Every school day, teachers know their expectations. They have to:
- plan
- grade
- instruct
- review
- engage a multitude of varied learners
- communicate with parents
- work together with administrators
- collaborate with co-teachers
Combine all this with a teacher’s responsibilities in private life, it makes for some very busy, and often times exhausting, days.
How do you set yourself up for success every day?
No matter what the career, people who find success often accomplish this because of how they embrace each day’s challenges.
It all starts with morning rituals and routines built for success.
Here are some aspects of a positive morning routine that teachers can employ to help start each day aiming for greatness.
WAKE UP EARLY
Many teachers are expected to be up earlier than sunrise most days, and it’s important to make sure you give yourself enough time to start your day. Rushing through the morning can create a foundation of stress. That’s why giving yourself some extra time at the start of your day to fully wake up, get moving, and even enjoy yourself is a sure way to be engaged and ready for anything.
MOVE
One of the best ways to help your mind and body reach their potential is to carve out some time to get moving. While some people enjoy a full workout or run first thing in the morning, one can also try some simple exercises for 15 minutes, just to get the blood flowing. This can be a combination of push ups, sit ups, squats, burpees, stretches, and jumps. All easy to do in your bedroom, and combined to give you a brisk, electric little workout to start the day.
MEDITATE
After rising out of bed, find a few quiet minutes to clear your mind and meditate. Even if you are new to meditation, simply sitting and focusing on your breathing can help calm your body and mind. This is a good way to reset your mind from any carry-over planning or stresses you may still be holding onto from the day before. Reset, relax, and ready yourself for the new day.
JOURNAL
A few minutes of free writing in the morning can also help clear your mind and work out any anxiety you may be carrying. Like meditation, it’s a way to reset and start the day with a clean slate. You can write about anything: expectations for the day, positive personal affirmations, or even catalogue thoughts and feelings you’ve been experiencing. It’s a calming routine that can help give you clarity and understanding of where you are as you start the new day.
EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
Often times, people are rushing out the door, but if you’ve structured your morning, then you must have time to eat. A nutritious breakfast will kickstart your metabolism and give you the energy you need to start the school day, and every day, at your highest level.
There are many ways to program morning routines that work for you. Think about what how you want to start your day, and choose a few rituals to try each morning. Some will become essential to your mornings, while others will fade. The important thing is you are setting yourself up for success each and every day.