Necessity of Virtual School: Self Care

COVID-19

      Life is harder than ever for everyone in our country right now due to COVID-19. Teachers, parents and students alike are struggling with their own troubles during this time of quarantine. I have talked about quarantine life for the parents; I will now talk about teachers during their time in quarantine. Teachers have had to suddenly change their curriculum, adapt it to online work, change their schedule, and attempt to teach their students through virtual school and hope that they are able to grasp the information while being at home. 

      Due to the juggling of all these components, teachers can quickly become overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted. This could potentially pursue burnout within teachers. Typical school (not virtual school) also can stir burnout within teachers. Virtual schooling has increased frustration and stress in teachers more than ever.

     Us teachers need to stick together and support each other–especially during a situation like this. If you are an educator and you are looking for ways to decompress during your time of virtual schooling, PLEASE keep reading! Self care is essential for you!

Self Care at its Finest

It may seem impossible to find time to care for yourself when you have teaching, work, and family priorities (to name a few), on your plate. But, I promise you, self care is necessary and beneficial to you as a parent, (if you are one), a teacher and a person as a whole. Please consider these suggestions of self care and see which ones fit to your life and work best for you.

Simplify your schedule

       As teachers we do have a lot to do, however it is important to put an effort towards time management and figure out a schedule that works best for each of us. Simplify your schedule as best as possible. Ask yourself which activities and commitments are truly adding value to your life right now during quarantine.  Intentionally make space and time for those things that are most important. Make your schedule clear, and cross out tasks as you complete it, you will feel more accomplished that way.

Exercise

Exercise may seem impossible right now due gyms being closed, and really not being able to go outside. But, exercise is still important and can be something to do inside your home during quarantine. Stretch, swim in your pool if you have one, run, or whatever physical activity you enjoy. Exercise is a key part of self-care and it will help your body stay active and healthy throughout quarantine. Below, I have provided a few examples for you if you are not sure what to do.

Quarantine Home Workout – WITH NO EQUIPMENT

With gyms being closed and many of us being in quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic, we have to get creative when it comes to doing our workouts. If yo…

 

Quarantine Stay At Home Workout #1 (no equipment needed)

Coronavirus quarantine home workout no equipment needed For Bookings Contact Anthony Mosley mosleymanthony@gmail.com Share with a friend who would enjoy this…

Take a long bath

Take care of your body, wash it well and clean all those crevices that dirt can get lost in. It is important more than ever to keep germs away. While you’re at it, light some candles, grab a magazine and a glass of your favorite wine for your bath as well–Treat yourself! 

Do something fun

Take time to participate in one of your interests at home–whether that be dancing, drawing, knitting, anything. Anything you get leisure enjoyment out of, do it. It will bring you happiness and peace during your downtime or break. 

De-clutter/Clean

Choose a place — your email inbox, your desk, a closet — and get rid of the excess and junk. This may bring peace to your mind knowing that there is a clean space within your home or computer. 

Meditation & Yoga

Meditation and/or yoga are great ways to calm the mind and the body. Begin or end your day with a minute of deep breathing, and focused awareness of your body, thoughts, and feelings. Meditation is beneficial to you in many different ways. According to the HHS and NIH, Many studies have investigated meditation for different conditions, and there’s evidence that it may reduce blood pressure as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and flare-ups in people who have had ulcerative colitis.” Meditation and yoga are truly beneficial in more ways than one; this is an effective method of self care that will truly take care of your mind and body. 

Below are some videos that I have provided in order to get started. No need for a yoga mat, just pick a spot and get going! If you have kids and need to keep them busy, then get them involved as well!

5 minute yoga | Beginners yoga

This 5 minute yoga class | Beginners yoga is for those days when you don’t have much time, but feel like you need to get your energy moving! Perfect first th…

5 Minute Yoga | Morning Yoga for Beginners | Yoga With Bird

5 minute yoga class to start your morning! This is a gentle 5 minute morning yoga for beginners routine. A simple 5 minute morning yoga practice is all you n…

 

 

Relax/Sleep

Relaxing or sleeping may be the best way of self care. Relax in the way that suits you best: watching a movie, read a book, whatever works best for you. You could also take a nap, go to bed earlier, and give your body some extra rest. Extra sleep won’t hurt!

Wrap Up

For teachers, parents, students and others alike–it is extremely important for all of us to take care of ourselves. Especially, in a time like this during a pandemic, we need to stay clean, healthy and safe during our time in quarantine. Teachers who are reading, please participate in self care. Your kiddos in your class need you more now than ever. It is important for us to take care of ourselves,so we can take care of them.

Thank you for reading this in an attempt to better yourself during these crucial times. Stay healthy! <3