Back to School Health Tips for School Teachers

It is that time of the year again! The time when we have that bitter-sweet feeling; our long summer vacation is coming to an end, which is bitter. But the sweetness of a brand new school year ushers us for a new and interesting adventure. I love this time of the year! As a classroom teacher, I enjoy the anticipation of knowing who my new students will be, what they will be like, and what great things I'm going to teach them as well as what I will learn from them. This is one of the greatest rewards I get from being a teacher.

Now in the midst of all the getting ready to go back to school, getting ready for back to school night that follows shortly after the first weeks of instruction, and for all the other school activities that all seem to come before you know it, it is important to plan your year well in advance so as to have a healthy and productive year for yourself and your students. Below are some tips I find helpful to maintain good health as we go back to school and for throughout the year.

Eat Breakfast Everyday

I used to be on a rush my first years of teaching, often forgetting to eat and only going to the teacher's cafeteria every once in a while if I have time. Remember the doctor's order or perhaps your mother's reminder that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." It is! When I don't eat in the morning, I run out of fuel pretty fast and you can feel it in the energy level you exhibit during instruction. Even if it is a cup of yogurt and a piece of fruit, it is better to have little in your belly than nothing at all. Feed yourself so that you can be healthy and most importantly be effective in the classroom.

Don't Curb Your Enthusiasm

I used to think that being enthusiastic and being perceived as "nice" would subvert my appearing to be a disciplined teacher with great classroom control. Now I can't imagine not being enthusiastic or being nice towards my students. One can be nice and still be tough as far as one lets students know where to draw the line. Being enthusiastic about your subject makes it contagious that your students are going to want to listen and learn what is interesting about what they are about to learn. As you are happy, stress disappears.

Keep yourself in shape by exercising

Along with exercising is keeping your body fully hydrated by drinking enough water. You will see the result on your body and your mind when you exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat well. They take so much stress out of you everyday.

Meditate once in a while

People who meditate find they reap a lot of health benefits including lowering emotional distress, enhancing the immune system which keeps the body healthier by limiting the activity of bad bacterial cells. It also decreases tension of the muscle and reduces headache, all of which are easy symptoms one can have at the end of a rough day of work. Bottom line, meditation or yoga type of workout helps greatly to keep your mind and soul in its highest spiritual level so you can function at your best.

Think positive, avoid gossips

Lunchroom gossips can drain off your positive energy. Stay out of who said what and when by hanging around positive-minded people who want to better themselves and their profession, not pull others down with negativity. You will have a much better year in and out of class.

Practice good hygiene habit with your students

With Swine Flu predicted to strike this fall with vengeance, it is even more important to practice good hygiene. If you don't already, stock up your classroom with cleaning wipes, tissues, hand sanitizers, band-aid, and other essential health supplies for the classroom. Remind your students to sneeze and cough into the sleeve of their shirt by turning their head inward toward the armpit when they cough or sneeze. This way, they don't have to sneeze or cough into their palms and spread the germs to others. If they have tissue immediately within reach, they should cough or sneeze into it covering their mouth and nose, and quickly disposing off it. Wash your hands often and encourage student to do the same. If you can't get to the bathroom often to wash, use the hand sanitizer but don't forget that nothing beats washing with anti-bacterial soap and warm water.

Use your sick days if you are really sick

I know there are days when we really should not be at work, but the thought of leaving your classroom to somebody else that may or may not carry out your lesson plan scares you out of bed. If you are sick, please practice a good health habit by taking some time off. It will be good for you and your students. You will not be your best if you are in class mopping around so take the sick day off.

Stay positively consistence

For the entirety of the semester or school year, practice being consistent with your emotion. Students are great at studying people's emotions and attitude. It throws them off to see you swing from one extreme mood to the other. They need stable environment to feel safe, learn, and grow.

Have a wonderful school year!