Self-Care

What follows was originally sent to my staff via email. It's important stuff. And it isn't just important leading up to the holidays and over extended breaks. This is something that we need to make a priority all-the-time.

It’s the week leading up to winter break. We’re on the final stretch of a three-week sprint between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’re almost there. Hang-on.

I know that everyone has a lot going on right now, both at school and away from school. It can certainly be a joyful time of year, but it can also most definitely be a stressful time of year. How do you balance it all and still manage to enjoy it all?

Last week, towards the conclusion of our professional learning, we engaged in conversation through two circles. While I thought that the conversation re. our content from the afternoon’s learning was great, I walked away thinking about our first prompt from within the circles.

In the midst of the season, what are you doing to take care of yourself?

Based off of what was shared, I’ve come to the conclusion that we either a) don’t do a good job of making time to care for ourselves or b) we’re ashamed to talk about the things that we do to care for ourselves (I know that I kind of put my head down and was looking at the ground while I shared what I do). It’s probably somewhere in-between. We probably need to do a better job of BOTH taking care of ourselves AND talking about how we take care of ourselves.

Self care isn’t selfish. As educators, our job is to take care of others. We can’t care for others, if we haven’t first cared for our self. We can’t pour from an empty cup.

So, this week, there are three things planned for us to help us prioritize our own self-care.

1) Self-Care Bingo
I shared this image (via @teacher2teacher) in this week’s newsletter (it is also attached to the bottom of this email). If you can complete a bingo before we leave on Friday, let me know what you’ve done. Those who submit a bingo will be eligible for a $50 Amazon credit to be used for classroom/instructional supplies.

2) Biofeedback
I’ve communicated about this as a part of our 12 Days of Giving. Willow Pogue will be at Van Allen and available to us on Wednesday. There is a sign-up via Google Doc (linked) that I’ve shared, previously. All staff are eligible to participate; if time is an obstacle, please let me know and I will see what we can do so that you can find a time that works.

3) Mindfulness PD
In between dismissal and 3pm that is time that I am giving you. Do what you need to do and get your things in-order so that you’re able to get a head start on preparing for the return from break. We will begin at 3pm in the Team 4 pod with some mindfulness activities, led by Erica Miller, for our professional development.

Self care comes in all shapes and sizes. It is different for everyone. The things that I do for my self care, aren’t going to be the same things that each of you would do for your self care and that is okay. It's like my daughter, Olivia, once said, “If you like it, you do it.” Find the fit that works for you and all of your responsibilities.

Take care of yourself. Let me know if I can help.

Have a great week. Enjoy it!