Spring Fever: Teachers, Take Care of Yourself.

The weather is warming up. The trees are blooming. The days are longer. Spring is in full effect. Most school districts here in Georgia are gearing up for Spring Break in the next week or so. If you’re not in the school system, you don’t really understand the great need for teachers (and students) to have that well-anticipated break! The stretch between the two-week semester break in December/January and Spring Break is incredibly long. Not all districts have a mid-winter break in February, so educators are exhausted. This is also the test-prep season in preparation for end-of-the-year.

Here at The Educators Room, we believe in the importance of teacher self-care. If we don’t take care of ourselves, who will? As educators, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We are tasked with growing students, teaching to the test, and so much more. Here are some ways that teachers can be sure to care for themselves this time of the year:

• • Exercise: I cannot emphasize the importance of this enough. A plethora of studies has proven the benefits of exercise. Whether you go to the gym or take a walk after dinner with your family, invest in your wellness by taking care of your body.
  • Plan and prep healthy meals: This is definitely another big one. I have been guilty of, in moments of exhaustion, grabbing a bag of chips or going to the drive-thru after work. Our bodies crave nutrients from whole foods! Do yourself a favor: take one-two hours on the weekend and create a meal plan. Be sure to incorporate delicious green smoothies and protein-rich foods to fuel your body and keep you full.
  • Plan something on the weekend: Whether its brunch with a friend or date night with your honey, schedule something that you’ll be excited about!
  • Read a good book: As educators, we know the importance of reading. We encourage our students to read every day. I recommend educators pick up a book or two for leisure. This is a great way to wind down after a stressful day.

• Have grace on yourself: It is incredibly important to realize that this is a stressful season. We are pressured from administrators and parents. We cannot place additional pressure on ourselves. Choose what to focus on and let everything else go. You owe it to yourself to be KIND!

• *Bonus* Register for a Teacher Self-Care event. Imagine an event created specifically for teacher wellness in every area of their lives. Invest in yourself!!

Hopefully, these tips are helpful. What would you add to the list?