Every profession has its share of stress, tough schedules and deadlines, and while a teacher’s job might seem easy from the outside, it has its challenges too. That’s why teachers might benefit from some simple tips that can help them stay healthy throughout the school year.
7 Tips for Teachers to Stay Healthy
While teachers might enjoy shorter work hours, their work doesn’t end with the last bell at school. There are always lessons to plan for the next day and papers to evaluate along with household chores and tending to their own families.
With all these responsibilities, it becomes imperative for teachers to take care of themselves as well, because only if they remain healthy can they present a positive image to the children they teach. Here are seven tips to follow for better health throughout the school year:
1. Sleep well
Sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being and a lack of sleep could lead to various health problems like high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. It can also impact a teacher’s cognitive abilities like concentration and alertness. Understand the importance of getting enough sleep and try to follow a pattern by having a scheduled bedtime, like your kids, and by taking energizing naps when possible.
2. Meditate
Meditation can benefit both physical and mental health and might be a good practice to follow every morning. Setting aside as little as 15 to 20 minutes for meditation every morning might help start the day with a relaxed mind and positive outlook, which are essential for a productive day. Find the type of meditation that suits you the best and try to practice it every day.
3. Exercise regularly
While meditation has its own benefits, combine it with activities like walking or jogging or a few minutes on the elliptical to get additional health benefits. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep and mood, regulate blood pressure levels and also improve cognitive functioning.
4. Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, so try to incorporate fresh foods, whole grains and healthy fats to naturally boost your nutrient intake. If a busy schedule doesn’t leave you with enough time to cook every day, make sure you plan yours and your family’s meals and snacks ahead so that you won’t have to resort to quick fixes that may not be as healthy.
5. Don’t forget your breakfast
While many of us tend to rush through our mornings and often skip breakfast, remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping it would mean dealing with a sluggish metabolism all day long. A balanced breakfast can improve your mood, improve concentration and reduce the risk of conditions like stress and diabetes.
6. Schedule some me time
Most adults forget to schedule time for themselves, especially when all their time is taken up by work and family. Teachers can benefit from time set aside to do things they love, be it long walks, getting a massage or simply soaking in a warm bath. Sometimes, doing nothing may help too. The little time spent recuperating will help them be more productive at work.
7. Relieve stress
Bottling up stress is not good for anyone and, unfortunately, a teacher’s job can come with a lot of it. From grading papers to handling difficult children, teachers often face a lot of challenges at work. Hence, it is recommended to try and talk to your colleagues, friends, partner or a medical professional to learn how to cope with work-related stress.
If you or someone you know is a teacher facing a lot of stress, follow a few or all of these tips to help relieve stress and achieve a positive outlook on life and work on the whole.
References
Staying Balanced and Healthy as a Teacher: Tips from Your Colleagues. (2017, November 30). Retrieved from https://www.teachforamerica.org/teacherpop/staying-balanced-and-healthy-teacher-tips-your-colleagues
Now, T. (2018, September 05). Teachers’ Day: 5 simple tips to help teachers stay healthy and happy. Retrieved from https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/teachers-day-here-are-the-top-5-health-tips-for-teachers/280146
