Self-care is a term you’ve probably heard more times than you needed to. And here it is again. So if you’re reading this props to you for taking your mental health seriously!

When it comes to teaching, some of us (not all!!!) are exhausted, burnt out, miserable and just don’t want to do it anymore. So where I work had a whole school training on trauma.

Although we set out to talk about the trauma our students may have faced in their lives or what they are currently facing during the Coronavirus pandemic, it turned into what us teachers are going through. From memories to current situations, we are all have something we are privately dealing with.

That’s when one of our deans brought up self-care. She asked what we are doing to take care of ourselves?

One teacher I know committed to walking 1 mile every single day since quarantine started. She looks and feels amazing! Her goal was to put herself first, and it is paying off tremendously.

Another teacher I know said she is trying to “just not give a f*ck”. She trained her mind to let go of the things she cannot control and focus on what she can, and completely changed her mindset to let go of the little things.

What is Self-Care?

Maria Baratta Ph.D., refers to self care as paying attention to yourself. Not in a narcissistic way, but in a way that ensures that you are being cared for by you.

If you click on the link above, you’ll find ten ways to exercise self care to improve your quality of day to day living.

Other ways to Improve Self-Care

We have all heard of mental health, and self-care is no stranger to that umbrella term.

A lot of the times the terms overlap each other. I previously compiled 15 tips on how to improve your mental health that you can check out here if you are struggling to find ways to improve your day to day self care routine.

Self-care routines are not limited to the above suggestions. As Dr. Baratta explains, self-care is you taking care of you and it will look different from person to person.

Weekly Self-Care Goals Schedule

I talk a lot about routines and organization when it comes to healthy lifestyles. Self-care schedules are no different. It’s basically a log keeping your body and mind healthy.

Below is a FREE downloadable and editable schedule that you can print out or customize to fit your needs. Put it on your fridge, your night stand, your office bulletin board or somewhere that you’ll see every day.

My goal for you is to start with at least one activity a day that requires focusing on yourself. It can be a daily walk, reading a chapter of a current book you’re into or spending time in the kitchen cooking a new recipe you’ve been wanting to try. The options are limitless.

As time goes on, start to add activities into your day. Even if you only get a five minute break to meditate, five minutes of you time is better than none. \

The key to a happy and healthy life starts with YOU. Make yourself a priority!