After a full day of teaching between lesson planning, grading, parent communications, and teaching, it’s no wonder that teacher burnout is at an all-time high. But what if you could restore your wellness without sacrificing your effectiveness in the classroom? In this article, you will learn about five wellness habits for teachers to add to their daily routines.
Why does teacher wellness matter more than ever?
Teacher wellness is more important than ever. This is because of increasing job stress, mental health challenges, and pandemic-induced burnout. There are also growing classroom complexities and declining job satisfaction. That’s why teachers should follow wellness habits in their daily routines.
5 wellness habits for teachers to add to their daily routines
A teacher should add these five practical wellness habits into their daily routine.
1. Drinking Water
Keep a large water bottle on your desk and finish it twice during the school day. Pro tip: Use passing periods as your reminder to take a few sips. Proper hydration helps maintain energy levels during those marathon teaching sessions.
2. Eating Healthy Food
Stock your desk drawer with nutrient-rich snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars. Plan your lunch breaks as seriously as you plan your lessons; they’re just as important for your teaching performance.
3. Moving
Incorporate movement into your teaching routine. Walk while monitoring group work. Do quick stretches during student independent work time. Lead brief movement breaks with your class. Remember: Active teachers inspire active learners.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Create a one-minute mindfulness routine between classes. Take three deep breaths, roll your shoulders, and reset. These micro-breaks can prevent stress accumulation throughout the day.
5. Taking Rest
Establish non-negotiable boundaries for your work hours. Choose one weekday where you leave school at contract time; no exceptions. Your lesson plans will still be there tomorrow.
Making It Work: Time-Saving Solutions for Teachers
Speaking of teacher wellness, one of the biggest drains on teacher wellness is the endless cycle of planning and preparation. This is where working smarter, not harder, becomes crucial. For example, having ready-to-use, comprehensive lesson materials can save hours of preparation time—time you can reinvest in your wellness routine.
Special Resource for English Teachers
If you’re teaching English, here’s a time-saving solution you’ll love: Our “Teaching English Past Tenses – A Comprehensive Package of Lesson Plans” includes ready-to-teach lessons covering all past tense forms, interactive activities, and handouts.
These carefully crafted plans give you back precious hours while ensuring engaging, effective instruction. Click here to learn more about how this resource can support both your teaching and your wellness journey.
Your Next Steps
Remember, wellness isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. Start with just one habit from this list and gradually build from there. Your students deserve a healthy, energized teacher, and more importantly, you deserve to feel your best both in and out of the classroom.
Ready to prioritize both your wellness and your teaching efficiency? Take these two simple actions today:
- Choose one wellness habit from above to implement tomorrow.
- Check out our “Teaching English Past Tenses – A Comprehensive Package of Lesson Plans” to streamline your lesson planning because when you thrive, your classroom thrives.
