The summer is here and it is time for some teacher self-care. Take a week and do nothing. Like literally stay in pajamas, read if you want, eat slowly, and just relax.
I have trouble relaxing for a week. I have trouble doing nothing. I usually find another job to work on, a project to do, or something. There were several years where I made myself take one day off each week during the summer to spend a few hours at the beach. Yes, I scheduled in time to force myself to relax.
Once you have spent some time zoning out you are probably chomping at the bit to get going again, but take this time to think about real lasting self-care. Think about changes you can make that will last into the school year and help you become a better you. What changes can you make that will elevate you as a person? Are you ready to grow for yourself? Not professional development. Just make you a better, happier you, rather than a surviving you. You are awesome already so just imagine if you grew.
I believe that personal development and self-care go hand in hand. I believe that if you are growing in your personal life and mindset that you are going to take better care of yourself, be less stressed by outside forces, and be happier.
As I started my TpT store I also started a journey of personal growth, which has lead to self-care and a new mindset. It’s changed me in good ways. I would love for every person to experience this kind of life changing self-care. I love the ideas Rachel Hollis sets out and if I had not heard about her on a podcast I might never have picked up her book. So I am telling you a little more about her now.
One of My Favorite Books
Have you heard of the book “Girl, Stop Apologizing” by Rachel Hollis? I loved this book when I read it in the spring and I already want to read it again. She is uplifting, encouraging, challenging, and inspiring. I am going to share a few of her ideas here. Small glimpses at some of the things she suggests. If you think any of them are interesting or good then go get her book and read it.
I am working on taking on these challenges myself. They are a hard commitment. They are time consuming in a busy, needy toddler world. But I will keep working towards complete them and making them part of my life and routine because I see the value in them and the lasting effect they can have on my life.
Five to Thrive
Five to Thrive is literally five things she recommends you do to change who you are and challenge yourself.
- Get up an hour early and take time for yourself.
This time can be used for journaling, mediation, or a project you want to work on without interruptions. It’s time for you to used for what you want. Not stuff for the kids or chores. Just you.
- Work out for 30 minutes each day.
It doesn’t matter when you work out or what you do. You can take a class or walk down the block. But move your body for 30 minutes.
- Drink half your weight in ounces of water.
Personally, I use a water bottle that I know the ounces of and try to drink it once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. It makes this easy to accomplish.
- Give up one food category you shouldn’t be eating.
One is doable, right? Take one thing out of your diet that is just terrible and you know it. It’s a lot to try to overhaul your entire diet. Diets are hard and usually don’t last. But we can stop buying that one thing at the grocery store we know we shouldn’t eat.
- Write down 10 things you are grateful for each day.
I have heard of gratitude journals so many times. I’ve always brushed them off. But the way she explains it is different. She describes this one really well in her book. Do not make them general things like your husband or your kids. Make them really specific so that you appreciate small moments from that specific day.
- Finding the last parking space at the beach while I had a two-year-old in the backseat.
- The woman who brought him his boot when it fell off and I couldn’t get it because my hands were so full.
- That we left the house on time without any screaming.
These are daily practices that are totally doable and if you do them they can help set you up for a successful and less stressful school year.
10 – 10 – 1
Who do you want to be in 10 years?
Not what job do you want to have? Not how much money do you want to make? We often confuse our job with who we are. They are not the same, nor are they completely different. Your job might be part of your answer, but not all of it. Who do you want to be in ten years? It’s a really big question. If you write it down every day or every week you will likely see you are beginning to change and shift over time.
What are the ten dreams that would get you there?
What ten dreams would send you in the right direction? Again, it’s a big question. The first day you write down some answers will be your first draft. As you continue to write you will continue to revise and reshape your dreams as you change and grow.
One goal.
That’s right just one goal after all that thinking. Take one of your dreams and turn it into a goal. Really dive into research and make a plan that will help you achieve that goal. Focus on only that goal, because as you start something new it’s hard. It’s all new information and will take a lot of focus for you to achieve it so focus only on that one thing.
I love the idea of teachers taking some time for self-care over the summer break. During the school year self-care often takes the form of quick fixes. We manage to do little things that get us through the next week.
However, during the summer we can take some more time to focus on personal growth. Instead of setting aside time to plan for school, set aside some time for you. As you grow it will change who you are as a teacher too.
I love the ideas that Rachel Hollis sets out in her book because they are so doable. The tasks are small, but the ideas are big and will help me reach for my dreams. I recommend diving into her book and these actions that will help you grow and take care of yourself all at once.