What Teacher Self-Care Looks Like (It’s Not Just Bubble Baths)

26 May

Written By Sandy

Let’s be real: the phrase "teacher self-care" gets thrown around a lot—usually accompanied by cutesy images of candles, mugs of tea, and bubble baths. And sure, those things are lovely. But real, lasting self-care for educators? It's much deeper than a lavender-scented soak.

Teaching is one of the most emotionally demanding jobs out there. You’re not just delivering content—you’re managing behaviors, emotions, paperwork, parent emails, curriculum changes, tech glitches, and the occasional fire drill… all before lunch.

So what does real self-care look like for teachers? Let’s get into it.

1. Setting Boundaries That Protect You

Self-care looks like not answering emails at 10 PM.
It looks like saying, “No, I can’t take on that committee this semester.”
It looks like leaving school when your contract hours end—even if it feels radical.

Boundaries aren't selfish. They’re survival.

2. Creating a Workload That’s Sustainable

Grading every single assignment? Optional.

Self-care is letting go of the pressure to be the “perfect” teacher and doing what’s actually manageable—for you.

Because burnout doesn’t make anyone a better educator.

3. Finding Joy in (and Outside of) the Work

Yes, some days are tough. But what are the tiny things that bring you joy?

A lesson that sparks discussion.
A student who finally “gets it.”
A 10-minute walk outside during your prep.
Friday pizza with your coworkers.

Joy is fuel. Chase it like your career depends on it—because it kind of does.

4. Taking Care of Your Body Like It’s Part of the Job (Because It Is)

Teachers spend hours on their feet, talking, thinking, and managing energy. That’s athlete-level effort.

So self-care might look like:

Drinking water during the day (not just coffee, or if you’re like me, litres of green tea).
Packing snacks so you're not running on fumes by 2 PM.
Stretching or moving between classes.
Scheduling that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.

You can’t pour from an empty cup—or teach from a burnt-out brain.

5. Protecting Your Mental Health (Without Shame)

Self-care is knowing when you need help—and asking for it.

It might look like therapy.
It might look like venting to a trusted coworker.
It might look like taking a personal day without guilt.

Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation of everything.

6. Letting Go of Guilt—For Good

You are not a bad teacher for not working nights and weekends. You are not lazy for needing rest.

And you are not selfish for putting your health and happiness first.

You are a human being doing incredibly hard, meaningful work.

So, what is self-care?

Teacher self-care is not bubble baths and scented candles (though those are great too).
It’s boundaries. It’s rest. It’s joy. It’s support.
It’s building a life that’s sustainable—not just for the school year, but for your own well-being.

Because the best teachers aren’t the most exhausted ones.

They’re the ones who’ve learned to take care of themselves—so they can take care of others.

Sandy

Sandy is a qualified counsellor, certified life coach, and meditation teacher with over 20 years of experience in education. Having worked across high schools, universities, and leadership roles, she understands the deep challenges and quiet toll teaching can take.

Through her practice, Dear Teacher, Breathe, she offers counselling, coaching, and retreats designed to support the wellbeing of educators. Her work is grounded in compassion, lived experience, and a deep belief that teachers deserve care, too.