Supporting students’ health is more important than ever. Healthy food, regular physical activity, consistent sleep routines, and supportive relationships can help students feel great, do their best in school, and stay well. Teachers play an important role in supporting student health…but they have to take care of themselves too!
Maryland SNAP-Ed supports teachers and other youth education staff in taking steps to improve their own health. The workday can be a particularly hard time to tend to your own health, as busy schedules can make it hard to even think about healthy eating or physical activity.
Through workshops and assistance organizing group wellness activities, teachers receive ideas, tools, and motivation to eat well, move more, and hydrate healthfully at work. The ideas shared are tailored to the busy life of a teacher, and encourage colleagues to support one another in their wellness efforts.
Starting in September 2021, teachers and youth education staff can opt to receive a monthly Be Well at Work newsletter. Each month’s edition contains four short-and-sweet tips for teacher wellness, each linked to an actionable resource. In addition to healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy hydration tips, we’ve included resources to support mental health and wellness. You can view the first issue here. Promoting mental health and wellness among teachers and youth education staff is a crucial component of the Be Well at Work program. Recognizing the unique challenges and stressors faced by educators, the program offers valuable resources and tips to help maintain and improve mental well-being. These resources are designed to empower educators with strategies for stress management, mindfulness, and work-life balance.
The program acknowledges that a teacher’s mental health is closely intertwined with their overall well-being. By providing accessible tools and guidance, it encourages educators to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Furthermore, the Be Well at Work initiative fosters a sense of community among colleagues, promoting an environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health concerns and extend support to one another.
Dr Mona on her website – monakirstein.com talks about how in a profession that demands a lot of emotional and intellectual energy, addressing mental health is paramount to ensure that educators can continue to thrive in their roles and provide the best possible support to their students. The Be Well at Work program’s commitment to holistic wellness extends beyond physical health, recognizing that a healthy mind is just as vital as a healthy body in the teaching profession.
All teachers and youth education staff are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter. Be sure to share it with your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe as well!