Click below to listen to episode 152, Breaks, Rejuvenation, and Free Stuff with Ashleigh Smith:
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Key themes from Breaks, Rejuvenation, and Free Stuff with Ashleigh Smith [#152]:
- Prioritizing Teacher Self-Care: The importance of taking real, guilt-free breaks and engaging in self-care practices to avoid burnout and maintain well-being, both for teachers and as a model for students.
- Emotional Regulation Techniques: Tools like deep breathing, laughter, and creative exercises that help both teachers and students manage stress and emotions, promoting a healthier classroom environment.
- Community and Support for Rejuvenation: Joining supportive communities like the Educate and Rejuvenate Book Club and podcast, which provide teachers with resources, guidance, and connection to prevent burnout and foster personal growth.
If you’re feeling like teaching is draining every last drop of energy out of you, listen up! We’ve got something special to help you turn that burnout into a breakthrough. Whether you’re struggling to find balance or just want to fall back in love with teaching, we’ve got the strategies to help you breathe easy and reignite that passion. So take a deep breath, and let’s talk about how to not just survive this school year—but *thrive*!
Rejuvenating Teachers: A Guide to Avoid Burnout and Embrace Self-Care
When you’re feeling like you’re running on empty, it’s time to hit pause and check in with yourself. In a this episode of “Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast,” Kelsey and Ashleigh Smith from Rainbow Sky Creations, team up to help you figure out how to break the burnout cycle and focus on some good ol’ self-care. With nearly half of teachers feeling like they’re drowning in overwhelm, it’s time to change the narrative, y’all!
Take a Break—It’s a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Kelsey breaks it down—taking real, guilt-free breaks is the name of the game when it comes to avoiding burnout. In a chaotic school environment, finding those moments to *actually* rest can feel impossible.
But brain breaks are the golden ticket! And no, I’m not talking about chugging coffee or zoning out on your phone. We’re talking about deep breaths, stepping away from the screens, and letting your mind truly reset. Trust me, once you start building these into your day, you’ll notice the difference in your energy and focus!
Breathe In, Breathe Out—It’s More Than Just Air
Kelsey and Ashleigh are all about deep breathing, and not just because it’s trendy. Taking a few deep breaths can seriously change your entire vibe when you’re feeling stressed.
And the best part? It’s not just for you! You can teach your students how to regulate their own emotions with it too. Kelsey even shared a heartwarming story of how she uses deep breathing with her own kiddo.
So whether you’re calming yourself down or helping a student chill out, this is one tool you definitely want in your toolbox.
Laughter and Creativity—Because Sometimes Deep Breathing Isn’t Enough
Okay, not everyone is into deep breathing—especially younger kiddos who might roll their eyes at it.
That’s cool, though! Kelsey and Ashleigh share some fun alternatives like laughter, movement, and creative visualization exercises (think “smell the flowers, blow out the candles” kind of stuff). These little moments of joy and creativity can be lifesavers for both you and your students when the going gets tough.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish; It’s Essential
Y’all, teachers are notorious for putting everyone else first, but here’s the deal—you can’t pour from an empty cup. Listening to your body, staying hydrated, and actually taking care of yourself is just as important as showing up for your students. And guess what? When you model self-care, your students learn by example. It’s a win-win for everyone!
The Power of Reading to Fight Burnout
If you haven’t picked up Kelsey Sorenson’s book *Educate and Rejuvenate*, now’s the time!
This three-step guide is packed with practical strategies to revitalize your teaching and renew your spirit. The exercises in the book and accompanying workbook are like a spa day for your mind, helping you set boundaries, manage stress, and stay passionate about what you do. Burnout doesn’t have to be a permanent state, and this book is your roadmap out of it.
Join the Club—No, Really!
When you purchase Kelsey’s book you’ll join the book club! If you purchase before December 2024 you’ll be get to join the live calls, but if you purchase after you’ll get access to all the recordings!
The *Educate and Rejuvenate* Book Club is like your personal self-care squad. With meditations, book discussions, and replays of healing sessions all available on our mobile app, you’ll have everything you need to stay refreshed. It’s not just about reading—it’s about creating a lifestyle of growth, support, and rejuvenation.
Build a Community, Build Yourself Up
This episode of the podcast wasn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Ashleigh Smith brought her magic from Rainbow Sky Creations, and together with Kelsey, they created a space where teachers can connect, share, and support each other. Whether it’s through the *Educate and Rejuvenate* community or Ashleigh’s podcast, “Rainbow Skies for Teachers,” the message is clear—you don’t have to do this alone. Join a community that understands the ups and downs of teaching and is here to lift you up.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of *Educate and Rejuvenate*, tune into the podcast, and take that first step toward a healthier, happier teaching life. You deserve it, and trust me, your students will thank you for it too!
Take our Podcast Quiz
Do you love Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast? Take our podcast quiz to get a personalized playlist of episodes you don’t want to miss!
Connect with Ashleigh:
- Follow her on Instagram @rainbowskycreations
- Visit her website rainbowskycreations.com
- Listen to her podcast: Rainbow Skies for Teachers
- Email us at hello@educateandrejuvenate.com after you’ve purchased your copy of Kelsey’s book to claim your freebie!
Connect with Kelsey:
- Follow her on Instagram, @educateandrejuvenate
- Join our Facebook group: Educate & Rejuvenate Collective.
- Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.
- Educate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life
Read the transcript for Breaks, Rejuvenation, and Free Stuff with Ashleigh Smith [#152] below:
More about Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast
Being an educator is beyond a full-time job. Whether you’re a teacher or a homeschool parent, the everyday to-do list is endless. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and actually teaching, it probably feels impossible to show up for your students without dropping the ball in other areas of your life.
Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast is the show that will bring you the teacher tips, practical strategies, and inspiration that you need to relieve the stress and overwhelm of your day-to-day. Your host, Kelsey Sorenson, is a former teacher and substitute turned homeschool mom. Tune in weekly to hear Kelsey and her guests cheer you on and help you thrive as a wife, teacher, and mommy. Because with a little support and community, you can do it all. To access every single Educate & Rejuvenate resource, join the club at educateandrejuvenate.com/club.