Under conditions like these, it’s even more essential to include “doing the best for you,” in your plans for the day. Self-care for teachers is often overlooked, as teachers are most often a self-less group of individuals whose mission is to always put the student first. There’s a admirable humility about that mission but leaving yourself out of your realm of care can have serious consequences. Over the years, in both in my personal and professional life, I learned that being humble does not exclude being strong and being strong requires being attentive to our needs. So, how does a teacher undertake self-care? I learned a lot from one of my favorite saints, St. Francis de Sales, who encouraged others with gentleness, emphasizing our need to “Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. …” From him I learned to develop a larger sense of compassion, one that includes ourselves. When we exercise self-compassion we forgive ourselves for mistakes, provide ourselves with the rest we need and make time for those things that bring us pleasure or joy, even if they are simple things like dinner in a nice restaurant or some quiet time alone with a good book and favorite beverage. Life has also taught me about the importance of creating. There is an inherent need for the human spirit to create something—art, dance, carpentry, baking, anything that brings a sense of satisfaction and joy. When I was at a point of being overwhelmed, due to grief, I discovered that creating music by singing was a balm for my soul. I was invited to join the parish choir and it changed everything. Being immersed in music was itself a healing experience, but as important were the relationships that developed with others and the life-long friends who added support and happiness to my life. Creating and sustaining connections with others is an invaluable part of self-care. We need to know we are not alone in our struggles. We need those people who offer affirmations and advice, even if we don’t take it. We need to be reminded that our lives make a difference to others, and we are valued. Creating a sanctuary is a way to nourish our need for beauty, solitude, and order. At times, my car became my sanctuary. Sitting in the park with a hot cup of coffee, my favorite music, some aromatherapy and a lovely journal were sometimes a daily escape, even if just for half an hour. Creating a sanctuary at home, where you can actually close the door for a bit, is an opportunity to fill a small space with your most meaningful things, sit for a while and take a breather. Most importantly, create a time to pray. These quiet conversations with God can take place anywhere, while you are healing in your sanctuary or washing dishes, on the way to work in your car or in the teacher’s lounge. If you can save 15 minutes of your lunch hour for a visit to church, it’s a wonderful place to restore your soul. As you undertake a plan of self-care, and there are many suggestions other than mine, I would share these words of St. Francis de Sales: “Be who you are and be that well.” Emphasis on the well.
Mary Regina Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.