Tips for Beginning Elementary School Teachers

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You'll come in contact with many viruses (cold/flu) and anything else students bring into the classroom.

Taking care of your body and health is essential but often forgotten. You'll fine yourself wrapped up in students' lives, your work, and the hundrends of other things you have to do. It's very easy to forget the most important piece to this puzzle...YOU! You need to feel your best to give your best. Did you know that the first three years of teaching are said to be your sickest years. This is because you body is adjusting and building antibodies to all of the viruses and bacterias you'll come in contact with (there will be plenty...you're working with children). Here are some tips to keep you feeling good:

Eat breakfast everyday. I know you've heard it before, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" yet it is still so easy to forget, especially when you're rushing to get out the door because you overslept from a night of grading the papers that you're behind on or you need to run to the store before work to pick up the crafts sticks to make 3D shapes (personal experiences). Breakfast keeps your energy up, keeps you focus (you're not thinking about hunger pains at 9:30am) and keeps your mind sharp. Don't deprive yourself of this part of the day. It is best to sit and eat breakfast but I'm a realist and that does not always happen. Ttry to get up early enough to get your breakfast in at the table, but just in case have an easy to-go breakfast on hand-something filling but not to high in fat (apples/fruit, granola bars, dry cereal...)

Exercise! Does that mean you have to join an expensive gym...NO! However, you do need to get some type of intentional exercise into your day. Exercise will boost you self confidence and increase your endorphin levels, causing a decrease in stress and an increase in stamina.

Get some sleep! At least 7-8 hours a night; this allows your body to renew itself. I know...its easier said than done. You get behind on the grading; next thing you know you're sitting in front of the T.V. grading 3 weeks worth of papers at 12:00 midnight, but you still have to be in the class at 7am. Create a schedule. Designate a time everyday to commit to certain activities. For example, grading papers may be a 30-40 minute daily activity. This will help you keep the work load down and away from your nights.

Take a dietary supplement. You're even more busy now and your body needs the chance to keep up. The right dietary supplement can boost your immune system, increase your energy and stamina, and improve your overall health. You'll be giving your body an even better chance of winning the fight against cold and flu or other common diseases children bring into the classroom like streptococcal sore throat (strep throat) which can put you out of work. My favorite brand of dietary supplements is Nutrilite; the products are all organic and inexpensive. Here are a few of my favorite Nutrilite products:

• Double X: A multivitamin, mineral and phytonutrient in one vitamin pack.
• Nutrilite Women's Active Pack: a multivitamin, calcium, omega 3, and biotin (for hair, skin, and nails) in one pack.
• Nutrilite Men's Active Pack for men
• Nutrilite Antioxidant Twist Tubes and Immunity Twist Tubes

I have used and still use these products (with the exception of the Men's Pack). This is the healthiest my body has ever been. I chose Nutrilite on a recommendation and now I'm recommending them to you!

Budget! Budget! Budget! Why would budgeting be linked to taking care of your body and health?...Money! Money can cause stress, especially when you feel like you don't have enough. Its a common complaint of teachers to be overworked and underpaid. Manage your money to avoid feeling the "I'm a broke teacher" blues. Mismanagement of your money can cause stress in your life, which will cause stress on the job. (Tip: include job expenses like pencils, paper and other materials you may buy for your classroom in your budget. Keep receipts and talk to your accountant about tax deductions)

Have a personal life. As the saying goes "All work and no play makes Ms./Mr.____________ a boring girl/boy." You need down time. Just because you're a teacher now doesn't mean you have to spend your life in the classroom. Yes, the classroom is apart of your life but it's not the only part. You have friends, family, spouses, places to go and people to see. Don't let being a teacher become your identity or you'll start to resent your career path.