First Week of School Stress Relief for Teachers
The first week of school after summer break is exciting, but it can be a lot to adjust to mentally and physically.
A habit I regularly recommend to coaching clients is something I like to call “The Sacred Hour”. The Sacred Hour is daily time reserved for relieving and releasing built up stress, and getting back to a neutral place of calm so you’ll be fresh for tomorrow.
It can be less than an hour if you only have 20 minutes, or it can be more than an hour for days you need more TLC. The amount of time is not so important as that the time happens.
And what you do during The Sacred Hour matters! Choosing activities that are proven to relieve stress really make this habit beneficial. Activities like doom scrolling, mindless social media use, bingeing TV, or doing non-work-related-but-still-tiring productive things should stay far away from your Sacred Hour (think house chores, filing taxes, and the like).
Here are some proven stress relievers you might include in a Sacred Hour:
Deep breathing or meditation
Spend time in nature
Exercise in a way you genuinely enjoy
Shake out muscles to release tension - This can literally involve shaking out your arms and legs, dancing around the room, or doing a form of cardio at an intensity
Relax tense muscles - Practice gentle stretching, take a warm bath or shower, or use heating pads on your shoulders and other places of tension
Do something that elicits laughter and humor
Do a group activity - Any activity you will all enjoy! The benefits come from the togetherness
Eat a delicious, nourishing meal mindfully, ideally a meal with protein and healthy fats
Cuddle with a pet or loved one
Read a book (But choose a book where the content isn’t disturbing or too intense)
Try something new like a new restaurant, new hobby, or new route for your walk
Create art for the love of the process and the expression, not for the product - This could look like using an adult coloring book, knitting, making music, or getting lost in creative writing
Give yourself full permission to nap
These are just a few ideas! Incorporate activities that help you feel better, and leave activities that don’t do it for you.
Your turn!
When might you be able to incorporate a Sacred Hour today? Remember, even 20 minutes a day can make a difference if that’s all time allows.
What activity could you include in that time that would help you relieve stress and reset from the demands of the day?
Healthy work-life balance is a daily practice, and one that is absolutely essential for burnout prevention during the school year.
My private coaching clients actively practice time and stress management strategies so that work-life balance doesn’t get out of whack. To see how coaching can benefit your health in the classroom, connect with me for a free teacher wellness call here