We live and teach in stressful times.  As such, it is even more important for us to take care of ourselves.  Here are my three favorite ways to focus on my wellbeing.

First, no matter how busy I am, I take time for myself everyday.  It might be just finding a quiet spot in my house where I can reflect and meditate, or grabbing a few minutes with my puppy or kitten, or playing my favorite word game on my IPad.  What you do doesn’t matter, as long as it is something that you want to do and that brings you joy.

Next, I take a few minutes to focus on gratitude.  In my planner, I write down three good things that happened each day.  Sometimes I am grateful that my 90 year old mother who has dementia still recognizes me.  Other times, I’m happy that I finished a chapter in my latest book.  I had a teacher share with me that nothing good had happened to her that day.  She was in a touch teaching situation with a wide range of challenges.  After I listened to her, I pointed out that several good things had happened.  None of her kids created a major disturbance, and she had made it through the day.  It didn’t matter that she didn’t have a huge positive event occur. What’s important is that you appreciate what you write down.  It helps you develop an attitude of gratitude.  

Finally, I surround myself with a positive environment. 

I post positive pictures on my walls, put encouraging quotes on my computer screen, and receive an uplifting email in my inbox during the week.  

I find https://thehappinessplanner.com/pages/

our-happiness-email-series helpful, but there are a range you can choose from.  This ensures that, amidst the stresses of email, I receive something positive.  

If you’re like me, taking care of yourself is last on your to-do list.  But it needs to be first.  If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of your students.  Take a few minutes each day to do these simple actions to focus on your own wellbeing.   

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