Planning for Teacher TLC

It's that time of year again.  Teachers are getting ready to head back to school by decorating their rooms, attending professional meetings and lesson planning for the first week of school.  During this busy time, don't forget to plan a little time to take care of yourself too!

Eat Well

What will you take for lunch?  Is there a way to plan a crock pot meal or freezer meal that provides lots of flavor and needed nutrients without stealing time away from your busy day?  I know that when I eat well, I feel well!  A pop tart for breakfast, microwave popcorn for lunch and take out for dinner doesn't provide the fuel that you need.  Plan some meals to ease yourself back into the school routine.

Sleep

No, really.  Your mom was right.  A good night of sleep can make a world of difference. I know that you are busy and that there are many things on your to do list.  Sleep is your body's way of rebooting and preparing for a busy day of meetings, lesson plans and smiling children.  Don't stay up to finish that plan.  Whatever you are doing can probably wait.  Get some sleep.

Plan for TLC at School

I do several things to take care of myself at school.  A little planning and a tiny bit of preparation can help you stay stress free and comfortable at school.

Stash some Snacks

I would love to tell you that I stash healthy, body worshiping snacks at school but...uhm....nope. Carb heavy, sweet and salty treats top the list.  I always have microwave popcorn on hand and I keep a small, personal fridge full of water, soda and juice.   Maybe this isn't a great plan for you.  It probably isn't for me either!  Choose some pick-me-up snacks and keep them near your desk on in your desk drawers.  It can provide just the boost of energy you need.

Make a Necessity Bag

I didn't do this my first year, but by year five I wouldn't be with a necessity bag.  I'm in year twenty something now and this bag is a life saver!  Some things to keep in a necessity bag:

• deodorant
• toothbrush and toothpaste 
• non-prescription pain killers like ibuprofen
• floss
• essential oils (I like peppermint for everything.)
• hairbrush or comb
• a little bottle of hair spray (if needed)
• a lint roller
• static cling spray
• tampons, pads, panty liners just in case
• chapstick
• cough drops, Orajel, bandaids or any other minor medical item you might need
• fingernail clippers and/or file
• lotion (if you tend to use it often)

Keep this in a bag or a pencil box and keep it in your desk or filing cabinet.  (I'm using this sparkly little zipper bag below this year.  Thank me later.

Be Shoesy

I like pretty shoes.  Sometimes they don't like me.  I keep an extra pair of shoes in my car or sometimes behind my desk if I know I might have recess or bus duty.  Switching mid-day can ease foot pain that often happens at the beginning of the year.

Hot Flashes and Cold Breezes

I'm hot.  All day.  All winter.  I'm hot.  It's not a hot flash.  I'm just hot.  Fortunately I can control my own thermostat and adjust accordingly.  If you tend to be warmer than most people you may want to consider a small fan for your desk, piano or music stand.

The teacher next door is always cold.  She keeps a sweater and a light jacket in her room.  She wears them all year around.  It's great to have a light jacket at school if you tend to be the cold one in the room.

Pin this idea for later!

Have a great year and take care of yourself!