Teacher Self-Care Routines That Take Five Minutes or Less

We NEED to take care of ourselves, perhaps this time of year more than ever.  Here are some self-care practices that you can do almost anywhere with 5 minutes or less.


1. Diffuse a Calming/Motivating Blend of Essential Oils: Peppermint and Wild Orange

I love this little portable diffuser.  It has a USB cord and is small enough to fit in a cup holder in your car.  That means you can easily take it from your car to classroom.  Just a drop or two of oil, and this bad boy will diffuse for a few hours.  I love that it will not make the whole classroom smell of essential oil, just my desk area.

If you can't diffuse at work, put a couple of drops of essential oils in the palms of your hands, rub together, and inhale. 


2.  Drink more water!

A drop or two of lemon oil encourages me to drink more water and detoxes my system.

3.  Make yourself a cup of tea.

Magnesium tea is AMAZING, and super-easy to make.  The magnesium is the ingredient that makes it extra calming. Plus, it presents more ways to hydrate!

4.  Stretch at your desk. 

Even though most of us don't sit at our desk much st all, it is handy to help you stretch out those tired muscles. Bonus:  This routine can be done during state testing!

 

5. Listen to an audiobook on your way to school and home

6.  Write down at least one thing that went well each day and keep it to read when you need a reminder of how you are doing a great job and YOU MATTER!

7.  If you can, do a couple of laps around the hallways of your school at a brisk pace to get your blood flowing.  FEEL-GOOD BONUS:  Do this with a favorite teacher friend.

8. For days when all else fails, during your planning period:
~Shut the door, turn the overhead lights down, draw the shades, turn on soft lighting, play your favorite music or put an uplifting/funny YouTube video on in the background while you work.  I swear this one works!

Please help me add to my list of ways to stay happy and healthy. I'd love to hear how you de-stress!