self care for pre service teachers

Introduction

  • The Edu Magic podcast features Dr. Samantha interviewing Dr. Teresa Melito Connors about self-care.

  • Focus on actionable self-care steps for college students and new educators.

What is Self-Care?

  • Definition: True self-care is foundational work to know what you need to be successful, not just luxury activities like spa days.

  • Common Misconception: Society often views self-care as selfish or a luxury, but it is essential for everyone.

Importance of Self-Care

  • Impact on Educators: Prioritizing self-care improves the quality of teaching and student interaction.

  • Busy Educator Culture: Educators often neglect personal needs due to busy schedules, emphasizing the need for self-care.

Domains of Self-Care

  1. Nutrition:

    • Importance of regular meals and hydration.

    • Educators often skip lunch breaks; essential to manage nutrition during the school day.

  2. Movement:

    • Engage in enjoyable physical activity.

    • Movement should feel good and be joyful rather than a chore.

  3. Stress Management:

    • Identify and implement effective stress relief techniques, such as deep breathing.

  4. Mindfulness:

    • Stay grounded in work and practice self-awareness.

  5. Rest:

    • Prioritize quality sleep (7-9 hours recommended) to function effectively.

  6. Relationships:

    • Nurture personal connections and manage interpersonal stressors in educational settings.

  7. Physical Self-Care:

    • Show compassion towards oneself and avoid harsh self-criticism.

  8. Environment:

    • Assess one's surroundings; a tidy, organized space supports well-being.

  9. Spirituality:

    • Recognize the larger purpose of teaching; feel inspired by the impact on students.

  10. Self-Compassion:

    • Encourage kindness towards oneself and acceptance of being not perfect.

Checking In with Yourself

  • Encouraged to reflect on which domains need attention (not all need daily focus).

  • Suggestions to strive for improvement one domain at a time, starting with the most pressing need.

Strategies for Self-Care

  • Deep Breathing:

    • Use breathing techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

    • Implement the STOP technique: Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed.

  • Mindfulness Practices:

    • Introduce mindfulness techniques in the classroom and model them for students.

    • Create an inclusive environment for self-care routines for both teachers and students.

Tools and Resources

  • Apps:

    • Mention of Calm app for mindfulness (possibly offering free educator memberships).

    • Consideration of simple reminders (e.g., Fitbit, calendar alerts) to promote self-care practices.

Importance of Boundaries

  • Setting clear boundaries helps to protect personal energy and well-being.

  • Recommendations:

    • Decide on appropriate responses to emails and manage accessibility to maintain balance.

    • Avoid overcommitting to initiatives avoid chaos.

Conclusion

  • Continuous journey of self-care; evolves over time and is essential for sustaining energy and effectiveness.

  • Encouraged to explore and experiment with different self-care practices as life changes.

  • Contact Information: Dr. Teresa Melito Connors can be found on social media under DrMCselfcare.