December has some the most stressful days of the year for teachers. Not only are we dealing with the usual holiday hustle and bustle, but many of us have report cards due, continuing education classes to prepare for before the end of the year, and kids who are falling behind. SO ready for vacation. It can be difficult to find time for yourself, but it’s certainly important. So here are 12 self-care ideas for teachers that we should all try to make time for this month. Who is with me?
1. Let someone else make your coffee.
Why does coffee taste better when someone else makes it? I don’t know either, but it does. Treat yourself (at least once a week) during the month of December and let someone else prepare for you. You deserve it.
2. Take a few minutes to stretch (or dance).
Take a minute during your lunch break or class recess to do a few stretches at your desk. Feeling bold? Put on your favorite upbeat holiday song and dance a little.
3. Try essential oils in your bedroom.
Choose something holiday-themed or just go for something refreshing. Essential oils can really improve your mood and that of your students.
4. Get together with friends and talk about happy things.
It feels like you don’t have time, but the benefits of spending just 30 minutes laughing with friends will melt away the stress of the season. Here’s the trick though: don’t lash out and talk about how hard your teaching day was. Try talking about happy things to really cheer you up.
5. Every day, write down three things you are grateful for.
It won’t always be easy, but keeping a gratitude journal will help you remember all the good things when the pre-holiday craziness feels overwhelming.
6. Involve your students.
Mindfulness is good for everyone. Tell your students that you are going to take a quick, quiet “field trip” around the building. Their only job during the trip is to find one small thing that they find beautiful and that they think no one else would notice. Back in the room, ask them to write down what they found.
7. Get a few extra winks.
Going to bed 10 to 15 minutes earlier than usual can make a huge difference in your mood at work. It may seem like you have a million, million things to do, but try this one. It’s almost guaranteed to brighten your day.
8. Don’t forget to hydrate.
These busy days can make any teacher feel like caffeine is the unspoken sixth food group, but don’t forget to drink water throughout the day. It can make all the difference!
9. Try a little organization.
Sometimes all the decorations – the lights, the toys – can seem a little… overwhelming. Give yourself some peace of mind by freeing up a little space in your classroom or on your desk. This might give you some sanity.
10. Take the long way home and enjoy the lights.
It can be depressing to leave work when it’s already dark, but taking the opportunity to see your neighbors’ Christmas lights can make coming home a festive event.
11. Do something to please yourself.
It will be different for everyone, but do something that works for you know will do you good. Take a very long shower or bath. Get a manicure-pedicure. Put the grading aside for 30 minutes and relax in bed with a book. Buy yourself a little gift that makes you smile.
12. Celebrate with your students.
After surviving some of the most stressful days of the school year, take time to spread joy to your students. Make a fun (and easy!) craft, hand out simple (and inexpensive!) gifts, and send them on vacation with a smile.
We can do this, teachers! Don’t forget to take care of yourself this month!
How can we make time for teachers to take care of themselves? Please share your ideas in the comments.
