It can be stressful dealing with big classes of students each semester. From grading multiple tests to keeping everybody happy and interested in your lectures, maintaining good health for teachers is tough. And it can be easy to get lost keeping students content while neglecting yourself in the process.
The thing is, good health is crucial to running a solid, sustainable class. So you want to make sure you’re in tip-top shape both mentally and physically. And here are 6 ways to do that.
6 Ways To Increase Health For Teachers Everywhere
#1 Keep Your “Big Why” Top Of Mind
Whenever you’ve got a mountain of papers to grade and work seems never-ending, you’re going to need to remember why you got into teaching in the first place. No matter the reason, it’s the thing that’s going to drive you during the hardest parts of your career. Whether you want to make a change in student’s lives, or want to impact the future, or even just want to move up the educational work ladder, keep this major goal firmly planted in your heart.
And when the going gets tough, recite this desired outcome, and let it drive you forward.
#2 Accept Mistakes As Normal (And Necessary)
Every endeavor is a never-ending learning process, and it’s the same with teaching. Ironically, we all expect students to make mistakes and learn from them, but it can be hard to do so yourself – even as a teacher. So take a lesson from your students and accept that you’re going to mess up from time to time. You may even feel foolish because of it. But that’s normal and just part of life.
Be the role model for your students (even if they might not see it), and accept this fact. Use it to grow and improve your work processes. Because if you can do so, both you and your students will benefit from it.
#3 Embrace Gratitude In Your Teachings
Sometimes teaching can be a thankless job. Worth it, yes. But it can be a rough ride occasionally, especially since people won’t always be happy with what you tell them. But if you can look past the harsh parts of teaching and into what makes it worth it, you can keep a spark of gratitude there to help guide you through.
There will always be students who appreciate you going out of your way for them. There will always be parents who can’t thank you enough for giving them a great education. And there will always be classes you teach where you end up learning as much (or more) than the students themselves.
Keep your focus on these moments, and let the gratitude keep you strong.
#4 A Balanced Life Equals Better Health For Teachers
Students are expected to establish boundaries and do what they can to do stay mentally capable. So it’s your duty to do the same. If you’re constantly thinking of grading papers and feel like you never have days off, it’s time to make some strategic changes to how you approach things.
At the very least, try to have a clear cutoff point when you get home. Your brain needs time to process all the information you’ve got stored up there, so give it the occasional break. Make time for hobbies and social activities as well, these will unwind you and let you approach work with a clear and fresh mind.
#5 Stay Physically Active
This seems like an obvious activity, but most people still ignore it. And it’s easy to see why – it’s work! But as a form of stress relief and better health for teachers, exercise is a top-three contender for best things you can do. Try to focus on exercise that doesn’t seem difficult at first. So instead of jogging, go for a walk or hike. Instead of weight lifting, attend a yoga class. You’ve got to go with things you enjoy (or don’t mind) doing, because that’s the only way you’ll sustain it long term.
#6 Don’t Forget To Reward Yourself
Going further, make sure you reward yourself for your efforts. You can do the occasional candy bar of course, but beyond small things like that, you can have a date night, watch a movie, go for a hike, play a game, or whatever else floats your boat. Basically, if it feels good and is reasonably responsible, have at it. This is YOUR reward, and you should do whatever feels good to you.
Better Health For Teachers And Students
When you take care of yourself, both you and your students benefit from it. Because when you look and feel better, they notice it as well. And most likely, they’ll enjoy your lectures and even just being around you more often because of it.
As for good student practices, well, one of the best things they can do is get better typing skills. They’ll complete their work faster, which will give them time for a more balanced lifestyle themselves. And they can do that with the tools at KeyboardingOnline, so check it out today!