Welcome to The Flourishing Teacher’s Field Guide.

It’s time to put yourself first and soak up some life-changing content!

This week, we’re thinking about the way we look after ourselves as teachers, why we so rarely put ourselves first, and what we can do about it.

Let’s jump in…

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Essential

Being a teacher is physically and emotionally demanding.

You know it, I know it, the whole world knows it.

But how often do we think about how to manage the impact?

I've worked with countless educators who are overwhelmed, anxious and just plain burned out from giving and giving until they have nothing left.

We put our heart and soul into supporting our students' academic and personal growth, and it’s often at the expense of our own wellbeing.

And it’s pretty common.

It’s becoming increasingly normalised in a way that does us all long-term harm if we don’t develop strategies for self-care.

I heard a colleague talking to a stressed-out student yesterday. The student had agreed to something that she was now unable to manage, and she was pretty upset about it. My colleague, seeing the genuine tears, told that student to put her wellbeing first, to look after her health and emotions, and excused her from the activity.

Totally the right move for that individual.

But it got me thinking about the last time a colleague or manager had said something similar to me.

And I don’t think they ever have.

Not in a way that also came with meaningful resources, and the support needed to allow me to prioritise myself. The hours and resources just aren’t there.

But the truth is that we all need to prioritise our self-care.

We need to practice it regularly, give it the space it deserves, and recognise that if we actively look after ourselves a little every day, we’ll manage much better when those crisis points arrive.

Here’s how to put the oxygen mask on yourself first when it comes to self-care…

Why Self-Care For Teachers Is A Necessity, Not A Luxury

When you neglect your own needs, you run on empty. You pour from a glass that desperately needs to be refilled. That kind of self-neglect can lead to very real issues like:

• Physical exhaustion, weakened immunity and illness

• Anxiety, cynicism, detachment and even depression

• Poor work performance, lack of motivation and absenteeism

The problem is that as teachers, we’re often so busy and exhausted that the idea of adding another layer of responsibilities into an already stretched day can feel impossible.

We literally tell ourselves that we don’t have time for self-care. We put it off. We’re almost scared of the work involved in making a change.

I know I felt that way for more years than I’d like to admit.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care means consciously doing things to nurture your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It's any activity that refills your tank, allowing you to show up recharged rather than running on fumes.

And you’ve got permission. Even if it impacts your capacity to manage your workload in the evenings or at the weekends.

You’re a person first and a teacher second.

It could look like:

• Physical: Exercising, preparing nutritious meals, getting enough sleep

• Emotional: Journaling, talking with friends and family, nurturing relationships

• Mental: Reading, learning a new skill, setting boundaries

• Spiritual: Spending time in nature, meditating, exploring meaning/purpose

Of course, every teacher's needs are unique, and based on your personality, stressors and interests. An introvert may recharge through solitary activities like reading, while an extrovert craves social connection.

The key is tuning into yourself and creating your own self-care cocktail.

Creating A Sustainable Self-Care Plan

True self-care isn’t just restorative. It’s an ongoing practice woven into your weekly routine, not a one-off event. That’s because effective self-care is about consistency and building sustainable habits, not a frenzy of self-care followed by periods of burnout.

Start by doing a self-care audit - in what areas could you use more nurturing and replenishment right now? Your physical health? Emotional outlets? Intellectual stimulation?

From there, schedule self-care activities ahead of time so they become a priority. For example:

• Commit to a yoga class each week after school, making that the priority

• Doing a 5-minute meditation between class periods

• Having an in-person monthly check-in with your friends

• Joining a book club over the summer for mental enrichment

In true Marigold spirit, I also encourage you to share your self-care plans with colleagues, spouses or friends to increase accountability. It's also wise to model self-care practices for your students - they need to learn that prioritising wellbeing isn't selfish, it's smart!

Overcoming Self-Care Roadblocks

Of course, making self-care a priority is easier said than done.

I get it - there will always be obstacles and compelling reasons to neglect your needs. But here's the hard truth: skipping self-care may seem to buy you more time now, but it will inevitably lead to burnout, resentment and poor performance.

And you’re worth more than that.

Like any new habit, prioritising self-care takes commitment and creative problem-solving. Look for low-cost options like free yoga videos online or journaling. Trade childcare with a friend so you both get respite. Most importantly, reframe your mindset. Self-care allows you to be a better teacher, partner and human.

It's an absolute necessity, not a luxury.

Your Personal Self-Care Challenge

My challenge to you is to pick just one self-care activity to focus on this week. Call a friend whose conversation gives you energy. Take a candlelit bath with a book you've been wanting to read. Or simply identify what's leaving you depleted and brainstorm ways to renew that area, even in small pockets of time.

Caring for yourself is an ongoing practice, not a project with a start and end date.

You're in this career for the long haul and need sustainable ways to stay resilient and passionate year after year. So view self-care not as something you'll get around to "someday" but as a present-moment necessity.

You deserve to wake up each morning feeling energized and fulfilled, rather than running on fumes. You, your students, colleagues, family, and friends deserve a teacher who is thriving as a person in the real world, not simply surviving.

Self-care allows you to show up as your very best self each and every day.

So what’s stopping you?

What Are You Waiting For?

We believe that teachers achieve extraordinary things under challenging circumstances and that we all deserve to be valued, supported and celebrated.

That’s what this newsletter is all about.

If you haven’t subscribed yet, why not join the Marigold community? You’ll get weekly strategies for sustaining your wellbeing, avoiding burnout and flourishing as a person, not just a teacher.

And best of all..?

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You’re Enough, If You Look After Yourself

As always, thank you for being a teacher - you genuinely bring light, wisdom and purpose into the lives of learners every day, whether you know it or not.

So, don’t think of self-care as a reward, or a treat, or a weakness.

You 100% deserve to be kind to yourself, to remember who you are and to put yourself first.

Here’s a reminder of how…

In next week’s issue, we’ll share our top hacks for building the confidence you need to flourish, so don’t miss it!

Until then, remember, you’re more than your marking, your lesson observations and your planning.

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