11 Self-Care Tips for Educators

Educators wear numerous hats, including safeguarding the well-being of the students under their care. While it is commonly understood that prioritizing self-care enables us to better attend to the needs of those around us — be it family, students, or colleagues — finding the time for self-care within the demanding workday or at the conclusion of an exhaustive day can be a challenging endeavor for some. Unfortunately, the notion of self-care can even be misconstrued as selfish by some individuals. Let me assure you, it is not.

Highlighted in the October 2021 EdResearch for Recovery policy briefing, titled "Structural Supports to Promote Teacher Well-Being," is the endorsement of mindfulness training for teachers. This training explicitly imparts coping mechanisms for stress reduction, thereby diminishing teachers' self-reported emotional exhaustion and concurrently enhancing teaching effectiveness. The correlation between the well-being of educators and the inspiration they instill in their students is self-evident.

This week's focal point, the 11th entry on our list, revolves around a comprehensive structural support initiative tailored for educator wellness and wellbeing. Deliverable on-site or virtually for your educational institution, the ⭐️Joyful Leadership Institute ⭐️ stands as a distinguished professional development and structural support resource. Addressing the pervasive challenges of chronic stress and educator burnout, the ⭐️ Joyful Leadership Institute ⭐️ offers a holistic approach to individual and organizational wellness, championing the well-being of the WHOLE Educator.

With a personal commitment to self-care dating back to 2010, I am fervently engaged in exploring various facets of self-care, wellness, and well-being. Whether discussing these topics or recommending personalized self-care strategies to friends, colleagues, and clients, my passion for nurturing well-rounded individuals is unwavering. Principals and superintendents we've served as strategic partners have commented "Wow! I didn't anticipate a fitness and nutrition regimen when engaging in this initiative!" I have personally embraced and can attest to the efficacy of each suggested self-care practice, and I encourage you to contemplate the creation of your own tailored self-care and wellness program, aligning with your unique personality, schedule, and health needs.

Embarking on this journey need not be time-consuming; it can indeed be an enjoyable experience, far from being a mere task on the 'to-do' list. To kickstart your self-care journey, consider the following tips, some of which have significantly impacted my life. As we continually explore avenues for well-being, I invite you to share your educator self-care tips by emailing me at [email protected]. Your insights will be featured in next week's self-care report, contributing to the collective wisdom and support within our educational community.

1. Incorporate more nourishing foods into your daily routine: $25 Daily Harvest Discount Code
2. Practice 5-Minute Gratitude Journaling (Love this practice!)
3. Listen to a Ted Talk 10 Ted Talks for When You Feel Burnt Out (Love Ted Talks for my students too!)
4. Try Meditation
1. 12 Minute Meditation on Apple Podcasts - Select meditations that align with your needs
2. Practice this 1-Minute Grounding Meditation
3. Body Scan Meditation A Body Scan Meditation to Help You Sleep - Mindful
4. New York Times Meditation How to Meditate Outdoors With Us Right Now - The New York Times
5. Check this out! The Calm Place - The New York Times
6. Download the Peloton App (Check out Ross Rayburn's sessions)
5. Pay attention to the mind gut connection and take a high quality probiotic
6. Practice breathing 12 Minute Meditation: A 4-7-8 Breath Practice with Ni-Cheng Liang on Apple Podcasts 
7. Move your body for 30 minutes a day (Do anything to activate those endorphins!)
1. Take a free yoga class on YouTube Move - A 30 Day Yoga Journey  |  Yoga With Adriene
2. Attend a class: Jill Weston | Insight Timer
3. Download the Peloton App (I started by doing 10-minute classes) 
8. Flip Through Affirmation or Dream Cards with your morning coffee, before bed, or while you take a epsom salt bath
1. Louise Hay Affirmation Cards (I was gifted these from a friend in 2009 and they are my absolute favorite affirmation cards. Love having these at school for the kids!)
2. Dream Cards - Change your thoughts, change your life - 50 cards to help you achieve your dreams
3. These are my favorite epsom salts 
4. Download the Mantra App
9. Listen to positive & uplifting music: EdSolutions Inspiration Spotify Playlist (Let me know if you have a song to add to the list!)
10. Listen to this webinar and implement one idea: Thriving in a Time of Uncertainty
11. Attend Joyful Educator Lab and create your own 7 Powerful Practices Action Plan! 

What do you suggest for educator self-care tips? Email me at [email protected] and I will include your tip in next week's self-care report!

If this resonates with you, we invite you to explore our informational webinar on the benefits of the Joyful Leadership Institute or schedule a Vision Call through my Calendly link to discuss potential further engagement.

About the Author, Lisa Imel, M.Ed.

Lisa is the Founder & CEO of EdSolutions Group. Lisa specializes in Human Potential, Workforce & Economic Development, and K-16 Education Strategy. Several of Ms. Imel’s notable achievements include being awarded the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship, participation in the Argentina Fulbright Principal Exchange, serving as an Ohio Leadership Advisory Council Facilitator, appointed as a Trustee at St. Joseph Montessori School and recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Cleveland. Ms. Imel graduated from Bowling Green State University and The University of Toledo and earned her Principal and Superintendent Licensure at Ursuline College and Ohio University. Lisa currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Ashland University in the Professional Development Services Department. As a former teacher, principal and curriculum coordinator, Lisa is a passionate advocate for educators and believes in delivering transformative experiences so that educators, students and families lead happier, healthier and more meaningful lives.