Hi, everyone! As the summer slowly comes to an end and the fall approaches us, it is crucial to be prepared for back to school season. I have compiled a list of my favorite self care activities along with tips to combat the daily stressors within the lives of students and teachers across the globe. Whether you are still in school, work at a school or are planning to go back to school, this is for you!
Be Sure to Leave Work on Time
Yes, you read that correctly! Even though we are constantly reminded to arrive to school or work on time, what about leaving on time? Through my professional experience working within the content creation and journalism industry, I have been reminded that clocking out on time each and everyday is a healthy way to avoid being over-worked or feeling burned-out. Remember, nothing about leaving school or the office on time affects how hard you work when you are there or the quality of your work. Leaving at a consistent time at the end of each day promotes a healthy work-life balance and provides a reason to follow an end-of-the-day routine!
Always Take Your Lunch Break
Students and teachers are often caught up in class or meetings, responding to emails, completing assignments or lesson planning. So, they may decide to skip lunch here and there or they may genuinely forget to set aside time to eat. Something as simple as committing to taking your lunch break everyday can have a huge impact on a person’s overall mental health and productivity levels. Think about it, when you step away from your desk or your laptop you allow time to take a break and focus on something else. Without realizing it, you are giving yourself space to declutter your mind and in turn, think a lot more clearly. Not only does skipping lunch increase stress levels and have a negative impact on a student or teacher’s mental health, it is also a huge mistake according to nutritionists. Jen Bruning, who is a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states, “breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, but lunch is equally important.” Something that stuck with me after reading Bruning’s professional advice is that eating 3 meals a day models a healthy relationship with food to anyone who has children. I also thought it was great to read that taking lunch “allows us social time with co-workers to strengthen professional relationships, which is an important piece of a healthy work environment.” At the end of the day, we all understand that life happens and sometimes there is a solid reason for skipping lunch, but if it becomes a habit, Bruning said, your body adjusts to a lower intake of fuel and that can be detrimental to your health.
Meal Prep on Sundays if You Can
If you are unsure what meal prepping is, it is simply preparing a meal or recipe before the start of the school or work week and portioning it into containers for easy access later. Some of the benefits of meal prepping include reduced time spent making/thinking of what to pack for lunch at night, supports the habit of taking time to eat and it can also help you to shop smarter (diet or budget wise.) In my experience I have seen the most success with meal planning for people who prep only for themselves as meal prepping for an entire weeks worth of family dinners would be challenging. Here is a link to some easy, budget friendly meal prep recipes.
Utilize a Monthly Calendar and Stick with it
Staying organized in your work life can be equally as important as staying organized in your personal and social life. It is never a good feeling to unintentionally miss a deadline or a friend’s birthday. As cliche as it may sound, staying organized helps you to delegate tasks, prioritize the most important work and increase productivity. The more you rely on your mental ability to track your “to-do’s,” the less productive you will be. I like to make sure my calendar is not only practical, but visually appealing. Having a beautiful calendar only makes me want to stay in the habit of utilizing each section.
Prioritize Healthy Sleep Patterns
No matter what hours you are working or how many hours of classes you are taking everyday, it is essential to have a consistent sleep pattern that gives you enough energy to feel upbeat, confident and focused in the classroom or office. We all vary in how much sleep we need to feel well rested, but according to the Sleep Health Foundation, most adults require anywhere from 7 to 9 hours of nightly sleep. Sticking to a sleep pattern can be tough, especially when you are just starting out because you have to have discipline. Sleep patterns are not just the time you fall asleep to the time you wake up, but also the time you get into bed and start winding down to the time you get out of bed in the morning.
Listen to Encouraging Podcasts on Drive to School/Work
Podcasts were first invented in 2004 and have steadily gained popularity in the last few years. I believe podcast channels have gained traction due to the fact that listeners can tune in from home or on the go since podcasts do not require visuals. Also, they are free to listen to and are available in a wide variety of topics, so they appeal to many different people with varying likes and interests. Starting off your morning by listening to something positive and encouraging will set the tone for the rest of the school or work day. For anyone who has not tried listening to a podcast, it could be a good idea to start incorporating it into your morning drive once a week to see if you enjoy the experience.
Lean on Others who are in Similar Positions
Building relationships inside the classroom or workplace helps to advance your career and make school or work more enjoyable. At the end of the day, your classmates or co-workers are the ones who are in similar positions to truly understand what you may be feeling. Building relationships with your classmates or co-workers can elevate your everyday life at school or work. One of the most effective ways to begin building a bond would be to ask that person to join you for lunch or to join you to study for an upcoming exam.
Elevate Your Environment
Last but not least, one of my favorites, elevating your environment! We all have a favorite place in our home where we like to get our work done, right? A space where we feel calm and content. Well, sometimes the stresses of life can take over and invade our environments. When we feel like we are having a creative or mental block, elevating the environment and raising the room’s vibration can be very beneficial. Some of my favorite ways to do so would be to first clean the space so it is nice and tidy, then light a candle, use strategic lighting while promoting natural light, add some house plants and lastly, add a few unique home accessories that bring you joy. These are all great ways to add a sense of extra tranquility and eliminate negative energy in your work space!
No matter if you are heading back to school or work, I hope some of these self care tips and ideas are beneficial to you when getting back into your daily routine.
Cthegood 