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What are you doing to take care of yourself after coming back from a break and recovery period?

Shauna Aningo

This is not a New Year’s resolution. This is about survival. Thriving, even!

I’ll be real: I hit burnout hard this semester. It got me thinking: How can I be kinder to myself? How can I create tools to support and keep me in a good space to thrive? Perhaps a dopamine menu—a little list of joys that recharge my teacher soul?

Here are some ideas I’m toying with:

  • A "mini wins" journal: Celebrate the small stuff (like getting through a meeting without zoning out).
  • 5-minute dopamine hits: Tea break? A walk outside? Scroll YouTube guilt-free?
  • Actually using my prep period or lunch for ME once in a while. Revolutionary, right?
  • Setting boundaries: Just because an email comes at 8 PM doesn’t mean it needs an 8:05 reply.

What’s on your dopamine menu? How do YOU keep burnout at bay and refill your cup?

Let’s make self-care a habit, not a resolution we will forget.

Here are some additional ideas: www.edutopia.org/.../7-self-care-strategies-teachers

Parents

  • For a couple of years after 2020, I tried to take a day on the weekends not to do any school work. Although it made Sunday hard, I think it helped me rest up for the week and feel like I could catch up with home, get chores done, cook a couple of good meals. I’m trying to do that for myself again this year, and even schedule fun activities with friends/family for Saturdays. 

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  • For a couple of years after 2020, I tried to take a day on the weekends not to do any school work. Although it made Sunday hard, I think it helped me rest up for the week and feel like I could catch up with home, get chores done, cook a couple of good meals. I’m trying to do that for myself again this year, and even schedule fun activities with friends/family for Saturdays. 

Children
  • in reply to Angela Lee

    I recently started doing the same, and it’s been a game-changer for taking care of home as well as feeling more organized. I even took out my Instant Pot and have been all about one-pot meals lately.

    Taking a break from schoolwork to take care of home can make a huge difference. Not only does it help us recharge, but it also reminds our loved ones that they matter. I’ve noticed my 4-year-old doesn’t ask as much anymore why I’m always working. Playing games again feels amazing. From matching with my 4 year old, Bananagrams to Uno No Mercy, it's been great! 

    Wishing you all the best as you keep making time for yourself and enjoying those moments with friends and family! Yellow heart