Self-Care Practices for the New School Year: A Comprehensive Guide

As a new school year begins, it's easy for educators, administrators, and support staff to get caught up in caring for others while neglecting their own needs. 

Our recent webinar "Self-Care Practices for the New School Year" offered a refreshing perspective on self-care, emphasizing its importance for personal well-being and professional effectiveness. In the webinar, Phil Herman, a Partner at The Impact Group, and our special guest, Shannon Speaks, LISW-S, shared their expertise and insights on how educators can prioritize self-care. 

Together, they provided valuable strategies and practices to help educators build a sustainable self-care routine. This blog post will summarize key takeaways and practical strategies shared during the session to help you create a sustainable self-care routine.

Understanding Self-Care: A Personal Definition

Self-care is a highly individualized practice that varies from person to person. To kick off the webinar, Shannon invited participants to reflect on what successful self-care looks like for them. This reflection is crucial because self-care is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, it's about tuning in to your unique needs and determining what practices will support your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

To begin defining self-care for yourself, take a moment to ask: What does successful self-care mean to me? How would I recognize it in my daily life? For some, it might involve more sleep, while for others, it could mean setting boundaries or spending time in nature. Jot down a few words or phrases that resonate with you, and keep them in mind as you develop your self-care plan.

Back to the Basics: The Foundations of Self-Care

The webinar emphasized a "back to the basics" approach to self-care, which focuses on simple yet effective practices that can easily be integrated into daily routines. These basics include adequate sleep, proper hydration, regular physical activity, and social connections.

For example, Phil highlighted the importance of sleep and hydration for his physical well-being. He noted that even something as simple as getting enough rest and drinking plenty of water can significantly impact how he feels and functions throughout the day. This insight aligns with the idea that self-care doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. Instead, it should be about meeting your most basic needs consistently.

The "What," "Who," and "How" of Self-Care

A significant point raised during the webinar was the difference between the "what," "who," and "how" of self-care. Often, we focus on the "what"—the activities we do to care for ourselves—without considering the "who" (our inner selves) and the "how" (our approach to self-care).

Shannon suggested that instead of just doing self-care activities, we should focus on being with ourselves and understanding who we are. This means tuning into our physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts to determine what we truly need. For instance, if you're feeling stressed, ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" It might be rest, a walk in nature, or a conversation with a friend. By listening to your inner voice, you can take more mindful and intentional actions to support your well-being.

Practical Self-Care Strategies

Here are several practical strategies to help you implement self-care in your life:

1. Pause and Reflect: One of the most powerful tools for self-care is the ability to pause and reflect. Before diving into a list of activities, take a moment to check in with yourself. Ask, "How am I feeling right now?" and "What do I need?" This simple practice can help you make more intentional choices about how to care for yourself.
2. Identify Your Basic Needs: Make a list of your basic needs across different domains, such as physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. For each domain, identify one or two simple actions you can take to meet those needs. For example, if you identify sleep as a critical need, commit to going to bed 30 minutes earlier each night.
3. Tune into Your Intuition: Trusting your intuition is a key aspect of self-care. Instead of looking to external sources for guidance, listen to your body, mind, and spirit to determine what you need. This might mean choosing rest over exercise on a day when you're feeling particularly tired or opting for solitude instead of socializing when you need to recharge.
4. Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations: Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between caring for others and caring for yourself. It's okay to say no or ask for help when needed. Remember, you're not responsible for meeting everyone else's expectations at the expense of your well-being.
5. Reconnect with Nature: Many participants in the webinar shared that spending time in nature is a vital part of their self-care routine. Whether it's a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air, nature can provide a grounding and rejuvenating experience that helps you reconnect with yourself.
6. Reduce Digital Noise: In today's digital age, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant influx of information and expectations from social media and other online platforms. Consider implementing a "phone detox" or setting aside specific times of day to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with yourself.

Why Self-Care Matters for Leaders

In roles that involve guiding others and making impactful decisions, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can show up more fully for your team, make more thoughtful decisions, and foster a positive and supportive environment.

In summary, self-care is not just a luxury—it's a necessity, especially in the demanding field of education. By returning to the basics, tuning into your needs, and setting clear boundaries, you can create a sustainable self-care routine that supports your overall well-being and effectiveness as a leader and communicator. Check out this self-care workbook to help get you started! 

Remember, self-care is a personal journey, and it's all about finding what works best for you!