No matter our role in public education the work is heavy. From a grade level, core or elective classroom teacher, to instructional coach, school or district leader, the ongoing effort is often significant. Maintaining a healthy balance is necessary but all too often overlooked by far too many in our profession.
Maintaining this balance is tough, but can and should be made a priority.
I’ve blogged about balance in the past but am going to dig deeper in this post. The past several years, I have made stability in my daily life throughout the work week, weekends and breaks a daily priority. This priority is three pronged.
- Rest. Sleep should be a priority. For me 8 hours is the daily goal. If that means I have to sacrifice a little tv time during the work week, so be it. My health is paramount. Production is so improved once you’re fully rested. Far too many of us do not get nearly enough rest. There is so much research on the importance of daily on our overall health but below is a great article from a few years ago from the University of Michigan on the topic — https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2020posts/why-sleep-is-so-important-to-your-health.html
2. Nutrition. I haven’t been sick in years. Legit years. I know without a doubt nutrition along with the above rest and what’s below are a big part of that. I grew up eating pretty healthy and this has been maintained throughout adulthood as a priority. Getting daily amounts of fruits, veggies, etc. and avoiding fatty foods at almost all costs have been so helpful to my all-around well being. CDC research certainly backs this up — https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/about-nutrition/why-it-matters.html
3. Fitness. I’m a bit fanatical about this but blocking off 60-90 minutes per day for cardio, core and/or weight training is a must for me. Completely blocked off from the outside world with phone being in an entirely other room to avoid distractions and focus on the fitness. Even on my rest day most weeks I’m doing some sort of scheduled fitness – usually at least a low impact class on the Peloton. This is is a mindfulness game changer and helps keep me as sharp mentally as physically. Mayo Clinic research backs this up fully — https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
Within our profession pour so much into others every single day. It is vital we pour so much into ourselves and our overall well being, too. That’s the least we can do for our body.
BrendanFetters.com 