Teacher Self Care Ideas

“You can’t pour from an empty cup” is a phrase I saw on my Pinterest boards, instagram feeds, and podcasts I listened to this week. I needed the reminder because I felt totally and completely burnt out.

I don’t have any advice on how to make that feeling go completely away (but if anyone figures out the secret, please let me know!!)

One of the best perspectives I’ve found about balancing your life as a teacher is the glass ball analogy.

Teacher Burn Out Tips:

Here are some things I do when I feel completely physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.

• I remind myself that the burn out comes because I was put 110% into teaching and it is totally okay that I need to take a break.
• I add barre, kickboxing, and yoga YouTube videos to my workout routine instead of just hitting the treadmill.
• I use Teachers Pay Teachers as a creative outlet and make products for my store.
• I focus on making just one lesson really fun and entertaining for my students each day. The rest of the lessons might be mediocre, but we hit all of the standards we need to that day.
• I turn on the Breathe feature on my Apple Watch while the kids were at recess so they came back to a more relaxed teacher.
• I ask my students to help pass out papers and to help with other odd jobs around the classroom. They love helping and I love having the help.
• I journal using my Silk and Sonder monthly journal.* (Use code AIMEE15 for 15% off!)
• I turned my phone off when I needed space and time away from distractions.
• I unfollow accounts that make me feel “less than” on social media.
• I clear the junk emails out my inbox because it makes me feel a little more productive.
• I use one of my prep times to go to events that my students are having in specialty.
• I go outside and play 4 square with my students during their recess instead of stressing about what we were going to do next.
• I talk to people I love. I ask them what was going on in their lives and vent to my parents.
• I take a nap when I can’t keep my eyes open after coming home from work.
• I gave myself permission to watch a TV show without multitasking.

I hope these things sparked some ideas in ways that you can take care of yourself during a burnout period. Just remember that they don’t last forever and take time for yourself! You have earned it!

Until next time, friend.