Kelly Brown is a Worthy Educator and a Champion for diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being for all educators and for the students they serve! She currently serves as an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. This post is based on Kelly's original article entitled: "The Balance: Self-Care in a Time of Crisis" which can be accessed on her website DrKellyBrown.com.
Taking care of ourselves as educators is about more than just finding time to relax; it's about understanding our needs and maintaining routines that keep us functioning at our best. Sustainable self-care involves paying attention to both our physical and mental health and recognizing what environments, relationships, and habits help us thrive. It's not about stepping away from our responsibilities—far from it. Instead, self-care should fuel us so we can keep going, even during challenging times.
Every educator's journey to sustainable self-care will look different, but the idea is to find a balance that works for you. This balance is what keeps us from tipping into burnout or, on the other side, into idleness—a less talked about but equally harmful state.
What is Idleness?
When we think about burnout, we picture exhaustion and overwhelm, but what about idleness? In this context, idleness isn’t about taking a break to rest and recharge (which is essential), but rather, it’s about being stuck in inaction—feeling unmotivated and ineffective. It's that state where you've lost your sense of purpose but are still going through the motions. For some, it can look like checking out mentally or emotionally while still being physically present.
Burnout and idleness can feed into each other. Overworking leads to burnout, which then leads to disengagement and, ultimately, idleness. Finding the sweet spot in the middle, where you're energized but not overwhelmed, is key to being your best self—for both you and your students.
So, how do we maintain this balance? The answer lies in practicing self-care that’s sustainable—self-care that helps us bounce back from stress and stay centered. Here’s a breakdown of how to incorporate self-care in three areas: physical, social-emotional, and mental.
Physical Self-Care: Move Your Body
We all know that physical activity is important for our students, but how often do we prioritize it for ourselves? Staying active helps boost memory, focus, and creativity—all of which are critical for tackling the challenges of teaching, especially in a time of crisis.
Whether it's a quick walk, yoga, or a full workout, moving your body can work wonders in managing stress. By making time for physical self-care, you’re giving your body the fuel it needs to keep going. And trust me, once you start making it a habit, you’ll notice a big difference in your energy levels and ability to tackle the day.
Social-Emotional Self-Care: Feel and Heal
As educators, we deal with a lot of emotions—our own and those of our students. During stressful times, it's normal to feel more on edge. The trick is learning how to manage those emotions so they don’t take over. Emotional balance doesn’t mean you won’t feel stressed or frustrated, but it helps you navigate those feelings more effectively.
One way to keep your emotions in check is through reflection—whether it’s journaling, doing a daily check-in, or talking things out with a trusted colleague or friend. Taking a moment to reflect helps you understand and regulate your emotional responses, creating a healthier mindset for yourself and a better environment for your students.
Mental Self-Care: Strengthen Your Mindset
Mental toughness might sound like something only athletes need, but it's just as important for educators. Teaching requires resilience, determination, and a positive mindset, especially during difficult times. Reframing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles helps protect you from burnout and keeps your sense of purpose alive.
One of the best ways to build mental toughness is through regular self-reflection and practicing mindfulness. When we take time to shift our perspective, we can see problems as puzzles to solve rather than roadblocks. This not only helps us stay positive but also reinforces our sense of purpose in this important work.
Take Care of You
Self-care isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for educators. By focusing on our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, we can stay balanced, avoid burnout, and remain effective in our roles. Remember, self-care isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making small, intentional choices that keep us healthy and energized to continue doing the work we love.
Let’s keep moving, reflecting, and finding joy in the little things—because our students need us at our best, and we deserve to feel our best, too.
In Solidarity,
Kelly Brown
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