3 Easy Daily Habits to Manage Planning and Reduce Stress for Teachers

As educators gear up to return to school after winter break, I think most of us are feeling that little knot in our stomach start to come back as we think I have to go back to school, and I haven't planned a thing. We all have the same intention of being more organized every year, and then, life happens. Over the last year, I have been reading a lot about self-efficacy and the importance of our own self systems to prevent burnout. As a result, I have been implementing 3 easy daily habits to help manage planning and reduce stress. Daily habits do not have to be big or over the top, in fact, these habits are intentionally small so they are achievable and do not pile onto my daily stressors.

Check out these easy habits to manage planning and reduce stress for teachers:

Tip #1 Small Checklists

Every Friday, I write myself a week at a glance. Using a larger sticky note, I write down any big ticket items (meetings, lessons to prep, families to follow up with) under the day of the week. I keep it short and manageable to fit on one sticky note. I purposely handwrite it so that when I arrive on Monday, it's front and center in the middle of my desk, and I'm reminded what I need to prioritize this week. This also helps me best visualize how busy one day is, and where I have more free prep time. (We all know that too often, our preps are eaten up by a million other factors going on during the day.)

I really like these Sharpie Felt Tip pens to write with. I alternate the days and colors so visually, it's easy to organize.

I leave my 'week at a glance' sticky note on my desk all week. (Tape it down if you have to!) Then, every morning, I make a to-do list with 3 tasks. These tasks can be as small as photo copy lessons 8-9, clean my desk, email back parent, or organize supplies. Once you have completed the task, cross it off your list. At the end of the day, toss the sticky note because you've completed all of the tasks! The physical action of crossing a task off, and visually seeing all that you have achieved will make you feel more accomplished everyday!

Tip #2 Timed Productivity

Most teachers have 30-45 min for prep time (comment below if you have a different amount of time). By the time we walk the students somewhere, and get back to our room, we might only have 20 minutes left. Then, our prep is over before we know it. Tackle this trouble by setting your timer for 10-15 minutes (longer if you have it). Tell yourself you are going to work on one task, uninterrupted, for your allotted time. Pick a task from your checklist, or complete something that came up during the day.

Tip #3 Intentional Self Care

Say it with me now, teachers deserve daily self care. Now that you've considered how to create small checklists and time your productivity, schedule in some time for self care. Schedule a quick 8 minute walk around the school (inside or outside), practice mindfulness, or read a book for pleasure. Give your brain some time to disconnect, and do an action that will help fill your bucket.

Following these easy daily habits has helped organize my days, and ensure I'm allowing myself space to breathe. In the past, I'd fill my schedule to the brim, and wonder why I was wiped at the end of the day. The power of scheduling a walk, and feeling sun, even on a 12* day, is so recharging.

How will you incorporate any of these habits into your week? Comment below if you plan to use them, or share other tips you might have!

Learn more about habit stacking from Atomic Habits by James Clear.

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