Stay Zen! Tips to Minimize Stress During Back-to-School Season

It’s that time of year again – back-to-school for you, maybe your family, and for the children you teach at KCLC! It's a new and exciting time, but new and exciting can sometimes be stressful. It's important to make your wellbeing a top priority because when you're at your best, you can create a positive, nurturing, and fun environment for the children in your care. Here are some of our helpful tips to ensure a stress-free back-to-school season:

Establish a self-care routine: You deserve some TLC too! Try incorporating self-care activities into your daily routine such as yoga, nature walks, reading, a relaxing bath, or drawing. It also can be challenging to find time, simple things like singing in your car to your favorite music, cooking your favorite meal, or breathing exercises when you’re walking into work are some great options to help you relax and recharge.
Organize and prioritize: Stay on top of things by getting organized, which will also help with time management. Create a to-do list, use a planner, or dust off that calendar to keep track of important tasks, deadlines, and events. This will help you stay focused and reduce your stress levels.
Connect with your colleagues: “Teamwork makes the dream work”! This old adage that you teach your children can apply to you too. Build a strong support system with your peers to share ideas and experiences, ask for advice, and share resources and strategies to lighten the workload and create a positive work environment.
Celebrate small victories: Go ahead and pat yourself on the back! The first day is new, the first week is new, the first month is new. Recognize and celebrate all your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. So, take a few minutes to jot down your wins in a notes app on your phone or journal. By celebrating the positivity in your journey, you’ll boost morale, stay motivated, and have something to reflect on when you need a reminder.
When in doubt, breathe it out: Try techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to ground yourself and reduce stress. Simple breathing exercises are proven to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure which gives you a sense of calmness and relaxation in your body and mind.
Have Fun!: Don't forget why you became a teacher in the first place - to educate and inspire young minds. Embrace the joy of teaching and find moments of fun and laughter in your daily interactions with the children in your care. Enjoy the journey!

Remember, by prioritizing your wellbeing and incorporating these stress-relief tips into your routine, you’re not only investing in yourself but creating a positive impact in the lives of the children in your care. If you’re looking for a new teaching opportunity where you can be supported to be your best self in the classroom, we’d love to talk to you. Take the first step by exploring our job opportunities, www.kcecareers.com.

Here's to a stress-free and successful school year!