Teacher self-care time is important all year long, not just over breaks and holidays. 

It's always a great time to take a minute for self-care. I know. There's SO much to do! News Flash! There will ALWAYS be a lot to do. With the holiday season sneaking up on us, now is a great time to take a minute for yourself.  There's going to be lots to celebrate and just as much to plan, prep, and do. Today, let's talk about the best way to get ready for all that [and to be ready for anything all year long].

Listen in. 

You simply can't pour from an empty pot.

Take some time to take care of YOU. Not only will you be glad you did, but your students, family, and friends will also. Why? You'll be able to be 100% present for all those you care about because you'll be rejuvenated. Self-care fills us up so we have more to give. 

Here are some of my favorite self-care ideas. [The first one is a shocker ]

• take a mental health day [YES, get a sub when you're not...

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What better time of year to begin thinking about becoming more joyful is there than Christmastime?

You're probably heard a ton about how gratitude and practicing gratitude regularly can make you a happier person. But I'm not talking about happy. Happy is fleeting and sits on the surface of our lives. Joy is deeper. It's a state of being and a viewpoint for life. Did you know... we can be joyful even in the midst of not so great situations? The RIGHT kind of gratitude practice can help you do that. It's a just a couple of simple steps and a whole lot of practice away. Listen in here to find out more.

In this episode, find out:

• How simple it is to develop a grateful [and joyful] heart.
• The essential step that most people leave out of their gratitude practice.
• How simple it is to get started.

If you commit to this, you'll be known as the Joyful Teacher at your school [and then you can teach your students the secret too]. 

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I know self care is the last thing you have time for, but it shouldn’t be. It should be in the top 3 on your list. Before work and before caring for someone else.

But, let’s start off with the basics of regular self care. I know you’ll tell me you don’t have time to work out, figure out healthier meals or just take time for yourself. You’re spent. Exhausted. There just is not enough time on your day.

I’m here to tell you…that’s exactly why you NEED to prioritize your self care. I believe you can’t afford to NOT take care of yourself. Don’t be the teacher who looks back this time next year and says the same things as this year. I’m exhausted and burnt out. There’s not enough time….

All I’m asking you to do is choose one goal for yourself this holiday season to help you come out the other side a better, more joyful...

What does it take to not just survive but to THRIVE as an educator?

Did you know 40% of teachers leave education in the first 5 years of entering the classroom. Why? Well… teaching is HARD! The To Do lists are endless, the time crunch all day is real and you are asked to do more every year. The bathroom breaks are almost non-existent some days, and the kids are what make it all worth it. In fact, you’d do just about anything for your students and often do even at your own expense. Which means by the middle of the year, you’re often surviving, not thriving.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Here's a peek at what's inside this episode:

• Why teacher self care is important for both you and your students.
• The role your mindset plays in how you care for yourself or neglect yourself.
• How to make time for self care on a regular basis when it just feels like one more thing to do.
• Why you personal boundaries are important, how to define them and defend them.
• ...

Self care is essential in a profession known for burnout. 

1. Use Your Sick/Personal Days

A mental health day is a justifiable sick day. Better to have a mental health day than to be sick for days because you wore yourself out. Look at the calendar and see when your longest stretches are without a break (no Monday off or other holiday). Make a note of possible days you would want to take off to give yourself a break and tentatively put them on your calendar.  Maybe plan a long weekend or take a random Wednesday off (my favorite).

2. No. Say it. Often.

NO is a powerful word. Don't be afraid to use it. You can always change your mind and say yes later (on rare occasions), but it's really hard to go back on a yes.

3. Do Not Disturb

Put a sign on your classroom door when you are working on planning or grading. You'll have less interruptions and have more focused work time.

Do not disturb your heart as well. Don't listen to negativity. Have a standard answer when...