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.