Burnout Is REAL: Why Self-Care is Essential For Educators

All day long, you give away pieces of your self to others.

To the tiny humans who need your support. Your full-attention. And your love…

But do you ever take a fraction of a second to give back to yourself?

Like a Car.. You Just Can’t Run on Empty..

Listen, I’ve been there.

My students mean the world to me.. There is nothing that I wouldn’t do for them. As long as it means their protection. As long as they are loved.

But along the way, I forgot to stop and love myself…

Even though, I was aware of it, I thought burnout just couldn’t happen to me if everything I did was out of love.

But that wasn’t the case.

I’m human. You’re human too.

And as humans, we need to be filling up our fuel tanks constantly so we can keep on giving to others.

Sometimes, that means we need to give ourselves more than others.

For humble educators: it’s a hard pill to swallow…

But it’s true.

I’ve spent the last few years learning this lesson the hard way.

And if I could go back in time now and have a conversation with the younger version of Miss T,
I would tell her this:

#1. Don’t Bottle Things Up:

It’s easy to stuff our feelings, our exhaustion… And carry on for the sake of our students. But don’t.

Talk to people. To other teachers. Find a community. There is power in knowing you are not alone.

#2. Practice Self-Care:

There are no rules for self-care – it looks different for everyone.

Do things that nourish your soul, recharge your battery and foster sanity. This could mean writing in a gratitude journal, taking a bubble bath, going for a walk… Whatever it is, schedule time for YOU… Everyday!

Begin your morning with something for you, instead of immediately rushing off to take on the world.

#3. Take A Break:

There is strength in knowing when to step back. When to ask for help.

We pride ourselves in never having to call in sick or book a sub. But that’s not sustainable… Take the time you need to recharge.

Book a mental health day each month. Or apply for a short leave if you are in need of some ‘you-time’. Make it a reoccurring thing – like you’d make time to see your mechanic regularity.