Social Emotional Health for Teachers

There’s a reason health is so important… I’ll let you in on a little secret- I’m the Nap Queen. I’ll let you in on a little embarrassing secret- I’m such a queen that I fall asleep on friends’ couches! So embarrassing. My husband and I will be over at another couples’ house, have a good dinner then move to the living room for some fun conversation, right?

Nope. The moment I hit the couch I’m a goner. I’m so embarrassed to say this isn’t a one-time thing. It’s been multiple times. And you can tell I’m embarrassed because I keep using that word! If I’m falling asleep on any couch I touch, something is not quiet right. I’m definitely not caring for myself the way I should be.

You’re social-emotional health as a teacher, spouse, partner, parent, and friend is so important that you need to keep your health and wellness as a priority.

Physical Wellbeing

One easy place to start is what you put in your lunch box for school. Think about it- it’s something you need to bring everyday and you have a specific time set aside for it. It just makes sense to start there.

For a long time, I loathed packing my lunch. It was a hassle to think about and do every day. Just like you need to batch your lesson plans- guess what? Batch your lunches!

There are a ton of ideas about meal prepping online. Just batch your main thing (like cook all the pasta) and then have some good go-tos for your sides like small oranges, an apple, carrots and humus, and peanuts. You can buy all those sides in a large quantity that will last you the whole week. Since I started doing this, it takes my coffee longer to brew than for me to pack my lunch!

Whether it’s friends or family, you need a healthy social life. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the hussle and bussle and allow this to take a back seat.

Make a family night where you either cook a meal together or that’s a fun order out night. Play a board game or do something outside or make a craft. This will be a good memory making time.

You also need your own social life and people to interact with. Even if it’s just once a month, get coffee with a friend. Join a group or organization where you can be working towards a common goal with others (a goal that is outside of work).

Emotional Health

They say to reduce stress to help your emotional health. Well, hate to say it but there is no separating being a teacher and being stressed. We have so much on our plate all the time and more gets added without anything going away.

So, what can we do?

Reduce and control what you can. Put systems in place for students and for yourself that will make your teaching life more efficient which then will bring in the less stress part.

The other part is laughter. Make sure to laugh during the day. Use playful engagement with your students (I call this “Focused Fun”). Laugh with your coworkers at the end of the day when you’re all standing around at the bus doors.

Look up teacher memes. Don’t know about you, but all teacher memes make me laugh! When you find a good one, send it to your teacher bestie or grade level team.

You matter.

Start putting your physical, social, and emotional health as a priority so you can be the best version of yourself. Pack a simple and healthy lunch that will keep you going the rest of the day. Make spending time with family and friends a part of your schedule. Make your work life more strategic with efficient systems.

And don’t forget to laugh!

What are some self care things you can do this summer and during the next school year?

Hi there

I’m Katie, a teacher just like you!

And just like you, I love giving my students engaging activities to promote learning at the highest levels. My passion is growing and developing all my students using best practices.

And, I am here to help and empower you as the teacher. My desire is to equip you with strategies and helpful classroom management tips to make your teaching and your classroom the best they can be!