5 self-care tips for teachers at the start of the school year

Educators: Is the beginning of the school year rush already getting the best of you? We certainly carry a lot on our plates, and as much as we are spending time ensuring our students are getting SEL (Social Emotional Learning) and as we check in with their needs, we need to take some time to do the same for ourselves. Remember: we cannot pour out of an empty cup!

Here are five ways to give yourself some grace during this busy time of the academic year:

1. Put your notifications on “Do Not Disturb.” Yes, the emails can wait. If you are waiting for a specific email, you can certainly check. However, having the constant notifications pop up can be draining, and get in the way of your personal or 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 of your evenings 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’re at. BookTok (the book recommendation side of TikTok) is also a fun place to get lost in! For extra credit, start a book club with some friends.
4. Take time to 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. If digital is more your thing, then consider starting a blog. Blogging can be incredibly rewarding.    
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 a hobby. 

What other ways can you focus on self-care at the start of the year? Let us know at Arizona PBS KIDS on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (6) and Logan (4). 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 nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.