As teachers, it’s so easy to get caught up in everyone else’s needs—students, colleagues, school responsibilities—and forget about our well-being. Many of us feel guilty when we try to put ourselves first, and it’s understandable. Society doesn’t encourage us to focus on our own needs, but honestly, being intentional about taking care of ourselves is one of the best things we can do—not just for us, but for everyone around us too.

Teachers are naturally great at being selfless. I know plenty of amazing educators who go above and beyond for their students and schools but often forget to take care of themselves. The truth is, when we don’t look after our own needs, we’re not able to give our best to others. Think about the safety instructions on an aeroplane: “Put your oxygen mask on first.” It sounds simple, but it’s a vital lesson. If we’re not doing well ourselves, how can we fully support others?

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying you should always put yourself ahead of everything else. Of course, there are times when you have to be there for your students or meet certain work commitments. You can’t just leave class for a snack or show up in casual clothes because you feel like it! But there are moments where being intentional about your own needs can make a huge difference in how you show up for everyone else.

Be Intentional About Your Sleep We all know how important sleep is, but it’s easy to push it aside when there’s marking to do or lesson plans to finish. If you’re staying up late every night trying to catch up, it’s time to step back and rethink your workload and time management. Sacrificing sleep isn’t worth it—it messes with your energy, your mood, and your health. Prioritising rest is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to be intentional about your well-being.

Be Intentional With Your Mornings For me, mornings are sacred. I wake up at 5 a.m. to run, read, and stretch before the day kicks off. It’s my time to mentally prepare for the craziness ahead. I get it—mornings aren’t everyone’s thing, and maybe your routine looks different, but whatever you do in the morning, make sure it’s something that sets you up for a good day. Whether it’s a cuppa in silence or a bit of journaling, protect that time.

Be Intentional About Your ‘You’ Time Everyone needs a little personal time, but it’s easy to let it slip. For me, Wednesday nights are non-negotiable. I use that time to relax, recharge, and do whatever I need to unwind. My wife does something similar—she takes a weekly painting class just for fun, even though she doesn’t care if anyone sees her work. Your “you time” could be anything—reading, watching a show, doing a hobby—just make sure it’s something that’s just for you, and make it a priority.

Be Intentional With Your Commitments It’s so tempting to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way, especially when you want to meet everyone’s expectations. But learning to say “no” is a powerful way to be intentional about your time. You can’t do everything—and you shouldn’t try. Focus on what matters and give your best to those things. Doing a few things well is much more effective than spreading yourself too thin.

Be Intentional About Your Health Exercise often gets pushed to the backburner, but it’s something you need to be intentional about. Whether it’s a walk, a run, or a yoga session, make time for physical activity in your week. You’ll feel better, more energised, and more focused, which will help you show up for your students and your own life in a better way.

Being intentional about taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Teachers often give so much of themselves that they forget to nurture their health, happiness, and well-being. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll burn out, and you won’t be able to give your best to anyone else.

So this year, try to be more intentional about your own needs. When you prioritise your well-being, you’ll find you have more energy, patience, and focus to share with others—and that includes your students, your colleagues, and yourself. It’s not just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters, for you and everyone around you.