How to Take Time for Yourself and Thrive

Are you stressed by everything that has to be done by the end of the school year? Are you struggling to find time for you? These tips will help you find ways to take time for “you” during the day and allow you to thrive!

The end of the school year is fast approaching. For many teachers, they are already done. My how time flys! This year has been different than any other year. The Corona Virus pandemic has caused us to make significant changes in every area of our lives. Naturally, that leads to stress and uncertainty. And now on top of all of that, it is time to prepare for the end of the school year… from home.

If you are anything like me that thought has induced a sudden panic and anxiety about what is to come. How are we supposed to think about closing out the school year on top of lesson planning and taking care of everything at home?! It all seems like too much. 

Yet the most important thing I can do is encouraging you to take time for yourself. Yes, among all of the other crazy things going on, I am asking you to take time for you! When things are stressful, one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy both physically and mentally is to spend time doing something for yourself. The beauty of it is… the options are endless. Has there been a hobby that you have been dying to try? Have you been putting off exercising because you don’t have time? Well, now you have permission. 🙂

Ways to Take time for yourself

EXERCISING:

My number one suggestion is to make time to exercise. Exercise is crucial for staying healthy all around. It has been proven to boost your mood and give you more energy. And it just makes you feel good! This doesn’t mean you have to join a gym (especially right now with COVID-19). You can go for a walk, take your bike that has been collecting dust for a ride, run around outside with your kids, dance to your favorite songs – The options are endless!

READING:

Reading is one of the most relaxing activities I can recommend. Sitting down with a cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer) with a good book is pure comfort. Now you might be saying, “I don’t like to read, it’s boring!”. Well, I happen to be of the opinion that it’s not that you do not like to read, it is that you haven’t found the right book. Everyone is a reader. We read all the time, be it street signs or the cereal box.

Finding the right genre of the book is the important part. If this is something that interests you, which I really hope it does, I suggest going to the library (if possible) or downloading a couple of free books to try out. Yes, there are free books! Check out my other posts in the Book Club!

WRITING:

Another favorite activity of mine is writing. Now, I wasn’t always a writer/journaler. I only recently picked it up to help relieve my stress. When I was younger I tried really hard to write in my journals but was never able to make it a habit. But as an adult, I have found writing my thoughts down to be a crucial part of my day.

I start each morning by writing in my journal and then end the day doing the same. Writing in the morning helps me get ready for the day ahead and writing at night helps me wind down and reflect. Now, this doesn’t mean that it is the only way to write!

You can write anywhere, at any time of the day! That is the beauty of it. I happen to have two journals. One I keep at home on my desk for quick access and the other is a small pocket-sized traveler’s notebook that I carry in my bag everywhere I go. That way, no matter what, I have a notebook and pen with me in case I feel the need to write something down. (Which happens quite often!) 

TALKING TO FRIENDS/FAMILY:

My next suggestion… schedule in time to talk to your family and friends. It is so easy to say that you don’t have time and will put it off for another day. But then do we really do it or does it continue to get lost in the crazy amount of things on our plates? Well, I have found that life is too short.

Making it a priority to reach out to friends and family is a wonderful way to relieve stress and make you feel happy! I have found that making it a regular weekly event on my calendar helps remind me. I put it at the top of my to-do list for the day and put a big star next to it. After a while, it has become a habit and I look forward to Friday nights!

Board GAMES:

This has always been one of my favorite activities, ever since I was little. There is something about taking out a board game and setting it up on the table surrounded by your family. It is a time for fun and laughter and always makes me forget the everyday stresses. If that is something that you haven’t done in a while, I recommend trying it out! Gather your family or a group of friends and bring out the old “Candy Land” or “Monopoly” games you have stored in the back of the closet and are covered in dust. It might be something you start to do more often!

LEARN SOMETHING NEW:

My last suggestion is to learn a new hobby or skill! This is so much fun. There are so many wonderful tutorials and videos out there now a day that can help you master a new skill. Cooking, knitting, art, history – the topics are endless. Is there something that you have always wanted to try by have put off because you don’t have enough “time”? Well, now is your chance to give it a whirl! 

Self-care is crucial, especially when you have a job that is prone to stress. There is a lot asked of teachers today. It can be hard to juggle all of the tasks given to you. I understand that by the time you get home, you are just plain exhausted. I have been there! But one way of handling that stress is by scheduling in daily or weekly time for yourself.

By taking even 30 minutes here and there to do something for “you” can help feel more ready to tackle the everyday chaos that comes with being a teacher. If you are in need of a little inspiration, you should check out these posts to get a dose of motivation!

I hope this has helped encourage you to take time for yourself! Please share below – I would love to hear your stories and ideas for self-care! 

Xoxo Krissy