It's Okay To Treat Yourself!

I challenge you, during this wretched time of year for teachers, to do something good for yourself.

Between the stacks of marking, the report card comments, the prepping of final exams, wrapping up year end awards and parties, planning graduations of all kinds, and just, in general, being a teacher in May and June, I challenge you to treat yourself and be good to yourself...you deserve it!

Let's take a look at what that can look like. I offer to you my list of ways I have treated myself over the years in order to maintain some sanity in the last few weeks of school.

1. Spa it up!
Run a bubble bath one night with some nice salts, bubbles or anything of the like. Remember to lock that door so as to not be disturbed, and be sure to light some candles and put on your favourite playlist and RELAX.

2. Cook your favourite meal.

Have you had a craving for that one savoury meal that just puts a smile on your face? Stop by the grocery store on your way home tonight (leave the marking), and cook for yourself (maybe your family too). INDULGE and ENJOY.

3. Allot time for your favourite TV show.
Maybe you have a backlog of recorded shows, or it just happens to be the night that "your show" comes on... go find that warm blanket that you like to cozy up with and curl your feet under you on that big lounger or couch and watch that show - guilt free! TAKE IT IN.

4. Get in that workout.

I know this one doesn't seem like much of a treat, but sometimes it can be! If you are feeling that tension in your neck that I do when I get stressed, or that eye keeps twitching (I get that too), then maybe intervals on a treadmill, or punching a heavy bag will be just what you need. Throw on that cardio playlist and hit the gym - WORK IT!

5. Open that bottle.
Yes! Liquor isn't the solution, but for many people, a nice gorgeous glass of wine, or their finest spirit can be soothing, and oh such a treat. If you aren't into alcohol, then pour a frosty glass of lemonade, or a warm, frothy cappuccino - whatever your heart desires to soothe the day, don't deny yourself. Also, don't be afraid because it may be a weekday. Pour yourself that liquid deliciousness and head to your favourite place in your home, and enjoy some tranquility as you sip on a little taste of heaven. SIP and SOOTHE.

Whatever it is that will seem like a small indulgence or luxury for this time of year - certainly don't think you are being selfish by allowing yourself to enjoy it. You need to take care of yourself and be well. If you accept my challenge, please add #BeWellEDU and #selfcare!

~Charity

Comments

Breathe

My daughter recently took part in a poetry workshop at school. Once it was over, her assignment for class was to write a poem and then deliver it in a spoken word performance to her class. If chosen, she would then compete against the other top poems from the other 5 classes in her grade. What she wrote and performed was so intensely personal. I was blown away by her courage to share, but more so by the profound words, technique and delivery of the poem itself (the English teacher in me!). She was extremely self-conscious about sharing with others in her school about her experience with anxiety, but I told her that she was likely helping others by sharing about what she has dealt with. A friend of mine, who is a teacher at her school commented on how she impacted other students with her words. My friend shared that at school she appears to be such a confident, composed and self-assured young lady, so in sharing her story and poetry, my friend overh...

It's Been a While... Hello Again

Hi friends, Today a colleague (I am at a new school in a new role - big, big update and a lot to catch up on, perhaps another post for this) was talking about her book club she runs on the book Teacher Take Care . I admire the work this colleague does on trying to instill wellness and mindfulness amongst staff. In our conversation, I was reminded of this blog - something I have neglected for a LONG time. I jumped back in and re-read some posts and shared the "Boundaries" post with my colleague, as it aligned with her mission. She will now be sharing it with the cohort of readers she is working with. Reading some of my old posts and being reminded of the work I have done on here made me want to get back in and blog again. Is blogging still a thing or have we all moved on to TikTok? I am still working on being my best self, and a little insight into my new job - as I coach new staff at our school and new teachers, I share with them my little...

Take a Moment

February 27, 2010 my life changed. I lost my dad to his battle with cancer, and he was only 52. My daughter Ava and my dad, summer 2009. Today is ten years since he died, and I have to say, it is a very tough day. I didn't expect it to be so difficult, but I am struggling today. Grief can consume, and it is a sneaky thing too, as you don't realize it's going to get you until it does. I am constantly on the verge of tears, my every thought is consumed with memories of him - both good and sad ones. How is it that TEN years has gone by so quickly? I was having a conversation with one of my Google Innovator mentees today, and he was saying how his life was so busy this past month and his Innovator project has somehow paused for a few weeks. He was still motivated and enthusiastic about it, and best of all - he didn't feel any guilt about having hit the pause button. My mentee's project is focussed around teacher self-care and wellness, and he...

BeWellEDU.com

Search This Blog