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Teaching is both physically and emotionally demanding, and teachers often pour so much into their work that they forget to care for themselves.
Taking a personal wellness day isn’t indulgent—it’s essential for maintaining your mental and physical health. With proper planning, this day off can recharge your energy and prepare you to tackle challenges and responsibilities with renewed focus.
Why You Need a Wellness Day
Chronic stress and exhaustion aren’t just bad for you—they also impact your teaching. A well-planned wellness day is your opportunity to reset, allowing you to care for yourself without distraction or guilt.
How to Plan Your Wellness Day
- Set an Intention
What do you need most? Rest, self-care, or time to focus on personal goals? Decide on the theme for your day. For example, you might dedicate the day to relaxation or exploring a creative pursuit like painting. - Unplug from Work
Commit to disconnecting from work-related tasks. That means no emails, lesson planning, or grading. This is your day, and it’s vital to let your mind fully detach from professional responsibilities. - Incorporate Joyful Activities
Choose activities that bring you happiness and peace. It might be a long walk in nature, a visit to your favourite café, or catching up on a book or movie. Prioritizing joy reminds you that life exists beyond the classroom. - Practice Deep Relaxation
Stress accumulates over time, so use your wellness day to focus on relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or even a spa session. Physical relaxation helps release tension stored in your body and mind. - Plan Ahead
To fully enjoy your wellness day, take care of pressing tasks beforehand. Notify colleagues or administrators, prepare lessons in advance, and make sure your classroom runs smoothly in your absence.
The Benefits of a Wellness Day
Teachers often give so much to their students that they forget to give to themselves. A personal wellness day provides the time and space to replenish your energy, reduce stress, and refocus on your goals. When you return to the classroom, you’ll find yourself more patient, creative, and effective.
Final Thoughts
Your wellness day isn’t a sign of weakness or neglect—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. By taking care of yourself, you’re ensuring that you can continue to show up as the best version of yourself for your students.
© Gaynor Clarke, January 2025
Don’t wait to take care of yourself. Your wellbeing matters. Enrol in our course today:
Teacher Wellness First: A Wellbeing Guide for Early Childhood Leadership Success
Gaynor Clarke
B.Ed (Teaching), Cert Tertiary Teaching, PGDip Ed, MEd Leadership
Reach. Teach. Lead.
Reach Education Ltd
Teacher Leadership Mentoring and Life Coaching. Personal and Professional Development.
Gaynor is a teacher educator and mentor facilitating personal & professional leadership wellbeing outcomes for teachers.
If you are an early childhood teacher or leader looking to enhance your leadership skills, I would love to work with you. As a leadership mentor and coach, I specialize in helping early childhood educators develop their leadership potential and make a positive impact for the ākonga they serve. If you are interested in learning more about my leadership mentoring services, please visit my website or contact me directly to schedule a consultation. I would love to work with you!
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