Staying Healthy when Teaching

It seems that every January, we all vow to make this the year we get fit. But what does that even mean? You don’t have to be running marathons every weekend to be healthy. So let’s make this the year we prioritize health, on all levels, without making hefty resolutions and stretching ourselves too thin. Read on for top tips on staying healthy when teaching.

1. Prioritize Physical Health

• Stay Active: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk during lunch or light stretching between classes. If you typically sit at your desk during class or homeroom, try standing up and walking around a bit more.
• Healthy Eating: Do your lunches typically come from the school vending machines? Try packing meals and snacks from home to fuel your energy throughout the day. Slammed busy and not looking to add more to your to-do list? Start with just once or twice a week!
• Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy and aim for at least 8 cups of water daily. Perhaps keep one in your car and one in your classroom to make sure you’re always covered.

2. Maintain Mental and Emotional Well-Being

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries to avoid burnout. Leave work at school whenever possible. We know this may seem impossible given your profession, but creating one or two nights a week that are just for you can help make a difference.
• Practice Mindfulness: Use techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to reduce stress and improve focus. You can do this on the drive to school, when students are testing, or between classes.
• Seek Support: Connect with colleagues or join teacher support groups to share experiences and gain encouragement. You can even look online to find peers in other districts.
  • Is your school so short staffed that you feel like you’re constantly doing doubt duty? Encourage your non-teaching school colleagues to pursue their teaching certification!

3. Build a Healthy Classroom Environment

• Sanitize Regularly: Keep your classroom clean and encourage students to wash hands and use hand sanitizer.
• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to stay energized and resilient. Sound like a pipe dream? Again, even adding one night to your rotation can have a positive impact.
• Stay Current on Health Checks: Schedule regular doctor visits and keep vaccinations, like flu shots, up to date.

Are you currently substitute teaching, working as a paraprofessional, or other school staff? You can quickly and easily earn your state-approved teaching certificate through American Board’s online teaching certification program. Visit our website today to see how you can get started, debt-free, while easily balancing your current responsibilities.