So, how do we achieve a work-life balance? We advocate for a holistic approach to teaching that includes enhancing self-efficacy, resilience, knowledge of effective teaching, and, ultimately, for teachers to care for themselves first to provide their students with the best learning environments. We believe that to be a brilliant teacher, one must have these elements work in complete synergy to connect, engage, and inspire our field. Which ultimately supports a work-life balance as a teacher. 

Teaching is a mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding career. A sustainable career in education includes knowing your personal boundaries, understanding what is in your circle of control, and identifying strategies that support daily wellness to ride the ebbs and flows of teaching—developing healthy practices to support what we identify as the Powerhouse Three promotes the concept of Teaching Brilliantly.

Teaching Brilliantly is a concept that promotes engaging in practices that empower you to teach and live a balanced and brilliant life. But to be an effective teacher, you must care for yourself to give your students the support they need. Burnout is real! Being stressed harms our physical and emotional health. Plus, it causes strain in our relationships with our students and colleagues. But it can be avoided with healthy practices that promote wellness. 

We identify wellness practices into three powerhouse goals:

• Developing inner strength and resilience

• Developing compassionate relationships with self and others

• Having high expectations for self and others.

These aspects support living a balanced life. Creating balance in our personal and professional lives gives us the strength to work in diverse and dynamic environments and to do the emotional and physically demanding work in education. We have the personal Power to affect our lived experiences and emotional and physical wellness.

Our top 5 strategies to promote wellness are:

1. Engaging in daily exercise, either walking, running, doing yoga, or your favorite activities

2. Disconnect from technology and connect to nature to rejuvenate.

3. Practice mindfulness by meditating or engaging in laughter and play with family and friends – whatever you do, practice being present in the now.

4. Read, journal, listen to music, be creative, and express gratitude daily.

5. Connect the senses – we are advocates for using essential oils to enhance physical and emotional wellness. Our favorite essential oil distributor is doTERRA. 

Teaching Brilliantly is also a concept that promotes engaging in practices that empower you and your students to live a balanced and brilliant life. Supporting students' social-emotional skills by integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) techniques creates effective learning environments for students in powerful ways to enhance learning in the classroom. We believe that all students at all educational levels benefit from SEL techniques. These can be adapted to work with young and adult students.

In addition, we advocate for creating learning environments that promote a growth mindset, belonging, and a connection to nature. Connecting with nature has been shown to impact physical and emotional wellness positively. Studies have found that exposure to nature can help reduce stress, anger, and fear while increasing positive emotions such as calmness, inspiration, and cognitive engagement. PLUS, there are multiple physical benefits. Overall, connecting with nature daily can positively impact emotional and physical well-being. Finding ways to bring nature into the classroom or your work environment can drastically benefit both you as the teacher and the students.

We are excited to announce our new website page, Things We Love, where we have curated our favorite items to support your important work. Whether you're looking to update your learning environment, encourage your students, or find personal inspiration, we've got you covered.

Don't forget our FREE resources in our Toolkit! 

Remember! You are brilliant! You connect, engage, and inspire the future! 

Remember that you are making a difference in the lives of your students every day.

Always remember - You are talented!

Teach Brilliantly!