Why Teachers Need Boundaries
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How comfortable are you with saying “no” when you’ve reached your limit?
As a health coach for teachers, I can tell you that self-care must begin with boundaries for it to be effective - But that doesn’t mean communicating your boundaries is always a piece of cake.
In times when you’re struggling to set a boundary, it can be helpful to remember how you benefit from having those tough, boundary-setting conversations.
Below you will find 3 benefits of committing to boundaries that I hope will inspire you to have more conversations expressing your needs in the school year to come (adapted from Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab). You will also find 2 quotes from leading experts on boundaries, and 1 question for you to consider this week.
For guidance on HOW to set boundaries with confidence and WHICH boundaries tend to be most helpful for teachers, make sure to register for this month’s webinar here.
3 Reasons Why Teachers Need Boundaries
I.
People with boundaries experience less burnout. Burnout occurs when we take on too much for too long and fatigue gets the best of us. Getting realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish in a day, and setting boundaries accordingly helps to prevent that burnout from setting in.
II.
People with boundaries have healthier relationships that tend to last longer. Clearly communicating what you need and expect in any kind of relationship is healthy. Teachers have to juggle many relationships during the school year - from coworkers, to students, to parents. The clearer your boundaries, the more confident and calm you will feel in the variety of interactions you have throughout the day.
III.
People with boundaries feel more joyful. Boundaries help us to feel safe in our relationships and with ourselves. They help ease anxiety and overwhelm. And when we feel greater peace, it’s much easier to access joy in our day to day lives.
2 Quotes from Others
I.
“Stop thinking about boundaries as mean or wrong; start to believe that they’re a nonnegotiable part of healthy relationships, as well as a self-care and wellness practice.” - Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace
II.
“Your time is your life. You are absolutely the final authority on how you will use it.” - Anne Katherine, author of Boundaries, Where You End and I Begin
1 Question For You
What is one successful boundary you set last school year and did you feel any of the above benefits because of it?
If you enjoyed that, please share this post with other teachers who may benefit!
Until next week,
Emily Hemmingson
Health Coach for Teachers
Gain Confidence and Clarity with Boundaries in our Upcoming Webinar!
Airing live on Zoom Monday, July 27th, 2021 at 7:30pm EST
Registration is limited! Make sure to join us soon.
In this 1-hour workshop, you will learn:
Why boundaries are so important and signs you or your school community need healthier boundaries.
Common boundary mistakes and how to successfully communicate boundaries for a healthier school year.
My top boundary recommendations for teachers and school communities and how to implement them.
*All registrants will get 1 week access to the recorded class after the air date.
**Professional development participation certificates available to all registrants.
***If you are an active member of The Teacher Wellness Center Membership Community, access is FREE. For non-members there is a registration fee of just $7.
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Thank you for taking a moment to join me, and for giving yourself a moment to consider your needs this school week. You can get more actionable ideas in my popular email Teacher 3-2-1 newsletter. Each week, I share 3 of my teacher wellness tips, 2 quotes from others, and 1 wellness question to think about. Thousands of teachers are already subscribed. Enter your email below to join the community!