Things and practices that help me stay focused in my self-care journey
Here you will find some of the apps, items, websites, technology, and tools that keep me grounded or accountable in my self-care practices.
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below, and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products I highly recommend. I won't put anything on this page that I haven't verified and/or personally used.
Eating healthy between duties and lesson planning
This has been my daily lunch for the past four years. No meal prep and packed with 27 essential vitamins and minerals. Healthy, practical, and stress-free. This is also a great way to keep your calorie intake in check.
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Creating a calm space
I use these lights at home and in the classroom; these are customizable and can be arranged in many different ways. These are perfect for creating a quiet corner or space. It comes with clips if you want to hang pictures or student work.
Done and check
With this easy and practical to-do list system, you'll find that tasks become routines and new behaviors become healthy habits. Organizing your tasks at work allows you to be more productive and ensure that you do not carry any work with you. Writing your tasks down will liberate space in your head so you can be worry-free when at home.
Making sure I drink water
I tried apps, and they didn't do the trick. As a teacher, the less thinking you need to do about reminders and login information in an app, the better. This water bottle made sure I reached my water intake goals daily. It will sync with your phone, track how much water you are drinking, and remind you by lighting up to drink water when you are behind your goal.
Accountability partner
As a data enthusiast, I love having as much information as possible to make the right decisions. This watch keeps me accountable in terms of movement, but it tracks my sleep my heartbeat and reminds me to take quick short meditations when needed. It allows me to start a timer for my class with one tap or one Siri command. Access to my texts so I do not need to be checking my phone and, of course, completing movement challenges against my friends and co-workers weekly.
Healthy boundaries
I cannot be trusted; I know that if I leave my door open or without a clear sign displaying what I am doing, I will get easily distracted in fall behind in my planning or whatever else I have to work on. This sign not only prevents me from succumbing to use my entire period to talk to my friends but also saves me from saying, I'm sorry, I am swamped right now; we can talk another time. Feeling that I was rude and spiraling forever on my choice of words.
My back is killing me
I don't know about you, but sitting on my desk lesson planning and doing near pods is taking a toll on my back. This lumbar support has helped me to mitigate some of my back pain.
Creating a calming space
All you need is water, some lavender essential oil drops, and a diffuser to not only help you find your center but to allow your after-lunch class period to connect with the calmness that comes with aromatherapy.
Squishing the stress away
You will be surprised how much change this little thing can bring into my day. I have it on my desk, not only when I feel the stress building up but when I'm thinking about improving my next lesson. Believe me, it is a great thinking partner.
Would you like me to try something new?
Point me in the right direction, and I might give it a try and share my findings with the community.