes.
3 – Get up earlier in the morning to enjoy some relaxed time at home before leaving for work. Enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee or tea.
4 – Make lists of all the thousands of things you need to do! This doesn’t get stuff done, but it does help clear your mind of all the nagging little thoughts of everything you have to do.
5 – Make one of those lists a list of all the things that went well this school year. Keep adding to the list every day. Even in your toughest years, you will find many things that were good and that you did well.
6 – Plan your day in time blocks. Read my post about time blocking HERE.
7 – Get some exercise every day. Even a 15 minute walk counts.
8 – Eat more food that nourishes your body. While hitting the candy stash probably is more inviting right now, try eating just one or two more servings of fruit and vegetables instead.
9 – Stay hydrated. Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water, every single day. Add lemon or lime to your water, or drink flavored sparkling water. Whatever helps you to get your water quota into your body!
10 – Read something that you enjoy reading, even for just five minutes.
11 – Cut back on screen time. Try to enjoy more time outside instead.
12 – Spend five minutes clearing a messy area at school (your desk, a bookshelf, part of a closet). Five minutes a day will make a big difference by the end of the week!
13 – Spend five minutes clearing a messy area at home.
14 – Listen to a podcast while you’re doing that clearing or while cleaning anything at home.
15 – Repeat positive affirmations to yourself.
16 – List five things you are grateful for, both morning and evening.
17 – Set three goals for self-improvement during the summer and things you could do that will lead to that improvement.
18 – Make lists or plans of things you will enjoy doing when you are finally out of school! Having things to look forward to will keep you going!
Stay strong, take care of yourself with these self-care tips, and enjoy your summer break.