We are learning the value of taking care of ourselves a little more each year. We are passionate about our work and we tend to “go hard” when we’re working on something. But, we’ve also learned how important it is to make time for restoring and recharging so we can be at our best. It doesn’t always feel like we “have time”, but by prioritizing wellness and making it non-negotiable part of our routine, we are happier, healthier and more productive educators.
As educators, we can show up best for our students, our families and our communities if we take time for self-care and rest. That’s why our KG Education offerings blend professional learning with teacher wellness. As we head into an uncertain school year and face the challenges of teaching during a pandemic, we encourage you to try these 3 practices to support your wellness this year:
Journalling
Journalling can be a great tool for reflection and maintaining a positive mindset. One easy way to start is with gratitude journalling. We’ve done this a few different ways:
- Jot down at least 3 things each day you are grateful for in your journal.
- Pick one thing you are grateful for each day and write 2-3 sentences about it.
- Use a recycled glass or plastic jar and keep assorted strips of paper beside it. Write something you’re grateful for on a strip of paper each day and place it in the jar. When you need a boost, take some out and read them.
We also use our journals for setting intentions and goals, writing down inspiring quotes and big ideas. We encourage you to pick up a pretty notebook and start your journalling practice to help keep you positive and focused this school year!
Yoga
“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.” -Carol Welch
In 2015, we decided to give yoga a try. We’d done some personal training together and we were pretty faithful workout buddies, but we decided to try something new. Our journey began when we signed up for private yoga classes with a local instructor once a week after school. Our teacher Kayce did a wonderful job of introducing us to yoga and we soon fell in love with our yoga practice. The physical and mental benefits became evident as we gained strength, learned to manage stress and bettered our ability to sit in stillness.
Five years later, we have both embraced yoga as an important part of our lives. Devon is now a certified yoga teacher and we both practice yoga regularly. Yoga has become a tool for our fitness, stress-relief, coping, relaxation and personal growth. We know that yoga isn’t everyone’s choice of movement, but whatever it is that works for you, we hope you’ll commit to making time for it to support your wellness in the upcoming year!
Meditation
“Meditation will not carry you to another world, but it will reveal the most profound and awesome dimensions of the world in which you already live. Calmly contemplating these dimensions and bringing them into the service of compassion and kindness is the right way to make rapid gains in meditation as well as in life.”– Zen Master Hsing Yun
Meditation is one of those things that might sound a bit daunting. And truthfully, it can be difficult at the start, but we’ve found it worthwhile. There is the misconception that meditation is when you make your mind go “empty”… NOT TRUE! Meditation is about focusing and quieting the mind, but the goal is not to stop thinking (that’s not possible!). Over time, we are slowly growing our meditation abilities. Being able to sit in stillness and quiet the mind is such a useful skill when dealing with the stress, overwhelm and exhaustion that can come with being an educator. It also helps us develop the focus and clarity to feel strong and calm in our daily lives – at school and at home!
If you’re looking for a practice to support your wellness this school year, try experimenting with some meditation. We’d recommend starting with a short, guided meditation like the ones from Insight Timer.
Let us Help You Get Started!
We want to help you get started with these practices to support your wellness this year! Join us for our fun and free fun 7-day challenge for educators hosted online in a private Facebook community. The Back to School Boost runs August 24-31, 2020. Sign up here.
Stay in Touch
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