Back to School Health Tips for Teachers

Man, oh man, we teachers love the summer! But at back to school time, we feel refreshed and look forward to meeting our new crew and taking them to new heights as productive, healthy and happy young people.

In order to give them the wings to soar, you need to be sure to show the same compassion toward yourself that you will toward your new charges. You can't do your best unless you treat yourself well and stay as healthy as possible in mind and body.

Over the course of 17 years in the classroom, I've discovered that I create the tone every day in my elementary school classroom. To be the best possible teacher I can be for my kids, I need to be sure to stay in tip top shape.

Here are 8 health and wellness tips for teachers to keep you at your best as you go back to school.

1. Center yourself and calm your mind every day.

Find a calming activity that works for your lifestyle. Try a walk in nature, a brief stress reduction meditation, or a yoga class. A few minutes a day will do wonders for your outlook and your ability to remain calm and patient and willingly accept each challenge you face in your teaching day.

This site has some great information about the value of meditation in stress reduction: "Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are."

2. Practice compassion

Be proactive in developing strong relationships with colleagues, students and the parent community. Listen to them deeply with a compassionate heart. Set aside your need to be right. Be willing to find common ground and suggest ideas to move the relationship forward. Building these relationships early in the year will pay dividends at those low points when you are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the teaching profession.

3. Surround yourself with positive people who laugh a lot!

The joy will carry over into your classroom and help you cope with stressful situations as they arise.

4. Back to School Germ Control 101 for Teachers and Students

Don't spread the germs! Wash your hands properly and often. The Mayo Clinic guidelines are "When you wash, use warm water and soap and scrub for at least 15 seconds. Even with washing, avoid touching your mouth or eyes with your fingers."

The Mayo Clinic advises, "Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard used tissues immediately. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve." Teach that to your students, so they do not spread germs by sneezing into their hands.

5. No one Likes a Grumpy Teacher!

Get 8 hours of sleep. Yes, I said 8. Yes, you have to shoot for 8, even if it means delaying correcting all those tests by one day. Go to bed, teacher, you deserve it! Tired teachers are grumpy teachers. I've been there and done that, and, trust the veteran teacher, it is not worth it. You can feel the difference when you are wide awake and on the top of your game. You set the tone in your classroom and the kids deserve a well rested teacher.

6. Eat right and drink enough water during the day.

The Mayo Clinic advises drinking about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. This can be tricky if you have a long stretch without a recess, but you have to find a way to make it work.

If you struggle with eating right, start small by substituting a few lower calorie items into your diet. Eating soups, salads, and fruits will help fill you up. One of my biggest tips for new teachers is that you should not work during your lunch. Treat that break as sacred. You are worth it.

7. Exercise daily.

Again, start with baby steps. Do what is reasonable and enjoyable for you. A brief walk is a good way to socialize with a friend and burn a few calories.

8. If you get sick, take the day off.

Look, no one at school is going to think you are a wimp. It is not a badge of honor to drag yourself in with a fever and sore throat that would knock out Bigfoot. Stay home, for yourself and for the kids. Come back when you are all better. Tell your principal I said so.

Be patient with yourself as you are with your young charges. You can keep healthy when you head back to school this year. Keep these back to school health tips for teachers in mind and stay positive. Enjoy your wonderful adventures with your students! Go get 'em, teacher!

Sources:

Mayo Clinic Staff, "Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are," Mayoclinic.com

Mayo Clinic Staff, "Disaster planning: Things you can do to stay healthy," Mayoclinic.com.

Mayo Clinic Staff, "Water: How Much Should you Drink Every Day?" Mayoclinic.com.