Welcome to The Flourishing Teacher's Field Guide.

This week, we're exploring how to kickstart your school day with purpose and positivity. If you've ever felt like you're running on autopilot from the moment you step into your classroom, this one's for you!

Let's jump in...

The Morning Rush: A Teacher's Nemesis

We've all been there, and believe me, some days I still am…

The alarm goes off, and suddenly you're in a whirlwind of rushed breakfasts, last-minute photocopying, and a dash to beat the school bell. By the time you face your first class, you're already feeling frazzled.

For years, I started my days this way. From the moment I woke up, my focus was on school, not myself. 

I'd arrive at work feeling unprepared and anxious, my mind racing with all the tasks ahead. It wasn't until I hit a wall of complete exhaustion that I realised something had to change.

The solution? A mindful morning routine tailored specifically for teachers.

I'm not talking about generic advice like "meditate for 20 minutes" or "go for a run" (though those are great if you can manage them!). 

I'm talking about practical, teacher-focused rituals that you can do in just a few minutes before the school day begins.

They’ll ground you, remind you of what’s important in your life and set you up for success (or at least, keep you going til break)...

3 Unique Morning Rituals To Transform Your Teaching Day

1. Classroom Visualisation: Your Mental Rehearsal

Imagine being an actor and stepping onto a stage without rehearsing your lines. That's essentially what we do when we walk into our classrooms without mentally preparing. This simple visualisation technique can make a world of difference.

How to do it:

• Find a quiet spot in your classroom or staffroom.

• Close your eyes and take three deep breaths.

• Spend 5 minutes visualising your day ahead:

  • See your students entering the classroom.

  • Imagine positive interactions and successful teaching moments.

  • Visualise yourself handling potential challenges with calm and confidence.

• Set an intention for how you want to show up for your students today.

This practice isn't just feel-good fluff. Research by Sutton et al. (2009) found that teachers who engaged in emotional pre-planning had better classroom management skills. By visualising success, you're priming your brain to make it happen.

2. Mindful Sipping: A Moment Of Calm In Your Cup

In the rush of morning preparations, we often gulp down our tea or coffee without a second thought. But if we let ourselves live in the moment rather than making the moment all about getting enough caffeine to get out of the house, it can be a great opportunity for reflection and wellbeing.

This ritual transforms your morning brew into a mindful moment for self-care.

How to do it:

• Prepare your favourite morning drink (tea, coffee, or even a glass of water).

• Find a quiet spot in your home, perhaps by a window.

• Hold your cup with both hands and feel its warmth.

• Take three deep breaths, inhaling the aroma of your drink.

• As you sip, focus entirely on the experience - the taste, temperature, and texture.

• While drinking, set a positive intention for your day or reflect on one thing you're looking forward to at school.

This isn't just about savouring your drink; it's about creating a mindful pause before the day begins. Research by Hanley et al. (2015) shows that brief mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. By starting your day with this small act of mindfulness, you're cultivating a sense of calm that can carry you through the challenges ahead.

3. Voice And Presence Warm-up: Prepare Your Teaching Tool

As teachers, our voice and presence are our most important tools. Yet we often neglect them until we're standing in front of a class. This quick warm-up can make a significant difference in how you present yourself.

How to do it:

• Find a private space (your car works if you're pressed for time!).

• Spend 5 minutes on:

  • Vocal exercises: Hum, sing scales, or practice tongue twisters.

  • Power poses: Stand tall with your arms raised in a 'V' for 2 minutes.

  • Facial relaxation: Massage your jaw and forehead to release tension.

• Finish by stating a positive affirmation or 'teaching mantra' out loud.

This might feel a bit silly at first, but stick with it. Nappa et al. (2020) found that teachers' non-verbal behaviours significantly impact student learning and engagement. By warming up your voice and presence, you're preparing your most vital teaching tools for the day ahead and connecting with your physical self in a different way.

Remember, the goal isn't to add more to your already busy morning. It's about being intentional with the time you have. Even if you only manage one of these rituals, you're starting your day with purpose and positivity.

Overcoming Morning Routine Obstacles

I guess you might be thinking that you don’t have any extra time in the morning to do these things.

Me too. It isn’t always easy to be this intentional. And I’m absolutely not advocating getting up any earlier - we teachers need all the sleep we can get!

So, if these ideas sound good but you can’t see them happening, here are some quick tips for overcoming common obstacles:

1. Time constraints: Start small. Even one minute of visualisation is better than none. Try arriving at school just 5 minutes earlier, or do the voice warm-up in your car.

2. Feeling self-conscious: Remember, most of these activities can be done privately. Find a quiet corner of the staffroom or your classroom. You might even inspire colleagues if they see you prioritising your wellbeing!

3. Consistency: Don't aim for perfection. If you miss a day, simply start again tomorrow. The key is progress, not perfection.

By incorporating these rituals into your morning routine, you're not just setting yourself up for a good day - you're investing in your long-term wellbeing as a teacher. 

Consistent practice of these techniques can lead to reduced stress levels, increased job satisfaction, and greater resilience in the face of challenges. Remember, small daily actions can lead to significant changes in your overall wellbeing and help prevent burnout in the long run.

What Are You Waiting For?

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Thank You For All You Do

We know you’re incredibly busy. Everyone needs something from you, and it can be almost impossible to balance your own happiness with your professional demands.

But if no one else takes the time to say it today, then a big thank you from both of us for being there for the people who need you. You’re a remarkable person doing astonishing things, and we want you to know that we see and support you!

And remember, how you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. By taking just a few minutes for yourself each morning, you're not just improving your teaching - you're investing in your wellbeing.

Here's a quick reminder of our three unique morning rituals:

You're more than your marking, teaching, lesson observations and planning.

You're you. And that's all you need to be.