Teacher self-care for getting through tough times

Educators: Is October feeling like May?

Many teachers are finding that the end-of-year tiredness is already taking over. This year has not been an easy one! As much as we are spending time ensuring our students are getting SEL (Social Emotional Learning) time and checking in with their needs, we need to take some time to do the same for ourselves. Remember: we can not pour out of an empty cup!

Here are 5 ways to give yourself some grace:

1. Turn off your email notifications. Yes, the emails can wait. If you are waiting for a specific email, you can certainly check it. But having constant notifications pop up can be draining and get in the way of your family time.
2. Designate a “grading” night and stick to it! Stop carrying your grading basket to and from your home nightly. You do not need to grade every night. Instead, schedule ONE night a week for grading and keep the rest open for yourself.
3. Find a book to read for FUN. Yes, fun. Not a school book or curriculum book, but one you can get lost in. If you are on “the go” constantly, then download a book reading app like Kindle, so that you can read anywhere you are.
4. Journal. When was the last time you wrote down how you felt? Seeing your feelings on paper can really help you understand and process what you are going through.
5. Schedule alone time for yourself. If you come home to children of your own or if you struggle with making time for yourself, schedule some time on your calendar. It is important to have some alone time, and sometimes we have to force ourselves to do so! Spend this time meditating or doing something that brings you joy, like painting.

What are other ways you can focus on your self-care?

About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two toddlers, Olivia (4) and Logan (2). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past eight years teaching third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.