Read the blog below for a preview of the seven forms of rest.

7 Ways Teachers Can  Unlock the Power of Rest for Their Well-being and Teaching Success

 

“Rest and be grateful.” — William Wordsworth

 

Do you often wake up feeling depleted, even after a full night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that nearly one in three adults in the United States lacks sufficient rest or sleep on a daily basis. This highlights the fact that rest is far from a mere indulgence; it is a vital necessity for educators. Teachers need rest to perform at their best and prevent burnout.

That’s precisely why I want to introduce you to the transformative power of the Restful Teacher Framework, seven distinct types of rest drawing inspiration from the work of Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. By exploring and embracing these rejuvenating practices, you’ll not only revitalize yourself but also enhance your teaching methods. So, let’s dive into the various forms of rest that can contribute to your well-being.

• R - Revitalize Mental Clarity (Mental Rest): Focusing on mental clarity, decision-making, and inclusive planning.
• E – Enhance Emotional Resilience (Emotional Rest): Building emotional resilience for empathetic and equitable teaching. 
• S - Soothe Sensory Overload (Sensory Rest): Reducing sensory overload to foster a calm and focused classroom environment. 
• T - Tune-up Physical Vitality (Physical Rest): Maintaining physical energy for sustained engagement and instruction. 
• F - Fuel Creative Energies (Creative Rest): Rekindling creativity for inspired and culturally inclusive teaching. 
• U – Unlock Social Balance (Social Rest): Balancing professional interactions with personal downtime. 
• L – Leverage Spiritual Connection (Spiritual Rest): Aligning teaching practices with core values and inclusive perspectives. 

As you can see, incorporating rest into your life is not merely a luxury but an essential element for your overall well-being and teaching success. By wholeheartedly embracing these seven types of rest and integrating them into your routines, you’ll lay a solid foundation for the upcoming school year, propelling yourself toward greatness. As you cultivate a mindset of restfulness, you’ll witness a remarkable transformation in your energy, passion, and enthusiasm, enabling your teaching to flourish. Make an unwavering commitment to a rest plan, prioritizing your well-being and unlocking boundless possibilities for yourself and your students. Are you ready to embrace the profound power of rest?

 

Click here to read more Restful Teacher blogs!

 

References
Dalton-Smith, S. (2019). Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. FaithWords.
Dalton-Smith, S., MD. (2022, October 16). The 7 types of rest that every person needs. ideas.ted.com.