A GUIDE FOR EDUCATORS FACING CHALLENGES WITH SELF-CARE
Are You Coping or Just Surviving?
As an educator, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your students. In these trying times, it's crucial to develop healthy coping skills to navigate through the challenges ahead.
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This guide offers valuable insights and practical advice on self-care that can help you remain resilient and effective in your role. Give yourself the gift of self-care, and let this guide be your compass to a healthier and happier you.
Empower yourself by connecting with your inner self
Connecting with your body
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Maintaining a mind-body connection for your well-being is crucial, especially when daily stress can make it easy to neglect your body.
Follow these steps to learn how
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Daily check-in
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Start your day off right by asking yourself two simple questions every morning: How do I feel today? And what do I need right now? Checking in with yourself can set the tone for a positive and productive day ahead.
Daily check-in
Deep breathing
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Throughout the day, pause to focus on your breath. Take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed and feel the air entering and leaving your body.
Connect to your senses
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Connecting to your senses:
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Take a long hot bath and diffuse your favorite essential oils
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Get a massage
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Walk in nature
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Feel the warmth of the sun on your face
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Listen to the sounds around you
Let your body talk to you
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Be aware of the sensations and emotions that your body is experiencing. For example:
Stress can cause tension in the neck, shoulders, and or back, while happiness or joy can manifest as a warm sensation in our chest or stomach.
Time to stop
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It's important to recognize when your body is telling you to stop and allow yourself to rest in order to thrive.
First steps...
Setting Boundaries
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Here are some examples:
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Find comfort in saying “no”
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Identify your priorities
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Ask for help; do not take everything upon yourself
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Do not check your work email on weekends
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Leave work at work
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Use out -of-office message
Building Support
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When experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed, the presence of supportive relationships can offer invaluable emotional support. Trusted friends and loved ones, can lend their
ear to your fears, hopes, and can
provide understanding and validation.
Be Kind to Yourself
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As the week comes to an end, remember three things:
• You did your best
• Take time to recharge this weekend
• It's okay to disconnect from work