4 ways to stay well and focused heading into the holidays

It’s that time of the year again: you’re almost to the halfway point, almost to the big holiday break. This time of year can be demanding: everyone’s looking forward to vacation, and it’s hard to stay focused on the classroom.

More than that, you’ve been working incredibly hard for and with your students. You’re so very ready for that break. There’s just one more week to go. So let’s talk a little self-care for educators.

Here’s 4 popular suggestions for educator self-care from the chat.

1.Take time for yourself

A1 Finding time. Period. For all the things that make me whole again. #vted

— Darby Hiebert (@HiebertDarby) December 8, 2017

Whatever thing you love to do, but don’t seem to find time for? Do it. Make time for it. Whether it’s knitting or running, or watching a movie with your family, meditating, or whittling, reading or baking, it’s the thing that makes you happy. Make time for the things you love doing. Make time for your own happiness.

2. Be kind to yourself

Being kind to yourself #vted

— Charles Herzog (@PJ_Vermont) December 8, 2017

You’re engaged in one of the most demanding and important jobs in the world. The fact that you got out of bed this morning and showed up in your classroom ready to support and nurture your students is fantastic.

You’re doing amazing.

Realize and recognize your strength, and be kind to yourself. Whether that means an extra cookie with coffee or telling the doubting voices in your head to pipe down, prioritize self-kindness.

3. Model self-care for your students

yes this is huge – if we tell them to take care of themselves, yet they can clearly tell we're stressed beyond belief – what's the takeaway? #vted

— Alex Shevrin Venet (@AlexSVenet) December 8, 2017

Care for your students by caring for yourself. Yes, that includes taking sick days.

4. Log off

One of the unintended consequences of technology and social media are the dueling needs to be constantly and deeply informed about what’s going on — in the world, in your state, in education — while being completely overwhelmed by the volume of updates.

 

It’s okay to log off. And it’s okay to turn off notifications on your phone. It’s okay, we promise. For better or worse, it will all still be here when you get back.

What are your tips for practicing self-care as an educator?