Thank goodness the holidays are nearly here.
Teachers look tired, children are grouchy and we all need sleep!
As a group, teachers are not great at self-care. They are so used to putting students first they forget that when the well is empty the water cannot flow.
No matter how talented and passionate- when a teacher runs on empty they CANNOT function, their health suffers and children do not learn effectively.
Most teachers spend a substantial amount of their holidays planning, making teaching materials and catching up on reference material.
Some of this is normal in any profession but due to the high stress levels of teaching, better self-care is a MUST for teachers.
An excellent website “Mindful teachers” points out:
“Self-care is far from self-indulgent, especially among those of us who are committed to serving others. It isn’t about being selfish or shirking our responsibilities. It’s about figuring out what aspects of our work and schedules we have control over and making choices about how to most effectively spend our time and energy.”
It then goes on to offer tips, links, reflections, and mindfulness practices to help teachers cope with some common challenges. This link is well worth exploring to help all teachers retain their sense of balance and be able to give 100% within their careers.
I wish all my colleagues a wonderful break with plenty of sleep, fun and a good dollop of self-indulgence!
If all this fails- try chocolate!
http://www.mindfulteachers.org/p/self-care-resources.html
FORMULAIC LEARNING
