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Managing Self Care

Date postedNovember 5, 2024
Blog Posts, Network Blog,

By Michelle Pacheco DuBois, EdD

Leaves are falling and colors are changing as we move into the winter months. Classrooms are active and bustling with a flurry of high energy. Students are engaged in learning and critical thinking. Teachers are busy preparing, implementing lesson plans, communicating with families and attending to the multitude of other things that teachers are in charge of in their schools. The school year is off and running with many of us struggling to keep up.

So much of what we do as educators is about ensuring that others are successful both academically and socially emotionally. At times, this work can be mentally overwhelming and emotionally exhausting which can take a toll on our physical and emotional well being. According to a 2022 RAND Corporation survey, teachers and principals are experiencing job-related stress at a rate about twice that of the general population of working adults. One of the findings from the survey, which could bolster job satisfaction, is focusing on improving educators' well-being and lowering stress levels. This blog focuses on ideas and tips for promoting positive self care.

Here are some suggestions for managing stress:

  • Identify the source of your stress: Determine where the source of the stress is coming from. While major life stressors are easier to recognize, it is more challenging to recognize thoughts, feelings and behaviors that might contribute to your stress. Use a stress journal to record each time you feel stressed which can then be used to pinpoint a trend over time.
  • Cut out unhealthy ways of dealing with stress: Often when we are dealing with stress, we look to unhealthy ways to manage the stress. Take note of what these unhealthy behaviors are and make changes.
  • Practice the 4A’s of stress management: AVOID, ALTER, ADAPT, ACCEPT. Avoid the things or situations that make you feel stressed. Alter the way you handle a stressful situation. Adapt to the stressor by changing your expectations and attitude. Accept the things you cannot change or prevent that are unavoidable stressors.
  • Get moving: Physical activity releases endorphins which promotes a more positive outlook on life and makes you feel better. (BVSD, n.d.)

Here are some suggestions for fostering an overall healthy emotional and mental well-being:

  • Set Boundaries: Set office hours. Detach from work at the end of your work day. Learn to say “no”. Leave work at work. Maintain a good work/life balance. Setting boundaries at work can help lower stress levels and promote a healthier work environment.
  • Physical Activity: Exercise. Get out and enjoy nature. Go for a walk. Unwind from electronics. Join a fitness center. Learn to dance. Set times in the week for physical activity. Physical activity can reduce the risk of burnout and can help sharpen your cognitive functions.
  • Enjoy Life: Spend time with family and friends. Take time off from work. Have a staycation. Go to the museum. Take in a play. Go to a local farm stand. Get a pet. Smile. Laugh. Express gratitude. Take in the special moments of your life and others around you.
  • Mental Health Supports: Get at least 7 hours of sleep at night. Eat nutritious meals. Meditate. Journal your thoughts and feelings. Connect with a mental health professional. Mental health is critical for supporting our overall healthy well being.
  • Get connected: Find your people and connect with others in the gifted education field at the NAGC conference in Seattle.

Here are some of the upcoming Gifted Coordinator Network events at the 2024 NAGC conference:

  • Thursday, November 21 - NAGC 2:00pm - 2:45pm: First Timer/New Member Session, Room 4C-4
  • Friday, November 22 - NAGC 3:45pm - 4:45pm: Get to Know Your Networks & SIGs - Exhibit Hall

Other upcoming NAGC Gifted Coordinator Network events:

  • Gifted Coordinator Business Meeting – 01/22/2025 @ 7:30 pm ET - Sign up here

Join the Gifted Coordinator Network Coffee Chats and share ideas. These are virtual meetings where we come together and talk about what is happening in our life as gifted educators. Look for the calendar invites to the Coffee Chats coming soon through ENGAGE.

Here are more resources for maintaining a healthy work/life balance:

Just remember that as we continue on this educational journey, we all need support to maintain a healthy work/life balance. So make some goals and get out there and achieve them.

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