The Importance of Self-Care for Teachers

As teachers, we often find ourselves balancing the many demands placed on us, from supporting our students to meeting school-wide objectives. With the school year about to start, it’s easy to forget to prioritise our own self-care amidst all the pressures. 🚴‍♀️

Imagine your life as a bicycle tyre, with each spoke representing a different area: teaching, relationships, health, personal growth, and more. Just as a bike can’t ride smoothly without strong, balanced spokes, we can’t perform at our best unless we take care of all the different aspects of our lives.

To help with this reflection, consider using the Wheel of Life model. The Wheel of Life is a very common and effective technique used by coaches but can also be used for self-reflection.

Originally invented in the 1960s by Paul J. Meyer, this tool allows you to assess your satisfaction across various areas of your life, helping you to identify where you might need to focus more attention.

Whether it’s looking after your physical health, nurturing relationships, or finding time for professional development, the Wheel of Life provides a clear view of the bigger picture.

Questions for Reflection:
🚲 Which “spokes” of your life could do with a bit more attention as you prepare for the year ahead?
🚲 How are you balancing self-care with the demands of your role?