The Poe Center loves teachers!  We couldn’t do what we do without you.  From making reservations to coordinating buses to organizing permission slips, you make field trips to the Poe Center possible.  Your commitment to health education makes healthy students which makes a healthy NC. So we want to keep you healthy too!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we have compiled our top five tips for self-care. As you prepare for the busy end-of-year activities, it is important to spend time on self care in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Burnout, especially this time of year, can be tough, but here are a few tips to help manage stress and increase wellness. Try them with your students to help their stress, too.

1.) Breathe! Breathing is the fastest and easiest way to switch off the body’s stress response. Here are few of Poe’s favorite breathing techniques.

2.) Reach out to friends, family, and loved ones for support. Talking is an effective great way to process feelings and think of creative solutions to challenges.

3.) Exercise! Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and gets your body active. Even a few minutes of movement can have lasting positive effects throughout the day. Strive for 30 minutes every day.  Brain breaks are a great physical outlet during the class day – they give your students and you a break. Learn more.

4.) Get creative! Utilizing a different part of the brain and being creative has many mental health benefits. Try drawing, coloring, acting, pottery, etc. and see what you and your students dream up.

5.) Go outside, especially during this pleasant spring weather. Just five minutes of outdoor activity – walking, gardening, etc. – can have a positive impact on mood and self-esteem.

Remember self care looks different to everyone.  Finding strategies that work for you, even for a few minutes each day, can dramatically impact your health and mental wellbeing. Learn more about wellness here.