Power through!

This is that time of the year where teaching can really feel overwhelming. It's testing season (GROSS), the weather is nice so no one wants to be there anymore, and you're realizing just how much you won't get done - yet again.

It probably seems like the worst time to really start some self-care.

But one thing I've learned over this last year is that self-care is VITAL to our success as teachers. We can't be our best for our students if we're constantly stressed, low on sleep, and irritated at every little thing that goes wrong. When you have a million things on your to-do list, the last thing you probably want to do is take a break to stop and smell the flowers.

Now I what I don't mean by "self-care" is do what I do and avoid all of your responsibilities by binge-watching Queer Eye for the thousandth time to not think about the mountain of things you have to do and then leave yourself zero time to get everything done so you just shut down as a human being and go into stress-level maximum, making you feel horrible about yourself and your life choices and defeating the entire purpose of self-care. No. Despite all of that great emotional crying and feel-goods you get from Queer Eye. Self-care isn't about watching someone else live their best life. It's about you going out and living yours!

Your self-care shouldn't leave you feeling like a garbage human for not getting anything done. It should be a good enough break to help yourself feel refreshed and ready to tackle life's challenges but should leave you time to not just completely shut down and get nothing done. Yes, you still have one million things to do. Yes, they're all still due in way too little time. But by taking even just an hour for yourself, you will be much more efficient and level-headed when completing everything. Bonus: It'll be done better than it would have without self-care!

Self-care looks different for everyone. For me, I love to write. I actually managed to finish a novel this past year - a huge lifetime goal of mine! Other creative endeavors I enjoy include singing at the top of my lungs for hours and driving my neighbors, cats, and husband crazy, and cross stitching. I've also gotten much more active this year. Exercising is one of the best things you can do not just for your physical health but for your mental health. Don't feel like if you exercise you have to lose 20 pounds or be able to bench press twice your body weight. Just a half hour of walking - especially in a beautiful place like a park or forest - does wonders for your mental health.

Just take the time for yourself! Go for a walk or jog, ride your bike around the lake, take a pottery class, go to a wine and canvas with your friends, grab coffee with your bestie, volunteer, whatever you love to do.

You're worth taking time out for yourself.