Discover How Educators Can Prioritize Their Health This School Year
As we prepare for a new school year, we recognize that our teachers are busy getting classrooms ready, organizing materials, and planning lessons. However, just as important as preparing your classroom for students so is taking the time to prioritize your own health and well-being this school year.
Schools, from daycare to college level, are common breeding grounds for germs and illnesses due to shared spaces and close contact. While it’s impossible to predict how many students or staff may face health issues each year, it’s common to see a spike in illnesses when the school year begins.
The start of the school year is an ideal time for teachers to establish healthy habits that will help you stay strong, energized, and resilient in the classroom.
Tips for Teachers to Stay Healthy During the School Year
1. Wash Your Hands Often
Frequent handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. Keep hand sanitizer nearby, clean shared surfaces regularly, and make proper handwashing part of your daily routine—especially before eating or touching your face.
2. Eat Healthy
The proper, nutritious meal will help keep you fueled and powering through the long school days. Fuel your body with meals that include lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, and have simple, nutritious snacks like yogurt, fruit, or nuts on hand. Also, we know mornings can be busy, but don’t skip breakfast; it helps jump-start your metabolism and prevents daily burnout.
3. Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink water when your schedule is packed, but hydration is key to maintaining energy, concentration, and overall body function. Bring a refillable water bottle and consider setting reminders or cues (like drinking between classes) to stay on track.
4. Stay Physically Active
You don’t need a full workout to stay active. Take a few minutes in the morning to stretch, walk during your lunch break, or try short desk exercises to get your blood flowing. A little movement each day supports both your mental and physical health.
5. Manage Sleep
We’ve all heard it before—“a good night’s sleep makes all the difference.” And it’s true. Sleep helps with focus, patience, and mood regulation. It is recommended to aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. To make it easier, start adjusting your sleep schedule in the weeks leading up to the school year, and find a calming bedtime routine that works for you.
Planning isn’t just for lessons. Planning for a healthy school year can also reduce your risk of injury or illness. Establishing a healthy routine now can help prevent burnout and accidents that may end up with you in the emergency room.
24/7 Care for All Educators
If you’re feeling unwell or experiencing sudden symptoms, Oklahoma ER & Hospital is here for you. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to help you feel better — faster — so you can return to shaping our future generations.
Our state-of-the-art facility offers full emergency room services, outpatient imaging and laboratory testing, including MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and more, as well as extended inpatient observational stays when longer care is needed. We’re committed to providing comfortable, convenient, and compassionate care whenever you need it most.
Thank you for everything you do, Edmond educators!
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Oklahoma ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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