Types of Self-Care and How to Prioritize Them

Supporting students day after day requires energy, presence, and care- for others and for yourself. Self-care for educators is not about adding more to your to-do list; it is about noticing what supports your well-being and choosing small, sustainable practices that help you stay grounded.

Self-care is often misunderstood in education and framed as something extravagant or indulgent, which can make it feel unrealistic or out of reach. This misconception reinforces the idea that self-care is a luxury rather than a necessity.

At Yoga 4 Classrooms, we view self-care as practical and essential. For educators, it is about making small, intentional choices that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout the school day and beyond. These choices can sustain your energy and capacity to support students.

Self-care does not require large blocks of time. It can happen in brief moments between classes, during transitions, or through simple routines that help you pause, reset, and reconnect.

Below, we share different types of self-care and realistic ways educators can prioritize these practices within the demands of school life.

1. Physical

Physical self-care supports your body so you have the stamina and resilience needed for the school day.

• Taking a short walk or stretching between classes or before/after school

• Practicing consistent sleep routines when possible

• Nourishing your body with balanced meals and hydration (it helps to have a fun water bottle!)

• Using simple movement or breathing to release tension (we recommend leading a brief mindful moment with students— then you get the break too!)

2. Mental

Mental self-care helps reduce stress, improve focus, and support clarity.

• Practicing brief mindfulness or meditation (again, you can lead a mindful moment for students so that you also get the benefit!)

• Using deep breathing to reset during busy moments

• Reading for pleasure or professional inspiration

• Seeking support from professionals when needed

3. Emotional

Emotional self-care supports healthy processing of feelings and prevents burnout.

• Journaling or quiet reflection

• Setting and maintaining boundaries around time and energy

• Seeking connection or support from trusted colleagues or professionals

4. Spiritual

Spiritual self-care nurtures meaning, purpose, and connection.

• Practicing gratitude or mindful awareness

• Spending time in nature

• Engaging in activities that reconnect you to why you chose this work

5. Intellectual

Intellectual self-care fuels curiosity, creativity, and growth.

• Participating in professional learning that feels energizing

• Connecting with mentors or supportive peers

• Exploring creative outlets that spark joy

6. Environment

Environmental self-care creates spaces that support calm and focus.

• Decluttering or organizing your workspace

• Bringing natural elements into your classroom or home

• Creating small moments of order that feel supportive

7. Social

Social self-care strengthens connection and belonging.

• Spending intentional time with supportive people

• Saying yes to nourishing connections—and no when needed

• Maintaining boundaries that protect your well-being

8. Financial

Financial self-care supports long-term stability and peace of mind.

• Creating or revisiting a budget

• Making thoughtful spending choices

• Spending in ways that align with your values

Curious to assess your current self-care practices? Use this *free* self-care inventory worksheet. Just make a copy so that you can edit and complete it. Or feel free to use it at an upcoming staff meeting to let other staff members assess their self-care practices.

And please do not forget that we created a Wellness Toolkit to make mindful moments for you and your students easy and effective.

As always, let us know what we can do to support you. We are here to help in any way!

With gratitude,
Sarah at Yoga 4 Classrooms

sarah.kirk@yoga4classrooms.com