I say this every year after a summer of sleeping more, exercising more, and eating better. “This year, I will keep this up. This year, I will take better care of myself once school begins.”

I lie.

Last year, I even made it one of my official professional GOALS, that I typed into a FORM. I still did not make enough time for myself.

But this year has to be different. There is the stress of hybrid, distance learning, or face to face, and the worry about getting sick. I MUST try harder to take care of myself.  We all must. I have seen your tweets and your Facebook posts. I know how you are feeling. I feel it too. We need to be healthier, more well rested, and in good shape, so that we will feel better physically and mentally. Then we can better take care of ourselves, and also our dear students and colleagues that will need our support this year.

I know this, we all know this. We just need to try harder to do this. It won’t be easy, as I have worked more this summer than I ever have in my career.  I do not know what this year will be like. I feel like a first year teacher. And that is stressful. You know what helps relieve stress? Sleep! And exercise!! 

So, I am pledging to myself to do better for myself. Because only then can I be better for everyone else.

1. I am going to get enough sleep. 
2. I am going do my 30 minute workout at least 5-6 days a week.
3. I am going to take 30 minute walks with my dogs a few times a week.
4. I am going to meal plan on the weekends.

I first typed “I am going to try to”. But then I changed it to I am.

I AM.  And you can too.

Join me.  We’ve got this.

Love,
Julie