Dear Stressed Out Educator,
Do you need relaxation tips for your Holiday Break? A thread from a recent Facebook posts listed a myriad of illnesses and ailments from educators across the country. Health issues ranged from diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and more. Another post asked educators how often do they go to work ill instead of staying home to heal. Most said they go to work even if the doctor’s recommendation is to take a couple days off. Your health must become a priority. So, here are a few relaxation tips to consider while on Holiday Break.
Relaxation Tips
First, create a stress management plan. Think about your stress triggers. Then think about activities to combat the stress. Write it down and create your plan. Start anew! Also, check out our blog post, Create Your Stress Management Plan.
Next, sit down and be quiet. It’s time to meditate. Meditation is a calming activity. It helps to get you focused. Learn some breathing techniques to help you relax in stressful situations. While meditating use calming essential oils to create a soothing ambiance.
Thirdly, think about getting a hobby. You can choose from sports, arts & craft, music lessons, dance lessons, and more. What brings your joy? Take a photography class. Learn to play an instrument. Improve your golf swing. You need a hobby!
Find a hobby to help add balance to your life.
Reserve a day for a time at a day spa. Your body needs a good massage. Rub out the tight muscles and shoulder kinks. You need at least a 60-minute massage. Perhaps some need 90 minutes. While you’re there, get a manicure and pedicure, too.
Afterward, create a quiet spot in your home. A quiet spot is a place to call your own. Find a room or corner your house or apartment to hide out. Design the spot to your liking and make it a cozy, comfortable space.
Lastly, begin to write in a journal. Writing down your thoughts, ideas and wants are medicinal. You should make it a habit to put pen to paper every day. Even if it’s one sentence, write it and make it meaningful. You can purchase a paper journal or use an IOS or Android app.
Other tips include visiting your primary care physician for a full physical. Eat healthily! Take a look at your diet. Is it filled with junk food and caffeine? Get physical exercise to get in shape and work off the stress. Try to get a good night sleep. Six to eight hours of sleep will do you good.
Educators, your physical and mental health is very important. Taking care of yourself is a priority. Furthermore, you cannot run on fumes forever. Teach and take time for you. If you are not well, then you cannot take care of others. Begin to use these relaxation tips during the two-week holiday break. Consequently, at the beginning of 2018, you’ll have routines and strategies to become a healthier person. Enjoy, your time off!
Sincerely,
Your Peer