Promoting Self-Care for Teachers and Staff

Why is Self-Care Important?

Practicing self-care is a very important part of everyone’s life and career. Especially when it comes to career fields of helping. Educators, including teachers and counselors need to be practicing routine self-care to prevent a multitude of problems. Have you ever felt stress literally building up and then have this insane overwhelming feeling that you just don’t know what to do with?

Stress is a common fact of life. There are tons of stressors out there that we have to deal with on a daily basis. Teachers and counselors tend to put their needs last and try to take care of others’ needs first. We are helpers. We want to make things better for others.  But, what about ourselves? 

Have you ever heard of Compassion Fatigue?  YES, it’s a real thing and it’s happening all around us.  Merriam Webster defines it as “the physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal experienced by those who care for sick or traumatized people over an extended period of time”. 

It’s like the airline attendant telling us to put on our own mask first before helping others. We would be no good if we passed out first! No one wants teachers and counselors to experience mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal for long periods of time. That is not helping anyone.  Taking care of ourselves ultimately helps take care of others! 

So, as school counselors, how can we remind teachers to practice self-care? 

I found an assessment tool that may be helpful… check it out here!  Self-Care Personal Assessment Printable

Be a Self-Care Role Model

In order for us to say something is important, we need to act like it’s important.

School Counselors can “practice what they preach” by incorporating self-care strategies within the school day. Take a Mindful Minute, practice politely turning something down or play calming music in your office. All of these things will show other educators how they can incorporate self-care within their day too.

Show teachers and staff that you care about them and their well-being. One thing you can do is to make self-care packets or host a self-care challenge. Another simple thing to do, is to put a note in their mailbox letting them know you care and remind them about self-care strategies.

One way to get teacher and staff buy-in is to treat self-care as professional development. Start including it in your PD if you are the one presenting. If your admin presents, ask if you can start or end the meeting with a self-care activity. Back to school time is a great time to dive into more detail doing your own PD Session on self-care.

Tips for Self-Care

There are so many ideas for “self-care kits” out there! If you are thinking about putting together one of these care packages or kits, keep in mind the male and female educators in your building. Sometimes we tend to think of self-care like being at a spa, however, some people may not find that relaxing. Think about your staff and adjust the kits according to your needs.

Calendars are a great way to bring focus onto self-care. Take a whole month to do a “Self-Care Challenge” and offer prizes for staff members who complete the most days. This can be super easy and fun! Also, it doesn’t require a ton of money!

Check out this FREE Self-Care 30-Day Challenge… 

What to Include in a Kit?

If you decide you do want to make a care package or a kit here are some items you might like to include, remember to adjust according to the staff in your building)….

• Morale Booster – (Read More… Why Morale Boosters Work and Why You Need Them)
• Printable or Handout on Self-Care
• Self-Care Activities for Teachers
• Hand Sanitizer
• Healthy Snacks
• T-Shirts or Funny Socks
• Coffee Mug
• Chocolate
• Positive Affirmations
• Jeans Day Coupon
• Mental Health Break Coupon (someone can fill in for them to take a break)
• Journals
• Flair Pens
• Neck Massages in the Teachers Lounge (We’ve actually done this a couple times… it’s AWESOME!)

Teach How-To Do Mindful Minutes

One extremely easy way for teachers to practice self-care with their classrooms each day is to have Mindful Minute Breaks. These are super helpful before or after transitions and allow students to focus on their bodies and their breathing before starting a new task. We have some teachers in our building who love to do this before and after lunch and recess. 

Doing this throughout the day, creates a calming culture within the classroom and allows everyone, including the teacher, to self-assess and check in on the way their bodies are feeling. Have a go-to calm song, dim the lights, or use a chime. Have students get comfortable at their seats or on the floor. Let them close their eyes or lay their heads down.

Teach them how to focus on belly breathing, calming their bodies and listening to the sounds around them. Over time, this will become a favorite among everyone! As school counselors, we know this to be true, so why not share the good news. Teach others how to have a self-care routine throughout the day to keep them going strong.

 

So… what fun things do you do? Tell me all about promoting self-care in your building!

 

“Compassion fatigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassion%20fatigue. Accessed 15 Jul. 2020