Dealing with a seemingly endless cycle of grading papers, planning lessons, attending meetings, and more can easily take a toll on your well-being as a teacher. Although our profession is rewarding, it’s not without its challenges!
To best serve your students, you must prioritize your personal life as well. J Stauffer Consulting discusses five practical things every teacher should stop doing immediately so they can capture a more fulfilling life!
1. Sleeping in a bad environment
As a teacher, quality sleep is crucial. But many of us may not realize that the environment we sleep in can impact the quality of our sleep. Snoring partners, loud neighbors, and blinking electronics can all disrupt our sleep cycles.
Improving your sleep environment can work wonders for your personal life. Consider investing in a white noise machine or earplugs to minimize external noise. Do a quick sweep of the room to eliminate electronic distractions and help cultivate a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Also, you can enhance your bedroom with new bedding (e.g., duvet, sheets, pillows, etc.). Look for high-quality, comfortable cotton bedding (click here to find out more) that will last for years. Find a print-on-demand company that offers unique designs from independent artists; that way, you can customize your design and ensure it’s in stock when you order!
2. Working a job you hate
Working in an unfulfilling or overwhelming occupation can quickly lead to burnout and negatively impact your life outside of work. It may sound daunting, but taking action toward a job change can seriously boost your overall well-being.
Instead of setting the bar too low, reflect on what truly brings you joy, and pursue avenues that align with those interests. You spend a significant amount of time at work, so why not make it an enjoyable experience?
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you might thrive by launching a business. Identify a gap in the market, make a business plan, design a brand identity, and make some business cards.
3. Comparing your actual life to others
Social media is a quick strategy for getting a comparison perspective for many people, especially teachers! It’s easy to get caught up in the highlight reels of others' lives, but we must remember that what we see on social media doesn’t always reflect reality.
Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we should practice gratitude for what we have in our own lives. Appreciate the small moments, take a break from scrolling, and enjoy the present!
4. Eating unhealthy foods
Many teachers gravitate toward quick and convenient meals, but these are often unhealthy and lacking in proper nutrition. Opt to fill your body with foods that make you feel good and energized. Experiment with easy meal prepping or participating in a healthy cooking class to better support your body and bring more joy to your meal times.
5. Forgetting your own needs
Teachers often find themselves putting others' needs before their own, but it’s critical to prioritize your own needs as well. Taking a moment to reflect and recharge can do wonders for your personal life and teaching career.
Try carving out self-care time, whether it’s meditation, exercise, or spending a few minutes of quiet reflection. Making your well-being a priority will help you be the best version of yourself — both in and out of the classroom!
Wrapping Up
Don’t put yourself on the back burner and only prioritize the needs of your students. You must remember that prioritizing your personal life as a teacher will enable you to be a better version of yourself.
Avoiding poor sleep environments, changing your job if necessary, avoiding the comparison trap, eating more nutritiously, and paying attention to your own needs will significantly improve your personal life so that you can better serve your students. Don’t wait to make habits that will enhance your life in the long run — start today!
*Disclaimer: J. Stauffer Consulting does not receive nor endorse any article feature within this written piece. It is always recommended that you research any company of interest or product of interest to ensure that it is the right fit for you. J. Stauffer Consulting LLC is not a job placement service, nor does it guarantee employment due to factors beyond our control. All content here in is for informational purposes only.
