Websites with Exercise and Meditation Tips and Programs
Find the time to exercise, your body will feel better and you will be more productive at work. For more exercise ideas check out information about starting an exercise program at the website for the American Heart Association at: www.AmericanHeart.org. The Live Strong website also offers exercise and health information: www.LiveStrong.org. Also, for information about the benefits of meditation, read books by Dr. Dean Ornish, or find information about his program that utilizes meditation for heart health at: www.pmri.org.
Teaching is a demanding career. A teaching day is often chaotic and the teacher is multi-tasking all day. When one is responsible for the education and safety of 20-30 students all day every day one builds up a lot of stress. Thus it is very important to exercise and mediate regularly to let the body release stress and function optimally.
Regular exercise also helps one sleep well; sleep is very important to help a teacher function well! Thus teachers should aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise three times a week. Exercising regularly should be a routine one breaks only in extreme circumstances.
Exercise Relieves Stress
Exercise helps one handle stress better. Teachers must nurture their bodies. It is very easy to get caught up in giving all to the job and working too many hours at school and at home grading work and preparing lessons. However, teachers need time for themselves too to exercise, meditate, and let their mind relax.
Ride a Bike
Bike riding is a great exercise for teachers. It gets one out in nature and fresh air and gives a good workout.
Walk or Run
Walking or running is also excellent. These activities move the body rhythmically and help stress leave the body.
Dance
Dance classes or dancing at home to music is also great exercise. Put some music on while you clean the house and dance around a bit too. This gives a nice aerobic workout.
Yoga
Yoga is also a great activity for teachers. It provides exercise and is also soothing. This activity helps one focus on the body and let the mind relax. Teachers carry too much stress around with them. The day is hectic and students tell teachers their most serious problems. So teachers need to find ways to be proactive and take care of their bodies and release the stress of the day. Yoga is a great way for teachers to connect with their body and soothe it too.
Walk at Work
During lunch time at work teachers may also slip a bit of exercise into their day. Go for a walk outside around the building or walk up and down the stairs and around the building inside. Especially on a very stressful day, find a few minutes to get some walking in during the work day.
Exercise at Your Desk
Teachers may also find some time during the day or at lunch to do some exercise at their desk. Keep a small weight in your desk and use it to do arm lifts. You might also go to the back of the room for privacy when alone and do some leg lifts or push ups against a wall while you are standing.
Meditate
Meditation is a wonderful stress relief tool for teachers. Find time to meditate on a regular basis for 15-30 minutes at a time. Your body will benefit from the quiet time and letting your mind relax. Meditation helps heart health, relieves stress, and helps the mind learn how to turn off stressful thoughts and relax.
