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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

  • in reply to Donnetta Elsasser

    Agreed.  Just making the list makes me feel more organized. 

  • in reply to Laura Massa

    Thanks for sharing your list, Laura! I totally agree, lunch is such a great time to connect with colleagues and recharge. I always feel better after some good conversation and a break.

    I appreciate your stress relief ideas as well! I used to take walks around the building or the track, and I need to get back to that, it always helped me clear my mind.

    Overall, these are great reminders. There’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea and some good music to unwind. Catching up with family or friends, even over the phone, can lift my mood as well.

    Let’s keep making time for these little moments of connection and self-care. They really do make a difference! Blush

  • 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