As the first bell rings in August, teachers across the country step into classrooms filled with fresh faces and boundless potential. But with all the new names and faces, it’s easy to let self-care slip down the priority list.
Prioritizing your mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s foundational for your teaching success and your students’ well-being. Here are five essential mental health practices to adopt as you welcome a new school year!
1. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time
At the start of the year, decide when your workday ends and stick to it (harder said than done, I know…). Carve out protected time for non-work activities. If possible, mute work notifications after hours and resist the urge to grade papers late into the night. Boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re tools to help us achieve balance.
2. Build a Personalized Self-Care Toolkit
Self-care doesn’t require a trip to the spa or a weeklong retreat. Choose two or three activities that recharge you—perhaps a morning walk, ten minutes of daily journaling, or a quiet coffee on the porch— and make these non-negotiable parts of your routine. Remember: an empty cup can’t fill others. Prioritizing small daily acts of self-care helps ensure you show up as your best self in the classroom.
3. Seek Out and Lean On Your Support Network
No teacher is an island, even if it feels that way sometimes. Early in the year, re-connect with supportive colleagues and cultivate a few relationships outside of school. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors or friends when stress peaks. Join a professional group in the TCEA Community! And, if you ever feel overwhelmed, professional help from a certified counselor is always an option.
4. Practice Mindfulness and Stay Present
Incorporate mindfulness strategies into your daily rhythm. This might mean pausing for three deep breaths before each class, trying a guided meditation app after lunch, or even keeping a gratitude journal by your desk. Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind; it’s about noticing the present moment and responding with intention. Even five minutes of mindful activity can buffer against stress and help you find calm amidst the chaos.
5. Organize Your Space and Systems
Clutter and chaos increase anxiety (especially during the hectic first weeks of a new school year). Take an afternoon to set up your workspace, organize lesson materials, and establish simple systems for tasks like grading or communication. Consider using digital tools or checklists to keep yourself on track. When your environment is in order, you can focus more energy on what matters: teaching and connecting with students.
Happy back-to-school season from TCEA!
Starting the year with intentional mental health practices isn’t selfish—it’s essential for thriving in a demanding, rewarding profession. As you greet a new group of learners, remember: your well-being is the foundation for all the difference you make. On behalf of all of us here at TCEA, I wish you a joyful, balanced, and successful school year!
Looking for a more in-depth way to cultivate calm in your life and classroom? Check out our Cultivating Calm course, specially designed for educators like you!