Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Small Routines to Prioritize Yourself Every Day
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Small Routines to Prioritize Yourself Every Day
Like so many educators, I started my career juggling my own personal life, my academic life, and my classroom life. It was a high-paced, intense environment with many demands, and I spent most days stretched between my own growth and my students’ needs. The pressure to be “on” all the time weighed on me, and I started to wonder if I could keep up with this rhythm for years on end. The idea of self-care didn’t even cross my mind — there simply wasn’t enough time for it.
However, after dedicating the past year to wellness and self-care for educators, I began to realize that taking care of my well-being wasn’t a luxury or a sign of weakness — it was essential to being an effective teacher. This shift was truly transformative. I didn’t need to be a “superhero teacher” constantly pushing past the point of burnout. Instead, I could create small, intentional routines to support myself every day, in and out of the classroom. Here are some ideas for bringing self-care into your daily life — and a new (free!) resource that may help you along the way.
1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
It sounds simple, but setting boundaries is one of the most challenging aspects of self-care, especially for educators. For a long time, I felt guilty whenever I said “no.” But the truth is, saying “no” to extra tasks or even just taking a break is an act of self-respect. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your work; it means you’re protecting your energy so you can show up fully.
Start Small: Choose one area where you tend to overextend, like responding to emails late at night or taking on extra tasks after school. Commit to holding the line here.
Use Physical Cues: Close your classroom door when you’re on break, or set a firm end time for work. Physical boundaries reinforce mental ones.
2. Incorporate Positive Reminders with Affirmations
Sometimes, just a small reminder can help reset your mindset and focus on positivity. Affirmations are a great way to keep yourself motivated, especially during challenging times. My new product, Positive Affirmations for Educators cards, is designed to help you find inspiration daily with minimal effort. This set of 84 uplifting affirmation cards is crafted to encourage self-care, motivation, and a growth mindset specifically for educators.
Personal Desk Display: Place a few cards on your desk as daily reminders to stay positive and centered throughout your workday.
Reflection Practice: Each morning, draw a card to set a positive tone, or use one each week as a focus for your personal or professional growth.
Having these affirmation cards close by can serve as a reminder that your well-being is as valuable as the work you do. They’re also a thoughtful gift to encourage other educators on their journey. Simply print out the sheet out, laminate, and cut!
3. Practice Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to calm the mind and reset. When I felt overwhelmed, taking a few moments to breathe helped me center myself. Try incorporating it into your daily routine, whether during your morning prep, lunch break, or after a particularly challenging class.
Box Breathing Technique: Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, breathe out for four, and hold again for four. Repeat this cycle a few times to feel centered.
Set Reminders: Add reminders on your phone or post sticky notes around your workspace to cue mindful breathing breaks.
4. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition
The basics of self-care often get overlooked when life is chaotic. Sleep and nutrition are not “extras” — they’re essential. During grad school, I learned that feeling burnt out wasn’t just about workload; it was also about lacking physical energy.
Create a Sleep Ritual: Set a consistent bedtime and keep electronics out of the bedroom. Even small routines like a cup of herbal tea or a few minutes of reading can signal your body to wind down.
Pack Nourishing Snacks: Avoid the midday slump by keeping snacks like nuts, yogurt, or fruit in your bag. These quick options provide energy and keep you focused.
5. Incorporate Mini Moments of Joy
In the grind of daily routines, it’s easy to forget what makes you happy. For me, those moments of joy could be as small as a morning matcha ritual or listening to my favorite podcast on the way to work. These tiny routines help break up the day and remind us of what makes life meaningful.
Daily Ritual: Start or end your day with something you love — maybe a favorite book, a comforting playlist, or a quick call to a loved one.
Gratitude Practice: Try jotting down one thing you’re grateful for each day. Even small moments of gratitude can shift your mindset toward positivity.
Remember, Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Taking care of yourself is the foundation of showing up as your best self for your students, family, and friends. Small routines build resilience, and resilience allows us to keep doing the work we love. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
With resources like the Positive Affirmations for Educators cards, you can have small but meaningful moments to center yourself, set positive intentions, and remind yourself why your work matters. Remember: the more you care for yourself, the more you’re able to give to those around you.
