Self-care it’s something we all know we need, but most of us don’t get enough of. As a teacher mom, our time is often already accounted for between work and our families. Self-care is an area I know I need to work on, so I started to look for ideas. I’ve compiled a list of teacher mom self-care ideas that I’m trying. Will you join me and try to bring some balance to our lives with a little self-care?
I know whenever I see self-care brought up in teacher mom groups on Facebook most women scoff at the idea of self-care. “Who has the time?” “Self-care…I barely have time to eat three meals a day!” Sometimes, I don’t even know who my “self” is anymore.” These are just some of the many comments I’ve seen and empathize with. Hopefully, this list of ideas will help make self-care a little easier for you.
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Use these teacher mom self-care ideas to lower your stress level and bring a little more balance to your life.
We are constantly told by others to “make time for self-care.” But that is easier said than done. So I didn’t want to focus on ideas that would be overly complicated. This list focuses on activities that can be incorporated into your daily routine. Often we avoid spending time on ourselves because we feel guilty. To make it easier to take time for yourself these ideas are inexpensive or free.
While some will argue that ideas on this list aren’t true self-care. My philosophy is that if doing something makes you feel rejuvenated than it is self-care. We already have a difficult enough time getting in our self-care. We don’t need to have a strict set of rules regulating what is or is not considered self-care. Do what works for you!
1. Spend Time in PRayer or MEditation
Taking time to pray or meditate can be done anytime and anywhere. When you are feeling overwhelmed and over-taxed this can be what you need. It sounds easy to implement, but finding time to be quiet, so you can spend time with your own thoughts, can be difficult. If it brings you peace I encourage you to make it work. If you need help use an app like Calm to help you focus your mind.
While the goal of self-care is to keep yourself from getting to a place of overwhelm. There are times when you feel like you have nothing else to give. If you are a person of Faith, take your stressors to God. You can lean on Him and draw some strength.
2. Long Bath or Shower
Ok, I know taking a bath or shower is a necessity. It’s something we have to do, but this also means that we already make time for it. It’s already a part of your routine, but with a little effort, it can be an easy way to make some time for self-care.
You can lower the lights, light a candle, and play some relaxing music. Listen to an audiobook. Use some special shampoo or body wash. Whatever helps you relax and take some time for yourself.
3. Walk or Run
Exercise is great for your physical and mental health. As we learned from Elle Woods in Legally Blonde we want those exercise endorphins. Going to a gym or participating in a group exercise class is a great option, but not always easy as a teacher mom. (Or during our current pandemic). A walk or run is free and you don’t have to go far.to get started You can also adapt the workout intensity to fit your needs.
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”
~Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)
Another bonus is you can also take your kids on a walk with you. This allows you all to get some exercise together or at least get some fresh air. This is one of my favorite activities with my kiddos. We either have a fun chat along the way or I have a chance to think as they ride quietly.
4. Journal
Does your mind often feel like you have a crazy amount of tabs open on your desktop? One way I’ve found to help close some of the tabs is to journal at night before I go to bed. Journalling before bed allows you to get things off your mind or focus in on positive thoughts.
If you’re having a difficult school year I cannot recommend enough using a gratitude journal practice. Each night write down 5-10 things you are grateful for. There may be days this is harder than others, but it will help you stay in a positive mindset. Rachel Hollis is well known for her Start Today Journal that uses a gratitude and goal-setting practice.
Related Post: Overcome Mom Brain Forgetfulness
5. Increase Sleep
As teacher moms, we are often functioning on lower than ideal hours of sleep. It can be easy to write this off as something we just have to contend with. But sleep has such a huge effect on our overall health. When people talk about self-care they often quote the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This is especially true when it comes to sleep.
When we don’t get enough sleep our energy level is lower, our patience is lacking, and our health suffers. If we’re struggling to make it through our day we won’t be able to show up as well for our families and students. So if we can gift ourselves a few nights of 8 hours of sleep we will be better version of ourselves.
6. Drink More Water and Eat Healthily
Drinking more water and eating healthier foods coincides with getting more sleep. We need to nourish our bodies to keep us at our best. If you look at this suggestion and cringe increasing your water intake is an easy first step. Get yourself a couple of large water bottles that make it easier for you. If you aren’t the biggest fan of water try infused waters or sparkling water.
Eating healthier is an area I struggle with when I’m the most stressed. I tend to look towards comfort foods that are rarely healthy. While stress eating should be avoided we also don’t want to stress too much over what we’re eating. If we work towards eating healthy 80% of the time than we’re on the right track.
Related Post: Small Diet Changes Can Make a Difference
7. Set Aside Time for Your Hobby
You need to make time for whatever brings you joy. Set aside time for whatever hobby you enjoy. Painting, crafting, scrapbooking, fishing, sports, etc. Even if it’s only a few times a month. The anticipation of taking a break and doing something you love will also be a form of self-care
Do you struggle with finding a hobby? I’ll be honest when I’m asked about the hobbies I enjoy I don’t really have an answer. I used to scrapbook, but I don’t have the time or energy. If you’re like me and don’t have a true hobby. You can still set aside to do something fun. Playing with your family, vegging out and watching something on TV, doing a fun activity with your kids, etc. As long as you’re having fun and not focused on work.
8. Take a Personal Day
If you can take a personal day to do some errands or something for yourself. Does shopping with your kids stress you out? Use your day to go shopping by and for yourself. Get a fancy cup of coffee and eat out at your favorite restaurant. It’s simple, but it can give you time to reset and feel like yourself again.
You could also go all out and have a spa day. Get your hair done, have a manicure and pedicure, etc. A personal day is a great way to take some time for yourself. Your kids are already in daycare or being cared for.
9. Read Books For Yourself
We read books daily for our students and our children. But how often do we read books just for ourselves? This might be slim to none. Lately, I never get a chance to read an actual book. Instead, I listen to audiobooks. If you’re in a similar boat I highly recommend audiobooks or podcasts. Audible is a great resource for audiobooks. but you can also borrow audiobooks from your local library.
10. Night OUt
Taking a night out for a date night or a girls’ night is a great way to revitalize yourself. Anything that takes you out of the regular day-to-day routine helps you take time to focus on yourself. It isn’t the most inexpensive option, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. To save money you could do a picnic or a get-together at a local restaurant.
An added bonus to a night out is that helps you build stronger relationships. It also not only helps your mental state, but also the mental well-being of your loved ones.
Need more self-care ideas? Check these out:
- Constant Love & Learning; Free Educator Self-Care Menu
- Love Self Care
- All Things Relax
- 10 Self-Care Measures for When You Feel Exhausted
Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate, time-consuming, or expensive. We would love to be able to add all these self-care ideas into our weekly routines, but that isn’t always possible. Choose one or two to ideas to start this week. Comment below what you commit to doing to incorporate some self-care into your life.
