Educating Young Children Volume 1 - Summer 2025 | Page 38

› Physical activity: Daily play and movement reduces stress, boosts energy, and improves a teacher’ s ability to engage with children actively and alertly. Add simple activity breaks during your day: Use the stairs; park farther away; engage in outdoor activities.

After prioritizing our physical needs, we began noticing improvements in our sleep quality as well as more relaxed minds, less exhaustion, and more energy. Ginger found joy in running, which became a playful escape and energy source. Suzan focused on improving her sleep routine, making her more active and attentive during the day. These changes translated into more classroom creativity, joy, and laughter. We wish you similar success!

— Suzan South, PhD, term assistant professor and clinical supervisor, and Virginia( Ginger) Golsan, PhD, associate professor and chair, early childhood education, University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College

As educators, we take a lot of work home. Creating a clear boundary between work and personal life is essential for emotional health and preventing burnout. Otherwise, we lose great teachers, and young children miss out.

I’ ve found it helpful to set firm guidelines for when and how I engage in work-related tasks outside of my scheduled hours. I avoid work emails, messages, and lesson planning after a set time each day. This means shutting down my work devices by 6:00 p. m. and resisting the urge to check my email before bed. These practices not only give me time to unwind but also ensure that I’ m not mentally carrying work-related stress into my personal life.

I also set specific times during the day when I’ m“ off the clock.” For example, instead of working through my lunch, I intentionally step away from my desk, go outside, or engage in a brief mindfulness exercise. This midday reset helps me maintain my energy and focus for the rest of the day.