3 Easy Self-Care Hacks for Teachers
Hey there, fellow teachers! Life in the classroom can feel like a whirlwind, especially when it comes to managing self-care, right? Amidst data deadlines, lesson planning, behavior management, and the perpetual quest for organization, some days can leave us feeling like we’ve been hit by a tsunami.
However, having taught for two decades and navigated the ups and downs of ADHD, I’ve discovered a few tricks that have made a world of difference. Today, I’m excited to share my top three teacher self-care tips with you so you can reclaim that elusive 40-hour workweek you truly deserve.
These are the exact self-care for teachers strategies that helped me create more margin in my day—and avoid full-on burnout. The end game? More quality time with your loved ones and indulging in hobbies you adore! These self-care tips are practical, realistic, and built for real classrooms—not Instagram fantasies.
Tip #1: Teacher Self-Care Takes Preparation
“If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail.”
—Benjamin Franklin
We’ve all been there: morning rush, missing buttons, forgotten lunches. One small hiccup can derail your entire day.
To dodge these disasters, here’s the game plan:
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Lay out your clothes the night before
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Prep your lunch
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Pack your bag
This nightly ritual paves the way for a focused, calm, and intentional start to your day. Prioritizing these routines isn't just smart—it's self-care.
Ready to Teach Smarter—Not Harder?
Survival mode isn’t a strategy. Start planning with purpose using this free resource that helps you feel less frazzled and more focused:
📘 The 6-Step Empowered Lesson Plan Guide
This isn’t just another checklist—it’s your secret weapon to:
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✅ Plan faster
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✅ Stay focused
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✅ Teach with purpose (without burning out)
Because thriving teachers don’t wing it—they plan with purpose.
Tip #2: To-Do Lists for Teacher Self-Care
**List Awa.
A running to-do list is your new best friend. It:
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Keeps you focused
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Tracks priorities
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Brings satisfaction when tasks are checked off
If tasks roll over to tomorrow—no sweat! The key is to prioritize like a pro. Focus on non-negotiables first (like entering scores). Keep your personal and classroom lists clear to maintain mental clarity.
Want more helpful ideas? Check out our Ultimate New Year’s Checklist for even more productivity tips for teachers.
Tip #3: Self-Care Means Staying Focused
Dial Down the Socializing
Yes, camaraderie matters. But too much socializing during work hours can chip away at your productivity—and ultimately, your personal time.
Don’t fall into the 20-minute complaint spiral. Keep conversations uplifting, but stay focused on the goal: efficiency = time reclaimed.
Self-care starts with protecting your time. Smile, chat, and then get back to that to-do list so you can leave school on time and live your life outside of it.
Think Self-Love, Not Perfection
ou don’t have to overhaul your routine overnight.
Flex that habit muscle and incorporate small changes:
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Plan ahead
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Make realistic lists
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Protect your focus
Before you know it, you’ll be ending your week with a smile—and maybe even a gold star.
Cheers to reclaiming your time and finding your happy place!
📩 Join a Community That Gets It
Be sure to join our supportive network of experienced educators who are with you every step of your self-care journey!
Inside the Empowered Teacher Newsletter, you’ll get:
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✅ Real advice from real teachers
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✅ Quick ideas you can use tomorrow
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✅ No fluff—just real value
👉 Join the Empowered Teacher Newsletter
You don’t need more hours in the day—you need better tools in your toolbox.
Let’s make this the year you teach with confidence, energy, and impact. 💛
About Sarah Legault
Founded by a former teacher who once grappled with frustration and hardship, the Teacher’s Empowerment Network emerged from Sarah’s transformative journey alongside other dedicated educators.
From converting challenges into inspiration, Sarah committed herself to refining systems, honing teaching methodologies, achieving equilibrium, and nurturing happiness—all while helping students succeed.
