A Little Play Reminder!

Remember: The most important thing you can do as a teacher is to create a play-rich environment!

Teachers Need Self-Care!

Teachers are great of taking care of the kiddos in their classrooms, but not so great with self-care! Teachers need to find ways to stay positive and focused. There are many little ways to tend to self-care!

During the day, find small ways to stay grounded.

These are some items you can keep in your desk or cabinet for a quick pick-me-up:

• Tea (Green, White, Roobios, Herbal)
• Chocolate (Dark is best!)
• Protein boosts (nuts, granola, seeds)
• Floss
• Healthy snacks (fruit, veggies, yogurt)
• Thank you notes
• Stress balls

Do you have a few minutes on break?

Here are some two-minute strategies to take care of yourself:

• Do a few yoga poses or stretches to get your blood moving and release tension
• 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 (practice meditation!)

When you get home, plan some "me" time!

Here some ideas for energizing or unwinding:

• Email
• Knit
• Quilt
• Draw
• Play air guitar
• Bake cookies
• Sing

Connect with others to fill your tank:

• Share projects with fellow teachers
• 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 favorite ways to just unwind:

• Watch a mindless TV show
• Take a hot bath
• Read
• Listen to music
• Meditate
• Take a scenic drive
• Eat chocolate

Get your body moving:

• Run
• Dance
• Yoga
• Crossfit
• Go for a walk

Everyone's self-care may look a little different. 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. Self-care helps us sustain as teachers and as learners.