Self-Care Reflection

Teaching is a rewarding and demanding profession that requires deep reserves of energy, patience, and care. To sustain this important work, it’s essential for educators to take time for themselves. That means not just taking time to rest but to reflect as well. After all, the best way you can care for yourself is to think about what you personally need to feel your best. Stepping back to consider what supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being also strengthens your ability to show up fully for your students, making self-care reflection a professional necessity.

Reflection is central to many Responsive Classroom practices, as that is often where learning gets solidified. Below are some questions to guide you as you reflect on what will help you best take care of yourself right now. Find a quiet place and set aside about ten minutes to reflect and create a self-care plan for yourself!

Self-Care Reflection Questions

• What type of movement feels best for your body? Do you prefer intense workouts like HIIT or running, or do you feel better after a casual walk?
• What types of food make you feel best? Does your body feel best after you eat high-protein foods, vegetables, or low-sodium foods?
• What helps your mind feel calm? Do you feel calmer after talking to a friend or loved one, spending time in nature, listening to music, or reading a book?
• What makes your heart full? Do you enjoy doing a favor for someone who needs assistance, connecting with family, or checking in on an elderly neighbor?
• How much sleep do you need to feel energized during the day? When are the best times for you to go to sleep and wake up? What helps you fall asleep?
• Are you a person who feels better knowing a lot of information or limiting the facts you consume?
• Do you have any personal rituals or spiritual practices that help ground you?

Self-Care in Action

Once you’ve answered these questions, see where you can block off five or ten minutes to add one of these practices to your daily routine. For example, if you like to take walks outside, identify two five-minute time periods when you can take a walk. That may not feel like a lot of time, which is the point! If you can find five minutes in your daily routine to stop and take a walk outside, it will have a marked difference on your outlook and how your day goes.

We intentionally posed seven questions for you to reflect on. You can choose one self-care aspect each day to focus on, or you can focus on all of them! You know yourself best, so choose whatever pathway will help you feel your best.

Sarah Fillion contributed to this article.