As the new school year starts, teachers walk into their classrooms with deep care and a commitment to support students’ growth. They meticulously prepare lessons, create welcoming spaces, and invest time to develop positive relationships with their students. 

Amid this dedication to students, it’s equally crucial for teachers to extend the same level of care to themselves. Educators must intentionally weave the same commitment into the fabric of their own lives.

Teaching is an emotionally and physically taxing profession, often leading to burnout and compromised well-being. By cultivating healthy habits and thoughtful routines, teachers can support their own well-being and ensure resilience. 

Setting up healthy habits from the beginning of the school year can have great benefits. It can boost educators’ physical health, and enhance their mental clarity, emotional agility, and overall job satisfaction. 

If you are committed to growing your social and emotional capacity this fall, join me and hundreds of educators to grow HEART skills. We intentionally explore and practice SEL strategies to support ourselves in increasing awareness and developing purpose. Join us!

If you are an educator, don’t wait until November to adopt or improve your health-centered routines! Now it is the time to set yourself up for success by reflecting on and improving your daily habits. 

Use the list below to create a new plan for yourself or strengthen what you already have in place. The goal is to keep your health and well-being as part of the equation for a successful school year. 

Morning Routine: Establishing a consistent morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. Consider the time you have before you head out to school, and see if you can incorporate a few minutes of mindfulness, stretching, or light exercise. Make sure you have a nourishing breakfast! Starting the day with intention can boost energy levels and set a proactive mindset.

Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Educators can integrate movement into their day by taking short walks during breaks or engaging in a favorite sport. If you only have 10 minutes, that’s fine. Use that time to move your body! Physical activity not only reduces stress but also increases productivity and overall mood.

Mindful Breaks: Try to incorporate brief moments of mindfulness throughout the day. These breaks can involve deep breathing exercises, quick stretches, or even a few moments of quiet reflection. These mindful breaks can help you connect with your own emotions or process a stressful situation that happened that day. Set up a mindful break reminder on your calendar if that’s helpful!

Healthy Nutrition: Prioritize a balanced and nourishing diet by planning healthy meals and snacks. When possible, avoid processed foods or sugary snacks, and opt for options that are nutritious and can sustain your energy during the day. 

Healthy boundaries: Set boundaries between work and personal life. While you may need to bring work-related tasks home, try to set up specific days or hours for that work. Schedule time when you are focused on other things: hobbies, socializing, or relaxation. Weekly reflect on your work-life balance. How did this week go? If things didn’t work out that well, make adjustments to your schedule so you maintain a healthy balance.  

Remember, building healthy habits is a gradual process. Start with small, manageable changes and gradually integrate them into your daily routine. Over time, these habits will become second nature and contribute to your overall well-being as an educator. You got this!

Wishing you a fantastic school year.

Photo by Emma Simpson