Back-to-school season is closely followed by cold and flu season, and it’s no accident. Spending time in enclosed spaces with others puts us at risk of spreading respiratory viruses. While these infections are usually mild, no one wants to deal with the discomfort of being sick and potentially missing work. This is especially true for teachers who need to project their voices and have many students relying on them. To stay healthy during the school year, teachers have shared their tips with HuffPost.
Firstly, it’s important to know that you can’t avoid every virus, so it’s best to be prepared. Educator Maurice Smith, who has been teaching since 2007, mentioned that he usually catches a cold or flu in late September like clockwork. He believes there’s a direct correlation between teaching and getting sick. Other teachers also have predictable patterns of illness, often experiencing colds at the beginning of the school year and again in the winter. To combat this, they focus on maintaining their health through nutritious foods, drinks, and supplements.
Keeping the classroom clean is another crucial step. With a large number of students in one space, it’s impossible to eliminate all germs, but there are measures that can be taken to minimize their spread. Smith mentioned that his classroom has sanitizers and Clorox wipes available, and students are encouraged to keep their desks clean. Air purifiers are also used to reduce sneezing and coughing.
Teaching and modeling good hygiene habits is essential. Students need to see their teachers practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, such as covering their mouth and nose with their elbow. Ramage, an assistant teacher, emphasizes teaching a lesson on germs and hygiene at the beginning of the year to set clear expectations.
Getting enough sleep and exercise plays a significant role in preventing illness. While it can be challenging for teachers to balance grading and sleep, even adding 30 minutes of sleep or removing distractions like phones from the bedroom can make a difference. Exercise in moderate doses has been found to prevent respiratory illness, so teachers make an effort to fit it into their routines. Smith, for example, goes to bed early, wakes up early, and engages in activities like basketball, pushups, and boxing for strength training. Enna also adjusted his schedule to prioritize morning workouts and restful sleep.
Preventing burnout is crucial for teachers, as it can contribute to illness. Starting the year with the right mindset and being organized helps avoid both burnout and subsequent sickness. Smith advises teachers to take care of themselves physically and mentally to prevent burnout by spring. Self-care, like learning jiu-jitsu, allows teachers to strengthen their ability to teach and have a positive impact on students. Taking short breaks, like sitting in a chair or playing calming music after class, can help teachers re-center and approach the day with more energy and focus.
In conclusion, teachers know the importance of staying healthy during the school year. They take steps to prepare for inevitable illness, keep classrooms clean, teach hygiene habits, prioritize sleep and exercise, and prevent burnout. These practices not only benefit teachers but also contribute to a healthy and positive learning environment for students.
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