As we face into a new term and a new year, I think this is something that we should all aim to do this year. I’ve recently started listening to ‘The Good Glow‘ by Georgie Crawford and the title of this blogpost is one of the key messages of the podcast and one which I’m definitely going to try to apply more this year.
I don’t know about you but I feel like I have a never ending to do list as a teacher – planning, preparation, photocopying, meetings with parents, staff meetings, classroom management, extra curricular, displays, corrections, dealing with incidents in the classroom/ on the yard, organising school trips/tours, organising guest speakers, assessments, differentiation, reading up on different methodologies, organising and making resources – the list goes on and on. I know this is the case in lots of jobs but for teaching there is usually no down time during the day (yes I know the days are shorter than other jobs) but there is always something to be done.
I find I take on too much – if there is a new committee for something from Active Flag to Maths to Droichead I usually get involved. There are some weeks when I have no lunch time as they are taken up with meetings. I know tons of teachers are like me too.
I’ve decided this term to think through whether I have the time to commit to these extras before I dive in head first.
When we get sick we often battle through. There is an incredible guilt associated with being out sick when you’re a teacher – especially at the moment when there is a serious shortage of substitute teachers available. Classes have to be split meaning our colleagues suffer or a support teacher is taken from their role to cover the class for the day meaning their children are not getting the support they need so lots of people are effected.
I’ve been receiving messages from student teachers heading out on teaching practice and wondering if it would be ok to keep up their hobbies or if they will have time for it. I really think there should be modules in every college (especially teaching colleges) and an awareness and practice that self care is just as important as lesson plans and folders. Hobbies and life outside teaching practice is so important and ensures that you are the best teacher you can be as you won’t be consumed with feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.
That being said – I love my job, I love getting involved with all the extra things and I love every part of my never ending to do list – even if sometimes I find it incredibly overwhelming. But I do also note that I need to take more time for myself – to do at least 1 self care thing every day so with that in mind here are a list of things that I’m going to make more time for!
- Walks
- Gym
- Bullet journal
- Catch ups with friends and family
- Netflix
- Reading
- Going for a swim
- Music (listening and playing instruments)
- Listening to podcasts
- Taking photographs (non teaching related)
- Having a bath
Some people I’ve been inspired by in relation to Self Care!
