In the ever-changing industry of education. Teachers are the front liners and back liners that ensure quality education is met. But teachers are not immortals, we are only human that needs time to recuperate.
Especially right now that isolation is rampant, with the current pandemic. Some teachers might feel weary, lonely, and lost. With that we need to exercise self-care, think for our being is not selfishness it is normal. Love yourself is never a crime.
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Disclaimer: This post is for entertainment purposes only. I am writing base on my overall experience as a teacher. This post is intended for teachers that could relate to the subject matter. Please do not come for me.
Here are eight self-care tips I highly recommend for teachers.
1. Set a "Me Day!"
Repeat after me! "I love myself!" I believe that a person should think about their well-being first. As teachers it is not selfish to crave a day all dedicated to oneself, we must rest. Take this time to think of what you need or what makes you relax. Set aside things that will make you upset or worried. When you exercise my day, think only of your well-being.
2. Setting boundaries
Teachers love to make themselves busy. But sometimes being too busy is too much, I recommend you set boundaries. Let us do our work in a given timeframe, once the time is up drop everything! Whether it is done or not, set limitations. Teachers are not superheroes, we can do a lot of things, but not everything.
3. Cultivate an interest or hobby (out of work)
Work is work! A hobby is a hobby! Never ever make your work your hobby. This also applies to teachers, we work for the sake of working, but it should never evolve to the point that we do our work for we have nothing else to do (been there, and I do not want to go back). So find new interest out of teaching, maybe plant, read a book or bake. The possibility is endless.
4. Exercise self-control
Inhale & Exhale! Look on the pile of paper works and walk away. Exercise self-control, the urge to finish everything and be free is high but believe me, nothing will be done if you keep on working on things with a mindset of being free. Plan and organize, in this way you have control over things you can start, continue, and finish.
5. Contemplate and Validate what you need and feel
Teachers are fantastic beings. Sometimes they already feel something off but they never let it out. Teachers do have a habit of bottling their emotions, so let it out! Feel free to validate that it was a good or a bad day. There is no such thing as a perfect moment, only opportunities to grow further, so do not be too hard on yourself. Be hopeful that every time you wake up, another opportunity will begin.
6. Celebrate success
Whether you just completed a small or big task, always celebrate. Nothing big or small can stop us as a teacher to fell good that we have completed certain tasks. It might not mean that the job is done, for being a teacher working 24/7 is in our everyday occurrence. But there is nothing more exciting to know that you have completed a task.
7. Connect with people
No man is an island! As the saying goes. It is true for many of us. Teacher in general, is a profession all about social interaction. In a world, the isolation is rampant due to the pandemic, feeling alone and lonely is valid. With that find ways to connect with people, teaching daily doesn't fill that missing connection. I recommend we fill that gap with communication, talk to people you trust, call your friends, or spend time with loved ones. It really depends on your willingness and social circle.
8. Seek help
Teachers are not perfect beings! We omit mistakes, we experience failure and pain. These do take a toll on teachers' mental health; I am not an expert, but I am speaking from experience. There was a moment in my teaching career I actually asked for my existence, also at some point I seek comfort on things I know that will cost me my life. That is why let us not be ashamed of seeking help, talk to professionals. By asking for help we are taking the first step in helping ourselves.
Teachers are only human, we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. A well-rested teacher is an effective and efficient teacher; humans perform to the best of their overall capabilities if they are healthy in all aspects. Never think less about yourself for thinking that you need a break; all people do need to rest.
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