Do you feel stressed out already about the new school year? Let’s talk about time and how we can spend it this school year.
Read this post: Personal Growth for Teachers
Read this post: Self-Care in the Summer for the Tired Teacher
Teacher friends, have you ever felt like your schedule is just way too packed to fit in any thing else? If you have, then we have something in common. Busy teachers everywhere may often put certain tasks on the back burner due to lack of time, including exercise. In this blog post, I will share some fitness ideas for teachers, as well as invite you to participate in the Move It Challenge!
In my early years of teaching, I enjoyed doing home workouts using different DVDs. My favourite one back then was Turbo Jam by Chalene Johnson. Ready for some nostalgia? Look no further! Take a peek below!
Later on, I enjoyed doing Zumba classes with a friend at a local gym for a few years. It was lots of fun doing these classes a few times a week. Those workout sessions were not only a great stress reliever, but also like a mini social event!
The past few years have been stressful for everyone all over the world. Everyone responds to stress in different ways. Unfortunately for me, when the pandemic hit in March 2020, I lost the interest in working out as I did before. The motivation to exercise disappeared for a time because my mind was just on too many other things.
That was then.
This is now.
I am not where I want to be yet, but I’m going to get there. I intend to make it happen, even in a small way.
I reflect on the times when I was motivated to work out and dedicated to doing so several times a week. It was a sacrifice to carve in a block of time in my day or evening to do so.
However, I definitely remember how good I felt when I finished a workout. Of course it took effort to start sometimes and push through, but I felt a sense of accomplishment during the cool down!
I enjoyed the routines (e.g., classes).
It was great to include a workout, even a short one, after a busy day of teaching.
It helped me build stamina, gave me more energy, helped me sleep better, and was a great way to deal with stress from the day.
All of that and more is why I am focusing on getting into a workout routine again as part of my self-care practice.
It’s worth the time for me, even if it’s for a short time, but consistently.
Disclaimer: Please always check with your health practitioner before starting any exercise routine. I am not an expert, so please do not take the following as health advice. The ideas shared below are just some that I personally choose to follow.
I will share a few different fitness ideas that I am going to be using to help me get back into a routine of working out. Have you tried any of them before, too?
After sharing them below, I will then discuss my personal plan that I’m calling the “Move It Challenge”. It’s something that I hope to roll into the school year, too!
It may sound simple, but this past school year, some friends at work encouraged each other to walk for about 20 – 30 minutes at lunch time.
I walked for about 3 – 4 times per week on average this year during lunch time. I never knew that I would enjoy it so much! The fresh air, change of scenery from the classroom, and the chance to chat with dear friends during the work day, was a gift I didn’t know I needed!
With the exception of days with heavy rain, my friends and I walked outdoors and then went to eat lunch. It was a welcome routine that I intend to start again in the next school year.
Have you ever heard of workouts, Grow With Jo on YouTube (growwithjo)? Jo, the instructor, has quite a few walking workouts on her channel.
There is a variety of workouts available, including some for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. You will also find some upbeat, dance routines that are lots of fun, too.
Some fitness routines are categorized by length of time (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, etc.).
I personally like how Jo uses the countdown timer in her videos.
According to the website and app itself, FitOn is described as follows:
#1 Free Fitness App. Workout Anytime, Anywhere. Unlimited access to the world’s best workouts from celebrity trainers.
This app is such a valuable resource! It’s is available for use on your phone, as well as on a laptop.
The layout of the app is clean, simple, and easy-to-use.
There is a large selection of programs such as:
You will also find many kinds of challenges that you can participate in. These include:
I enjoy the strength-training workouts here, too. I use lighter and medium weights (or none at all), depending on the video I select.
Here’s a quick peek at some sample videos from Fit On:
Using a fitness tracker can also be helpful in monitoring my fitness goals. For instance, I’ve been using a Fitbit for many years now. I know there are many features available for free, and of course, many other options that come with a fee.
I use the free option and for the purpose of this post, will share how I use it.
I love that my fitbit can keep track of my steps all day, every day. I use it as my watch and mainly to keep tabs on my steps.
Using the fitbit app on my phone, I’m able to sync the data from my fitbit watch and get more details, too. If I do a workout for instance (e.g., walking, cardio, etc.) for at least fifteen minutes consistently, it usually automatically records it as exercise on the app. It tells me details such as:
You also have the option to manually add workouts done on the app, too.
Read this post: Self-Care for the Tired Teacher
Using the fitbit during the school day has been fun because I have made some intentional choices, knowing that they can help me get more steps.
Since getting my fitness tracker, I have enjoyed walking around the school yard even more during yard duty! After I realized that the tracker kicks in after approximately 15 minutes of consistent walking (or working out), I got a boost of motivation to enjoy this part of my day in a different way!
Read this Post: Teacher Tip | Encourage Exercise Throughout the Day
Well, the Move It Challenge is something that I personally planned for myself! Here is my goal for it:
I intend to choose at least one way to move purposely each day (e.g., any exercise of choice as described above).
In order for me to monitor and track my progress, I will write down what I do each day. I will be printing out a few copies of a planner so that I keep notes. I find that when I write things down, it keeps me more accountable and also helps me see my progress over time.
Here’s a free gift for you, too! You can download and print the planner as well and use in the same way (or for any other purpose that is helpful to you).
So, how about you? Will you join the Move It Challenge, too? You’re invited to join me!
Kris of Minds to grow
I feel like if I intend to exercise, or move purposely in one way each day, then I can build my stamina and perhaps “move” more often over time (e.g., sometimes aim to do a longer workout).
So, what will my Move It Challenge look like for me?
It may be me walking at lunch time and also doing a Gro With Jo workout at home.
It could mean following a 15 minute stretching video from the FitOn App.
On some days (during the school year), it may simply mean maximizing the number of steps I get during my walk around the field during yard duty.
Another cool way to get some movement during your day: Do some Go Noodle workouts / brain breaks with your students! They will love you participating along with them and you will feel great, too!
The Move It Challenge will be different for each person.
Maybe it will be a session of Yoga, HIIT, Pilates, or even a workout with a personal trainer.
Perhaps it can be short bursts of cardio throughout the day.
It can also be a circuit of exercises you are comfortable doing for a period of time.
The one main thing is to do just that…at least one thing.
Choosing to move purposefully in one way each day.
No matter if the time is shorter like ten minutes, or longer like one hour. Just get moving. Starting in a small way can create motivation to move in more ways when ready.
I am completely speaking to myself here and encouraging myself about it!
At the same time, I’m welcoming you to join, too, if it resonates with you.
As busy teachers, finding the time to fit in a workout may sometimes feel overwhelming due to an already packed schedule. Nevertheless, it’s important for us to make sure that we practice self-care (including exercise for me) throughout the school year.
I am determined to use my Move It Challenge as a way to slowly get back into a routine of working out again. It’s very important to me. My goal is to move purposely (exercise) in at least one way each day and record it on paper to monitor progress over time.
You are invited to participate! Feel free to download the free gift Weekly Planner template and use it to record what you do.
In fact, I’d love to know how you feel about this Move It Challenge! Send me a message on Instagram or via the contact page on my website. I look forward to hearing from you!
Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.
Teachers dedicate a great amount of time and energy into planning for and working with their students. Busy teachers often feel like they don’t have time to focus on personal interests. In this blog post, I will start talking about personal growth for teachers.
In the blog post, “What is Personal Growth and Why Is It So Important?” (Vishen, Amy White, June 23, 2022), personal growth is described as follows:
“Personal growth is the improvement of our skills, knowledge, wisdom, habits, behavior, and personal qualities. Personal development allows you to reach your full potential, be your best self and live your happiest, most successful life.”
It also states the following:
“It’s not just about learning — it’s about applying whatever you learn so it becomes part of who you are.” (https://blog.mindvalley.com/personal-growth/)
Read this Blog Post: Self-Care in Summer for the Tired Teacher
As educators, we aim to meet our students where they are in their learning and help them grow from there.
We help facilitate their learning so that they can grow their knowledge, develop social skills, become critical thinkers and communicators, and so much more.
We feel a deep sense of joy when we see our students’ progress from Point A to Point B. I personally feel proud of what my students and I accomplish together when I see just how much progress has occurred in our school year. I see how they continue to work hard and broaden their understanding.
Personal growth for the teacher is valuable and needed, too.
Perhaps you’re thinking of the following:
“When in the world do I have time for personal growth? I barely have time to focus on me because I’m simply too busy with everything else!”
Does this resonate with you?
If it does, then please keep reading. This is a necessary topic and one that I’m pleased you are also interested in just like me!
Here’s a little challenge for you!
Take out a pen and paper (or if preferred, get ready to type on a device of your choice).
For the next 60 seconds, make a list of some work-related tasks that keep you super busy each day, throughout the school year, etc.
And begin!
So, what did you record on your list? Were you able to come up with only one or two items?
Chances are, your list was pretty long. You may have even felt like you needed extra time to create a more exhaustive list!
Did any of the following make your list, too?
To answer the question personally, what has stopped me in the past from focusing more on personal growth is quite simply my busy schedule.
There never seems to be enough time to do other “stuff”.
Well, for a while now, I adjusted my mindset on that because I realized that the other “stuff” is especially important and needed in my life.
Remove the Teacher Hat that we wear for a moment.
Think about a specific thing you’ve always been interested in doing, but haven’t found the time to do so yet.
Can you imagine it? Something just for you. A goal you have personally been interested in working towards or an intention you wish to set for yourself.
How would you feel to be engaged in making that happen for you?
Would you feel a sense of joy, pride, accomplishment, growth?
If so, I sincerely encourage you to start thinking more about that one thing (or things) you have been dreaming of doing, but can’t find the time to start.
I’m thrilled you are here, Teacher friend, especially if you are on a journey, like myself, to focus more on personal growth with our busy schedules.
You are worth it and so am I.
We need to do this for ourselves and starting it sooner than later can help us start, well, growing.
Stay tuned to this blog category on Personal Growth, for more tips and words of encouragement to keep growing.
I believe in you! Thanks for believing in me, too!
So, what are we waiting for?
3, 2, 1…let’s grow!
Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.
School’s out for summer! I can hear a collective sigh of relief from exhausted teachers everywhere. It’s been a tough year and the break is needed to rejuvenate. In this blog post, I will share some ideas about self-care in the summer for the tired teacher (that’s me).
Over the last school year, you felt like you were sometimes just barely getting through each day. Absolutely exhausted.
You’ve been overwhelmed by the workload as well as the many pivots you’ve had to make in your teaching during this pandemic.
You feel like you are constantly falling behind and somehow can’t catch-up to where you want or need to be (at home and work).
Teaching has become incredibly difficult due to the fast pace of using new technology, devices, apps, and more.
Perhaps you’ve even considered other professions due to feeling worn out from teaching in the classroom.
Whichever example resonated with you the most, please know that I see you and empathize with you.
Our job is so important for our students, yet it has truly pushed us to our limits during the past few years.
This is why I’m so happy that it’s summer! I need to practice self-care in the summer because I feel like I haven’t done it so well during the past school year. Just speaking my truth.
Does this sound like you, too?
Read this Post: Self-Care for Teachers | My Favourite Beverages
According to dictionary.com, self-care is, “the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation” or “the products or practices used to comfort or sooth oneself,” (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/self-care).
Over the last few years, I’ve seen many messages on social media reminding others that self-care isn’t just bubble baths or going to a spa. Well, they can be part of one’s self-care practice, but it’s not just about those particular types of activities.
Read this post: Good mental health: How to improve yours (and maintain it for life)
I will share a few ways that I will focus on self-care over my holiday.
Yes, I know – you can never “catch up” on missed sleep.
Nevertheless, for me personally, there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping in on my summer break. Waking up without the alarm clock on my phone is always pretty appealing!
A few years ago, I had a great routine for working out, whether it was at the gym or at home. I was motivated and enjoyed doing so.
Then the pandemic hit and the interest that was there before sadly waned.
My goal this summer is to start getting back into a new routine for working out. I have already decided on a few ways to do this and will share in a future post!
For the time being, a walk outdoors is a simple, yet invigorating way for me to get moving and also get some fresh air, too.
I truly look forward to seeing more friends in person this summer.
In my books, connecting with your social circle, whether as a group or one-to-one, is a form of self-care. When I am with my dearest friends, the conversations that we have are soul-filling. Did I also mention that we enjoy various types of foods during these chats, too?
Eating lunch during the school work-day is important, yet I always feel like I’m in a tremendous rush to do so. This summer, I want to make sure that when I eat, I do the following:
Teachers are always reading and writing each day for work.
Reading books that I haven’t had time to read before is something that I look forward to doing this summer.
I also enjoy journaling. Writing helps me to clarify my thoughts and reflect.
Slowing down my mind and even stopping from physically rushing around is sometimes quite difficult during the work day. I’m grateful that moments of prayer and/or meditation can help me stop and be present.
Some may pray, and others may prefer meditation. Whatever helps you stop and rest in that moment is truly special.
Another way for me to focus on self-care in the summer is to catch-up on shows I’ve missed. The Amazing Race is one of my favourite shows to watch!
I recently got into watching Survivor (watched the last two seasons). Didn’t know what I was missing before!
I also look forward to watching re-runs of Abbott Elementary. It makes me so happy! Have you seen it before?
My beverages of choice are smoothies and herbal tea. To learn more about my favourites, click here to read.
It’s been fun sharing ideas for self-care in the summer, but it’s something that should be practiced year-round.
Yes, my Teacher-Friend. I am talking to you and me both.
The many self-care tips shared above, I intend to weave them into my next school year much better than I did before. The pandemic caused many changes and stopped many prior routines, but I’m excited to try and get back on track.
Are you with me?
In some future blog posts, I will focus on different areas of self-care and wellbeing. I think that having a mindset of caring for oneself each and every day, even in a small way, can set the tone for other aspects of life, too.
Remember, we can’t drink or pour from an empty cup.
I hope you will join me as I plan to get better at focusing on self-care, while also caring for and helping all of those around me, too.
Now, let me start by making my favourite cup of tea!
Wishing you all a safe, healthy, peaceful, relaxing, and happy summer break.
You simply deserve it!
Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.
Children often struggle in the classroom if they lack self-esteem. As educators, we can help students build self-confidence. In this blog post, I will share three ways to help build self-esteem in the primary classroom.
According to www.kidshealth.org, self-esteem means “you mostly feel good about yourself”, whereas “Low self-esteem means you don’t feel very good about yourself.” (D’Arcy Lyness, PhD, June 2018).
Children with self-esteem typically like who they are, feel proud of who they are and what they know or can do. Children with low self-esteem may have a difficult time seeing that they are special and important. They may lack confidence in their abilities or knowledge.
My heart breaks any time I discover a student who lacks self-esteem or struggles with self-confidence.
We’ve all been there at some point in our lives. As educators, we can support our students and help them see that they are amazing human beings who are loved and appreciated.
Read this Blog Post: How Will I Grow My Mind Today?
Please note that the following titles are personal favourites and suggestions. They are not affiliate links.
Read this Blog Post: Teacher Tip | Celebrate Our Names
How do you help students learn aboutthis topic?
What kinds of activities do you do to help your students build self-confidence?
Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.
