Self-care is a Must - Part II

 

As we move into a new season, fall that is, we also must think about and be mindful of flu season.  Thinking about the unknown impact that the flu may have can exasperate the stress that we already feel due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  For teachers and other school staff, this is even more true.

Taking care of ourselves matters now more than ever.  How do teachers and other school employees find time for self-care?  Although a challenge, not prioritizing it can be detrimental.

In researching and reading about this topic, I found an overwhelming amount of information.  That comes as no surprise with the stress, anxiety and other challenges being so prevalent at this time. For our teachers and staff, remote learning and many other changes due to the pandemic make self-care imperative.  

Where do you start?  Let’s explore a few key strategies.

Setting and maintaining boundaries is a first step.  With new schedules that, for some, involve working from home, it is easy to blur lines between workspace and family time.  Setting boundaries is about being intentional about your time and space whether at home or school. 

Establishing start and end times and sticking to them is a must in establishing boundaries.  It may even be necessary to schedule time for meals and turning off the computer and phone during this time.  Share this expectation with family and friends and ask for their support in this area.  Like most changes, consistency is the key in maintaining boundaries.

I often write about and talk about the power of gratitude and joy.  Appreciating these can be a clear form of self-care.  Do you have to search for joy and reasons to feel grateful? 

In our current space, it’s ok if the answer is yes.  If you are overwhelmed, take time to stop and truly examine all that is going well in your life and take inventory of the many reasons that you have to be grateful.  Journaling is a great way to unpack this.  Purchasing a gratitude journal or creating your own will be an outstanding investment for your own self-care.

Finally, be sure to establish regular human contact.  Now, this may be phone calls or virtual gatherings but they count.  Finding time to laugh with friends and feel a sense of normalcy will go a long way towards your self-care. 

I have enjoyed virtual Sunday brunch, virtual book club meetings, family celebrations and even a happy hour or two all in the comfort and safety of my own home.  Connecting to, laughing with and supporting each other has ensured that I remain linked with family and friends.

Whether you are a teacher, secretary, custodian or other staff member, please take care of yourself during this pandemic.  Team Selma is One Team, One Voice, Committed to Excellence.  And we need our team members happy and healthy.

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org