Self-Care for Early Childhood Educators: Practical Strategies for Well-Being

Early childhood educators are nothing short of superheroes! Whether you’re a preschool teacher, child care provider, kindergarten teacher, or caregiver, your work is essential—but it’s also exhausting. The demands of teaching and caring for young children are constant, and many educators are overworked, underpaid, and stretched too thin. That’s why self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Self-care goes beyond indulgences like bubble baths, pedicures, or occasional treats—though those can certainly play a role. True self-care is about cultivating sustainable habits that nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, ensuring long-term balance and resilience.

Rethinking Self-Care: It’s Not Indulgence—It’s Essential

Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. For early childhood educators, it’s about setting boundaries, prioritizing health, and making time for rest. Caring for yourself ensures you can continue to support and inspire the children in your care.

Here are a few ways self-care can be practical, affordable, and life-changing:

• Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to burnout, exhaustion, and poor health. Make rest a priority.
• Turn off your phone. Set boundaries with work—stop checking emails at night or grading papers during dinner.
• Take breaks. Even a five-minute breather during the day can make a difference. Step outside for fresh air, do a few deep breaths, or enjoy a quiet moment.
• Say no. You don’t have to volunteer for every extra duty, stay late every day, or work on the weekend. Protect your personal time.
• Prioritize your health. Book that long-overdue dentist appointment, schedule your annual physical, or make time for exercise—even if it’s just a short walk.
• Ask for help. You don’t have to do everything alone. Lean on your colleagues, friends, and family when you need support.
• Take your vacation days. If you have paid time off, use it. Rest is productive.

Overcoming Barriers to Self-Care

We understand that prioritizing self-care can feel challenging—time, financial constraints, and even pressure to put everything else first often stand in the way. However, self-care doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. By making small, intentional changes, educators can cultivate habits that support their well-being in meaningful and sustainable ways..

• Sense of Responsibility: Educators are natural caregivers who are accustomed to putting others first. However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your well-being allows you to show up as your best self for your students.
• Time: Start small. Even five minutes of self-care each day—journaling, deep breathing, stretching—can make a difference.
• Money: Many of the most effective self-care strategies—sleep, hydration, boundaries—are completely free.

Books & Resources to Support Educators

For deeper insights into self-care and resilience, check out these essential books:

Find the Joyful Leader Within by Teresa Byington – Learn how to rediscover joy in your work, lead with purpose, and create a positive, supportive environment for yourself and others.

The Power of Presence by Elizabeth Erwin – A guide to mindfulness and balance for educators, helping you stay grounded and energized in your work.

Download Our Free Self-Care Checklist! Need an easy way to start? Get our self-care checklist for educators and start implementing small but impactful changes today. Click here to download.

Listen to Our Podcast! On this month’s Early Childhood Chapters podcast, we talk with Teresa Byington about joyful leadership and self-care strategies for teachers. Tune in here.

You Are Worth It

Your work is invaluable, and your impact lasts a lifetime. But to continue inspiring and supporting your students, you must also take care of yourself. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When you thrive, so do the children in your care. Stay strong, stay well, and keep making a difference.