Self Care for Educators
By: Umaira Khan, Instructional Coach, NYC Department of Ed
As educators, we work so hard to make every day special for our students. But in addition to being teachers, we are humans. Keep in mind that it’s hard to be an effective teacher if you are feeling burnt out or disillusioned. Here are some simple tips to make sure you stay emotionally healthy.
1. Be Creative.
After a hard day, find solace in a creative activity like knitting, music, or painting. Think about how you can do this with members of your family or other friends. This is two-fold, as you get to spend time with loved ones while also activating the creative part of your mind.
2. Find the Positive.
Keep a journal where you write down one positive thing that happens each day.
3. Stay Active.
Studies show that exercise can improve mental health. You don’t have to go to the gym to be active; try to take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car in the back of the lot, or do deep stretches while watching TV.
4. Remember “Why.”
Why did you decide to pursue a career in education? Write your answer on a post-it and keep it somewhere visible.
