Ten Health Tips for Teachers
It's that time of year when teachers must once again leave the comfort of the holiday behind and get back to the routine of helping, loving, and teaching young children. Although, teaching is not considered a dangerous profession, it is very important that teachers take the time to do some very simple things to guarantee a smooth and healthy transition back to school.
These important health tips for teachers can make a huge difference for a successful and healthy school year.
1. EAT WELL IN YOUR DAY TO DAY RUSH TO GET TO SCHOOL:
Don't skip a well-balanced breakfast which fuels your day and help you stay focused on the students. Likewise, skip the standard school cafeteria fare and pack a wholesome lunch that will keep you energized throughout the afternoon. Nothing against school lunch, but school lunches were made for kids and sometimes just don't do teachers justice. Fruits and a delicious dinner can help support your immune system and give you a strong nutrient base which is beneficial to all teachers and workers in a school environment.
2. GET PLENTY OF REST:
As a teacher, you're probably inclined to work late, stay up at night grading papers, and spend late hours preparing lessons for your students. Do not go overboard. Plan a schedule and work your plan. In order to deal with any student regardless of the age, you need your rest. Proper rest will have you refreshed each morning to take on all challenges that will come your way during a normal school day.
3. WASH YOUR HANDS:
As a teacher, think about how many people and places your hands come in contact with during the course of just one single school day, not to mention the handshakes and materials. Hand washing is essential in not contacting and spreading all the little bugs and germs that teachers encounter. A great strategy is to keep a sizable bottle of hand sanitizer in your drawer or by your table.
USE THOSE TISSUES:
Keep that box of tissue near your desk. For every little sneeze and sniffle, tissue comes in really handy and helps to combat those little nasty things that come and go in the school house.
4. KEEP MOVING:
All teachers know there is never a dull moment in the field of education. Things are always moving. An excellent health tip for teachers is to keep moving through exercise. A morning walk or a few minutes in the gym can be just what you need to keep your stress level down or provide that extra boost to your metabolism. Even if you don't have much time, there are many exercises that you can do during the school day.
5. SUPPLEMENT YOUR WORK:
Teachers often find those little extra things to supplement their pay like a coaching job or part-time work, but a vitamin and mineral supplement works best for supplementing your health. While you might eat well balanced meals, it is not a bad idea to take a multivitamin or some type of healthy herbal supplement. Consult with a nutritionist or your doctor to find out which supplements can provide you with energy and other helpful benefits.
6. GET AWAY FROM SCHOOL:
Although teaching may be your absolute passion, the best healthy tip for a teacher might just happen to be getting away from school. Take time for yourself on a regular basis to recharge your engine. Find a way to spend some quality time (at least once a month) doing something special for you. A visit to the spa, a hike in the mountains, or a weekend at the beach can make a world of difference in your overall physical and emotional health. You will be amazed at how well you will feel after a nice trip away from the normal hustle and bustle of school. Teachers are known for taking care of their students, but it is most important that you take care of yourself.
7. DEDICATE A NO-WORK WEEKEND DAY:
Educators often find themselves taking work home. Duties spill into the evening as well as weekend hours. Find a way to dedicate at least one weekend per month, or one Sunday each week, as a no work day. Use this day for yourself. By allotting a no-work day you might even find a shift in your efficiency. When we realize that we do not have the leisure of the entire weekend to complete a project or assignment, it's amazing how our production and efficiency adapts. In turn, learn to love not working, if even for a moment. Being a well-rounded and healthy educator also requires knowing how to balance your timetable amidst the busy schedule.
8.
DRINK WATER BEFORE EACH MEAL AND/OR SNACK:
Many of us are dehydrated and the hunger signals we are receiving are false. It is suggested by many sources that adults should drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day, not to be replaced with coffee, tea, soda or juice.
9.
DON'T PUT SLEEP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST:
Sleep is not just necessary, it's good for you. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, if you get less than 6-7 hours of sleep per evening, you are creating what researchers now call a "sleep debt". And this lack of sleep has been shown to complicate many illnesses, can cause behavioral problems in and is linked to obesity, headaches, depression, accelerated aging, and a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion
LAUGH A LOT! AND LAUGH MORE because a merry heart doeth good like a medicine
Laughing relaxes the body and has been purported to reduce problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers. Recent studies suggest that a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at stressful situations helps alleviate the damaging physical effects of distressing emotions. A good, hearty laugh may help reduce stress, boost the immune system, lessen inflammation, lower blood pressure, lighten your mood, connect you to others, and foster good will. And when it's all said and done, with a smile on your face, you will feel better!
Health Tips is an awareness info publication for educators’ escort series (improving efficiency and effectiveness.
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