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Sep 2, 2021

# 193


While last week’s blog post “Every Kid Needs a Champion” Rita Pierson focussed on the way in which we can best support and champion our students, this week’s focus is on the importance of self-care for the educator.

With the start of the school year (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) a whole host of emotions and pressures prevail amongst the school community. The backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic means that the typical emotions of excitement and anxiousness are exacerbated and coupled with the reality that the delivery model can change at the drop of a pin in response to a cluster of Covid cases, a directive from the Department of Education and/or Health etc.,.

I am mindful of the importance (as outlined in my November 2017 post) of posing the question, What do I need personally and professionally so I can be my best self all the time? In light of the last 18 months, it seems even more urgent that we ask ourselves this question and thus am sharing the following calendar, quotes, and suggestions:


This month’s Action For Happiness calendar entitled Self Care September, includes great ideas to help us be kinder to ourselves.



While the expression, “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others” or “You can't pour from an empty cup” are often quoted, I do prefer the words of Buchanan and Palmer when sharing the importance of self care for oneself and the benefit thereof for the wider community:




It seems apt to re-share suggestions for promoting self-care from my July 2021 blog post, Self-care for Educators [Part III]. Whilst this A-Z list of suggestions was written in the midst of the summer vacation, I do hope a number of these can be incorporated into daily practice during the school year.

  • Afternoon naps

  • Brushing up on language skills and/or learning a new language

  • Creative activities

  • Discovering new neighbourhoods during long walks

  • Eating well, cooking favourite recipes and experimenting with new recipes and unfamiliar ingredients

  • Fresh air

  • Good night’s sleep (on a regular basis)

  • H20

  • In person catch ups when possible and/or with social distancing

  • Jazz music (this is one of my favourite playlists) or any other music that feeds your soul

  • Kindness. Practice kindness always.

  • Leisurely afternoons listening to podcasts, music or reading

  • Making memories with friends and loved ones

  • Nature - close by or further afield

  • Outside - taking advantage of the long days, fresh air. Smell the roses (and more)!

  • Photography - taking photos, experimenting with techniques, and sharing photos as gifts

  • Quizzes

  • Reconnecting - in person and/or on-line - with those whom we have lost contact

  • Sunshine (it’s free)

  • Taking the time to be (in my view, the most important one)

  • Unplugging - a digital detox (frequently easier said than done)

  • Venturing out of your comfort zone to learn a new skill, discovery something new

  • WhatsApp calls and messages with friends around the world

  • Xercise (I know that it really begins with an ‘e’)

  • Yoga and other exercise

  • Zen - cultivate a peaceful and calm energy

Mindful of the words of Etty Hillesum, “Sometimes the most important thing in the whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths”, I wish you a wonderful school year in which - regardless of it being online, via a hybrid model or on campus - you may prioritize self-care and champion each and every one of your students.


References:

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