Happy & Healthy

By. Meredith Biesinger

December and the winter months that follow tend to be challenging for many. Yes, the holidays can be fun and festive, but they also can induce unnecessary stress. 

Many teachers are two weeks away (or less) from Winter Break. At this point in the school year, this break is much anticipated and needed by all. 

The new year is also around the corner, which is unbelievable! 2022 will be here before we know it. While many educators have recently participated in their first teacher evaluation of the school year, it is now the time to evaluate ourselves. 

Think about what makes you happy? How can you become healthier? Healthy isn’t just diet and exercise; mental health and overall quality of life also play a massive role in overall health and happiness. 

Think about why you love teaching. Then, write a list of things you’ve already accomplished as an educator while setting a few goals for the remainder of the year. 

Be sure to set goals for your mental and physical health and overall well-being. Make an action plan for these goals, and don’t limit them to your classroom. Take some time over the break and consider small changes you could make to help you accomplish your personal or professional goals without overwhelming your current schedule or routine. 

Remember, healthy teachers, don’t sit at their desks, grading for hours without moving. Additionally, healthy teachers don’t lie awake at night obsessing over every single thing they forgot to do that day or every single thing they have to do tomorrow. Too often, teachers’ lives revolve totally around school, and they absolutely must make time for themselves to energize and regroup.

Here are a few ideas to consider: 

Choose your food carefully

Plan your meals 

Work on your resistance, aka willpower

Get moving!

Sleep

Practice mindfulness or meditation 

Make time for yourself Whatever your goals might be, set them now, so you have time to prepare and rest before your return to school and a new year!