Why is self care so important?  This is a question that plagues so many of us.  Often we don’t realize we haven’t been taking care of ourselves until it is too late and we are burnt out. 

My Story as a Teacher

I left the classroom after the 2014-2015 school year when I had my son.  I’d love to say I found the perfect work, life balance after teaching for 10 years but unfortunately I didn’t.  I answered parent and administration emails at all hours, worked too late into the night, worked an unhealthy amount of time on weekends, and was consumed by all the things in my classroom.

After years as a teacher, I was just starting to figure out what worked for me in 2014.  I went in to school earlier every day and got most of my work copying and grading done then.  I’d plan during my planning periods for the week, and only checked my school emails until an appropriate hour.  I would like to think that if I stayed in the classroom I would have figured out a solution.  The truth is I was tired and burnt out from spending too much time focusing on everyone and everything else but me.

My Story Now

Self care is so important!  I am still struggling with this as a mother to my two children who are 20 months apart.  The quote “You can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first” really resonates with me.  I spent too long trying to pour from an empty cup, and I wasn’t taking the time to fill my cup back up while pouring it out for others.  This is something many teachers find with themselves so I wanted to share a few quick self care tips.  Take care of yourselves, seriously!

What does Self Care Look Like?

Self care doesn’t look the same for everyone.  You have to find out what will fill your cup.  Does a workout sound good?  A quick nap?  Spa time?  Quiet time?   Self care can be done in small doses.  I have a little “me” time after my children are asleep.  Some nights I snuggle down with a good book.  Others I watch a television show or movie for me (not Sesame Street or PAW Patrol LOL).  Sometimes it’s as simple as washing my face and doing an at home spa treatment.  Take some time for yourself.  You are worth it!  If you can’t do it for yourself then do it for your students.  They need you to be the best and happiest version of yourself that you can be!