4 Unconventional Self-Care Routines for Overworked Educators
Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. But sometimes, it can feel less like a divine calling and more like you’re stuck in the middle of an endless, exhausting marathon. Whether you’re prepping lesson plans, navigating difficult conversations with students, or managing all the behind-the-scenes work, it's easy to forget about you. As someone who’s spent time both in the classroom and studying theology, I’ve learned that self-care for educators needs to be different—not the typical 'take a bubble bath' advice we’re so often given. It’s deeper than that. It’s about restoring your spirit, mind, and body in ways that are unique to us as educators and people of faith.
Routine #1: Restore Your Rhythm Through Quiet Recalibration
What It Is: Quiet, contemplative spaces where you pause the busy swirl of your day. Instead of running from task to task, you reclaim a sense of rhythm in your life.
How It Helps: As educators, we often function in a state of constant activity. Yet, peace is found in slowing down. Think of it as a "spiritual recalibration." This isn’t about meditation in the typical sense but about cultivating moments to breathe deeply and intentionally reset. I like to reflect on scripture or just sit in silence for 10 minutes, letting my mind and heart breathe.
Real-Life Application: If you can’t take a 10-minute break during the school day, try this at home by focusing on a single scripture passage or thought that resonates with your current challenges. Let it center you for the day ahead. A great passage to start with could be Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God.” When we rest, we acknowledge the truth that God is in control, not us.
Routine #2: Create a "Sacred Space" in Your Classroom or Home
What It Is: This isn’t about needing to go to a church building, but about making a physical space where you can pause and feel grounded.
How It Helps: Having a physical reminder of something that calms and centers you—whether it’s a small plant, a piece of art, or even a simple candle—can be a spiritual touchpoint. When you look at it, you take a breath. This serves as a tactile, visual reminder to pause, to breathe, and to focus. It’s your personal sanctuary in the chaos of teaching.
Real-Life Application: If your classroom is a whirlwind, create a space in the back corner that feels like a gentle refuge, even if it’s just a quiet corner with a comfy chair. At home, create a “sacred space” where you retreat for even five minutes of stillness.
Routine #3: Engage in Restorative Storytelling
What It Is: It’s easy to get bogged down by the stories that weigh on us, whether it’s a challenging student or a stressful parent-teacher conference. Restorative storytelling involves reframing those narratives by telling the stories of the ways you’ve seen God work in your classroom, community, or life.
How It Helps: As someone who’s both an educator and a believer, storytelling isn’t just a way of sharing what’s happened. It’s a method of looking back and reflecting on the victories—large or small—that can often be overshadowed by daily stressors. When you focus on these stories, they help reshape your perspective and renew your energy.
Real-Life Application: After a tough day, take a moment to jot down a story of success or a moment when you witnessed growth—whether academic or spiritual—in your students. It might be as simple as a student overcoming fear to ask a question. Keeping a “gratitude journal” or “victory log” can remind you that even in the hardest days, the light of growth shines through.
Routine #4: Embody Your Faith with an Active Pursuit of Joy
What It Is: Finding joy in movement, laughter, and connection, and embracing the idea that joy isn’t always passive. Sometimes, it’s a verb.
How It Helps: As educators, we tend to focus on work, work, and more work—until we forget what it means to be fully alive. One way to rejuvenate is by pursuing joy—not through perfect moments, but through the mundane. Whether it’s a lunchtime walk with a colleague, laughing at something ridiculous, or letting yourself be playful in the classroom, this practice invites you to bring the joy of your faith into your work.
Real-Life Application: We often neglect small moments of fun that allow us to reset. On a slow morning, listen to your favorite uplifting song. During lunch, get out of the building, walk around, and laugh with a coworker about something silly. It’s about choosing to experience joy in the middle of everything that demands your attention.
Being an educator is a sacred calling that requires the full depth of your soul, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. These practices might seem unconventional or even a bit too simple, but I believe in their power to restore the heart of an educator. After all, our work isn’t just about shaping young minds—it’s about tending to the hearts and lives of the teachers who nurture them. So take a breath, embrace joy, and remember: even the greatest teachers need to care for their own hearts, too.
