10 Simple Self-Care Tips To Use When Distance Learning Is Hard
Distance learning has rocked the education world and the jobs of educators.
Your entire job has changed on a dime. Less than a year ago, you could see your students’ sweet little grins as they shuffle into the building. You could comfort them with a smile and a hug, and give amazing, hands-on lessons.
Suddenly, everything has changed and you’re left staring at your screen wondering how you can make a difference.
This has left educators feeling drained, overwhelmed and busier than ever. That’s why I wanted to give you some simple self-care tips that will be helpful during the time of distance learning.
But First…
Let me start by saying that I’m proud of you. You have had to change your entire job in a matter of days. All while handling the emotions of experiencing a global pandemic.
This, my friend, is not an easy task and you. are. doing. it. You are killing the game. I know you are.
But chances are, you might also be feeling a little frazzled or stressed. So, read through the list and commit to practicing 2-3 of these self-care tips!
#1: Set Specific Work Hours
Working from home is hard. Boundaries are so easily blurred.
When everything you need for work is in your home, it’s easy to hop on your computer after hours. It’s also easy to bring your laptop into the kitchen and just “check on something” during dinner. This can be especially difficult during this time. I know you’re more concerned than ever about how your students are doing and how they’re coping with their world being turned upside down.
However, setting and sticking to set work hours can help you feel more rested and refreshed.
Is this hard for you? Grab an accountability buddy! Tell your spouse, roommate or co-worker what you’re trying to do. Ask them to check in on your to make sure you aren’t working.
#2: Quit The Comparison Game
Right now, we are all figuring out what it looks like to function in the middle of a global pandemic. And guess what, we’re all newbies at it.
Feeling uncertain of what we should do can naturally lead to comparison. However, that comparison can leave us feeling frustrated, disappointed and like we just can’t measure up.
Now, more than ever, you need to do what’s best for you, your family and your students.
If that means you get on a zoom call every day to check in with your students, that’s awesome! If you’re limited on what you can do right now so you’re preparing for next year, that’s great! Are you spending two hours a night exercising? Keep it up! Have you watched an entire season of a show in 2 days, that’s okay too.
You do you, and don’t let feelings of what you’re “supposed” to be doing steal your shine.
#3: Enjoy the great outdoors
It seems that everything is cancelled or closed. But one thing is still open - the outdoors!
Full disclosure, I identify myself as an “indoors person.” Unless it’s 78 degrees and sunny, I’m spending my time inside.But, especially now, I’ve realized that fresh air can work wonders! Getting outside has helped me feel a little more “normal” during this crazy time.
Looking for some new ways to enjoy the outdoors? Here are some things I’ve been loving:
Using chalk to doodle or write encouraging messages for the neighbors
Drinking my coffee on the font porch
Curling up in the hammock with a good book
Evening walks
Having a picnic in the yard
#4: Get Moving!
This self-care tip can be difficult during the time of distance learning.
When counselors are working in a school building, I would definitely not describe the job as sedentary. However, the job has quickly turned into something that’s done sitting down on a computer. If you’re anything like me, it can be easy to go 3 days without realizing you have barely left the couch.
So, this is your reminder to get up. Go for a walk, find an exercise video on YouTube, or do some Cosmic Kids Yoga with your kids! Even if you’re like me and aren’t normally an exercise person, getting your blood flowing can be refreshing.
#5: Remember to be thankful
While the current times are unsettling to say the least, we have plenty to be thankful for. My family is healthy, we’re enjoying our time together, and we currently have enough toilet paper.
Instead of drowning in the fear and anxiety when it starts seeping in, try countering it with three things you’re thankful for. For example, when I feel uncertain about the future, I remind myself that I’m safe right now, that I’m healthy right now, and that I have everything I need right now.
As a family, we try to encourage a culture of gratitude by checking in which each other about what we’re excited about. Focusing on what we’re excited about can help us stop our negative thinking patterns and to encourage each other to do the same.
No matter what it looks like setting up a simple practice of gratitude can go a long way when it comes to our emotional well being.
This gratitude list is part of my self-care journal!
#6: Get The Creative Juices Flowing
If you’re anything like me, you might see this tip and move on to the next one because you don’t consider yourself creative. I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler, and have zero musical talent. Me, creative? No way.
But really, we are all creative even if we aren’t artistic.
So for you, doing something creative could mean painting a picture or playing an instrument. But, it could also mean baking something, organizing a room, writing out a list, or even spending some quiet time letting your thoughts flow.
So, take some time to do something make something, let your imagination flow, or sit with your ideas. This self-care tip will help you feel productive and re-energized.
#7: Wear Actual Clothes
When we think about self-care, we usually think of lounging around doing nothing. But sometimes, self-care can mean actually taking time to get ourselves ready and feeling productive. For me, that means changing out of my pajamas.
When I’m at home, you can pretty much always find me in leggings and a long sleeve tee.
It hasn’t been a problem in the past. But that was in the good old days, when I actually left the house. But now, I find myself wearing my “uniform” for 5 days straight.
Don’t get me wrong, comfy clothes are well… comfy, and definitely have their place.
But, I notice such a big difference in my attitude and my overall day when I take the time to change out of my PJs. Even when the only people I see all day are my 2 toddlers and my husband, wearing real clothes and brushing my teeth can leave me feeling like a new woman.
So next time you find yourself glued to the couch with no motivation for anything, try putting on a pair of jeans and enjoy the mood most.
#8: Use Your Favorite Coffee Mug
It’s the little things in life, ya know?
I have a large coffee mug collection, and one of the bright spots in my morning (and afternoon.. oops.) is getting to pick out which mug I’ll use that day. Such a simple thing brings me so much joy.
Maybe for you it’s a coffee mug, a special pen, or even a wine glass. Whatever your thing is, take time to notice the joy it brings you. Find something that’s small but enjoyable that you can use and look forward to each day.
Even when it seems like good things are hard to find, remember that even the small things can make a big difference!
This coffee mug makes my mornings so much better!
#9: Connect With Someone
Social Distancing. What a difficult concept for so many people, including myself.
My whole pre-COVID life could be described as “social proximity.” We’re constantly on the move or having people over, so not being able to see my friends and family has been very difficult for me.
During this time of distance learning, I have been practicing self-care by calling one person a day just to check in. Sometimes we FaceTime and sometimes it’s a regular call, but getting the chance to connect with another person does wonders for my soul.
This self-care tip has helped me to stay connected to the people around me.
#10: Unplug
My last self-care tip for distance learning is to unplug.
We live in an age of information - we can find information on any topic, from any part of the world, whenever we want it. While this can help us to stay informed, bombarding ourselves with unnecessary information can also lead to unnecessary anxiety.
For me, this has meant taking the Facebook app off my phone, and severely limiting my consumption of the news. Doing these things has helped me to stay in control of the information I am receiving, and has allowed me to be more focused on the present moment.
Of course these strategies can be helpful any time, but it’s one of my favorite self-care tips for distance learning because when we’re at home, we have so much more access to technology and media.
It can be difficult to prioritize self-care. This is even more true in the midst of so much change and chaos. However, self-care has never been more important.
So, keep it up. Keep killing the game, but don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Looking for self-care materials for yourself, students, families or colleagues?
Grab my self-care journal that is available in PDF form as well as on Google slides!
