Taking the time to practice emotional self care is so important for our mental health. Practicing regular emotional self care means that we are processing emotions instead of bottling them up. This allows us to let things go to be able to live as our happiest, best selves. There are five ways that you can enjoy some time to yourself and get better acquainted with your feelings.

Morning Routine

My morning routine is a ritual that brings peace and calm to my day. It is the way that I consistently practice emotional self care.

My routine goes as follows. First, I wake up and work out. Afterwards, I shower and make my coffee. While I enjoy my morning coffee, I read a professional development or personal development book. I’m all about that growth! Once I’ve enjoyed time to myself, I have my breakfast and get ready for my day.

My morning routine gives me time for me before I need to rush off to work. I used to have very rushed and scattered mornings. Now, I get to work in a much better frame of mind. This has changed me as a teacher, for the better.

Quiet Time

Taking time to allow your mind and body to move slowly is so good for us.

Quiet time can happen when you’re best able to fit it in. I like having quiet time in the morning with my coffee. Before I begin my morning routine, I sit and sip for a moment. My favourite time to do this is after my morning workout because I’ve used up some energy so I’m feeling calm. My brain isn’t yet in “go” mode to conquer all the things that the day will bring.

And, most importantly, quiet time lets me sit and enjoy my coffee with one of my favourite people, myself. #selflove

Yoga

Practicing yoga is a wonderful way to process emotions and get connected with yourself. I love practicing yoga both at home and in a studio.

At home, I like to use the Down Dog App on my phone. I like that you can choose which level you’re practicing at, for how long your practice will be, how long you’d like your Savasana (rest) at the end to be, what type of practice you’re looking for, etc. 

I also really enjoy going to a yoga studio to practice yoga. I find that once I’m used to a certain space, my body instantly calms and prepares itself for practice as I walk in. It’s such a soothing feeling for me. I also like the opportunity to learn from different instructors. 

If you have the chance, I highly recommend going to a yoga retreat. I went to my first one this summer and it was absolutely amazing. We practiced twice a day and it allowed for so much self-reflection. I learned so much about myself there and would go back 100x over.

Meditation

Meditation is something that’s new to me. I learned a bit about it when I was at my yoga retreat and had the opportunity to try it there. I have a very busy brain so it’s difficult for me but it also would be so good for me to do this regularly, for that very reason.

I’ve heard a lot of people recommend the Simple Habits App and the Calm App. I’ve also recently heard that educators can get free accounts with Calm to use in their classrooms. I’d love to start using it with my students, especially to come down after recess.

Journaling

I highly recommend journaling for emotional self care. My thoughts and feelings are much clearer when I’ve journaled.

I am not a consistent journaler but it’s something I’m working on. Even when I don’t think I have something to write about, things come up for me. If I’m not sure what to write about I write a gratitude list or look up a prompt. Writing with a prompt connects me closer to myself as it pushes me to write about something that I may not choose to write about on my own.

I’d love to hear what you think about this post. Do you practice regular emotional self care? I know that it’s one of the types of self care that I need to work on.

If you liked this post, check out my related post titled “Physical Self Care For Teachers“.