As educators we do best by our students if we're healthy and we're modeling healthful activity and behavior.
If that's true, why would I choose otherwise?
If you like to do a good job, you're prone to choose to work those extra hours rather than go to the gym, take a walk, bike, shop for healthy food, or get a good night's rest.
Yet, as stated earlier, it's imperative that we model and integrate healthy activity and behavior into our schedule as educators.
What will help those of us who may need some encouragement in this area?
Here are a few ideas:
- Make healthful activity a regular part of your schedule. Walk the playground, play games with students, visit the gym, or take a walk/run daily. Make it part of your daily schedule.
- Have healthy snacks and food available at school. Before the school year starts, shop for some healthy snacks such as apples, power bars, and veggies. When you prepare healthy meals, prepare more so there are leftovers for a healthy lunch the next day.
- Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable enough to move in.
- Plan lessons that include activity for you and your students.
- Make healthy living as important to your schedule as other aspects of teaching well.
I work with many educators who prioritize health, and I know this is an important part of the work we do.
