11 Self-Care Tips for Educators

Educators wear a lot of hats including ensuring the well-being of the students we serve. It seems to be common sense that when we take better care of ourselves, we can take better care of those around us, including family, students, and our colleagues. However,  making time for self-care during the work day or at the end of a long day can seem like a stretch for some. To some, self-care seems...selfish! Well, let me tell you it isn't! 

The October 2021 EdResearch for Recovery policy briefing "Structural Supports to Promote Teacher Well-Being" supported mindfulness trainings for teachers that explicitly teach ways to cope with stress to reduce teachers' self reports of emotional exhaustion and increase teaching effectiveness. I think it goes without saying that whole and healthy educators are more likely to inspire whole and health students, right? 

Number 11 on the list for this week is a fully comprehensive structural support program for educator wellness and well-being. It can be implemented on-site or virtually for your school or district. ⭐️ Joyful Leadership Institute⭐️ is a professional development and structural support for you and your school district. Chronic stress and educator burnout can be remedied through a comprehensive individual and organizational wellness program such as ⭐️ Joyful Leadership Institute⭐️. Joyful Leadership Institute & The 7 Powerful Practices Model to support the WHOLE Educator. 

I've been practicing self-care in many forms consistently since 2010. I love to read about self-care, wellness and well-being. I love to talk about it and suggest self-care strategies for my friends, colleagues & clients. I've had principals I've consulted for jokingly say, "Wow! I didn't know I was going to get in shape and eat right too when we hired you for this initiative, lol!" I've practiced each and every one of these suggestions and can vouch for them. I'd love for you to consider creating your own self-care and wellness program for your personality, schedule, health and wellness needs! 

It doesn't have to take a lot of time and it can be fun! It's not just another thing to cross off of the 'to do' list! Here are some tips that you can start implementing right away. Number 1 was always tough for me as a principal and assistant principal. Prioritizing time to eat lunch and breakfast that wasn't drive through or take-out was often a challenge. Thankfully there are more and more subscription programs that can support the busy educator schedule! Numbers 2, 5, & 8 made a huge impact in my life too! So did number 7! I love a good yoga class to get my mindset right! Well, let's face it, they have all made a big impact in my life or they wouldn't be on this list. 

What do you suggest for educator self-care tips? Email me at [email protected] and I will include your tip in next week's self-care report!

1. Incorporate more nourishing foods into your daily routine: $25 Daily Harvest Discount Code
2. Practice 5-Minute Gratitude Journaling (Love this practice!)
3. Listen to a Ted Talk 10 Ted Talks for When You Feel Burnt Out (Love Ted Talks for my students too!)
4. Try Meditation
1. 12 Minute Meditation on Apple Podcasts - Select meditations that align with your needs
2. Practice this 1-Minute Grounding Meditation
3. Body Scan Meditation A Body Scan Meditation to Help You Sleep - Mindful
4. New York Times Meditation How to Meditate Outdoors With Us Right Now - The New York Times
5. Check this out! The Calm Place - The New York Times
6. Download the Peloton App (Check out Ross Rayburn's sessions)
5. Pay attention to the mind gut connection and take a high quality probiotic
6. Practice breathing 12 Minute Meditation: A 4-7-8 Breath Practice with Ni-Cheng Liang on Apple Podcasts 
7. Move your body for 30 minutes a day (Do anything to activate those endorphins!)
1. Take a free yoga class on YouTube Move - A 30 Day Yoga Journey  |  Yoga With Adriene
2. Attend a class: Jill Weston | Insight Timer
3. Download the Peloton App  (I started by doing three 10-minute classes) 
8. Flip Through Affirmation or Dream Cards with your morning coffee, before bed, or while you take a epsom salt bath
1. Louise Hay Affirmation Cards (I was gifted these from a friend in 2009 and they are my absolute favorite affirmation cards. Love having these at school for the kids!)
2. Dream Cards - Change your thoughts, change your life - 50 cards to help you achieve your dreams
3. These are my favorite epsom salts 
4. Download the Mantra App
9. Listen to positive & uplifting music: EdSolutions Inspiration Spotify Playlist (Let me know if you have a song to add to the list!)
10. Listen to this webinar and implement one idea: Thriving in a Time of Uncertainty
11. Attend Joyful Educator Lab and create your own 7 Powerful Practices Action Plan! 

What do you suggest for educator self-care tips? Email me at [email protected] and I will include your tip in next week's self-care report!

About the Author, Lisa Imel, M.Ed.

Lisa is the Founder & Chief Educational Consultant of EdSolutions Group. Lisa specializes in Human Potential, Workforce & Economic Development, and K-16 Education Strategy. Several of Ms. Imel’s notable achievements include being awarded the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship, participation in the Argentina Fulbright Principal Exchange, serving as an Ohio Leadership Advisory Council Facilitator, appointed as a Trustee at St. Joseph Montessori School and recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Cleveland. Ms. Imel graduated from Bowling Green State University and The University of Toledo and earned her Principal and Superintendent Licensure at Ursuline College and Ohio University. Lisa currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Ashland University in the Professional Development Services Department. As a former teacher, principal and curriculum coordinator, Lisa is a passionate advocate for educators and believes in delivering transformative experiences so that educators, students and families lead happier, healthier and more meaningful lives.