Fitness and Wellness Tips for Teachers: Expert Advice from TeacherFit's Eric Nelson

I recently listened to an interesting episode of Teachers on Fire podcast, where host Tim Cavey sat down with Eric Nelson. Tim, known for his insightful conversations with educators, is a middle school teacher and administrator who has been inspiring educators through his podcast since 2018. You can listen to the podcast here.

Eric Nelson brings a unique perspective as both a physical education teacher and the director of member success at TeacherFit, an organization dedicated to helping educators maintain their health and wellness. His approach combines practical experience in the classroom with expertise in fitness and well-being.

Here are some of my takeaways.

Key Takeaways for Educators

The conversation revealed several practical strategies for maintaining wellness in our demanding profession. Here's what stood out:

• Self-Care is Non-Negotiable
  • Learning to say "no" is crucial for managing burnout. Set clear boundaries around your time and energy.
  • Prioritizing personal well-being actually enhances classroom effectiveness by improving focus and patience.
  • Schedule dedicated "me time" for activities that recharge you
• Movement Throughout the Day
  • Quick exercises during breaks (try simple push-ups, squats, or desk stretches)
  • Stand while grading or planning.
  • Incorporate movement with students through engaging activities like dance breaks, brain breaks, and active learning stations.

Practical Nutrition Solutions

For those of us struggling with time management, meal preparation doesn't have to be overwhelming:

• Cook large batches of proteins and vegetables:
  • Grill multiple chicken breasts
    • Season differently for variety
    • Portion and store in containers
  • Roast various vegetables on sheet pans
    • Carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
    • Season with olive oil and herbs
• Prepare enough food for two consecutive nights:
  • Make double portions of meals
  • Store the second portion properly for the next day
  • Label containers with dates

Smart Cooking Tips:

• Focus on simple, wholesome ingredients:
  • Choose lean proteins
  • Include colorful vegetables
  • Add whole grains like quinoa or brown rice
• Use seasonings and dressings to keep meals interesting and healthy:
  • Keep a variety of herbs and spices on hand
  • Make simple homemade dressings
  • Try different ethnic seasonings for variety

Feeling mentally and physically fit impacts all areas of life. You become a better teacher and person. While there are many things we cannot control, what we eat and how we move are two things we can control.

Want to learn more? Check out the Teachers on Fire podcast and explore Eric Nelson's work through TeacherFit's newsletter. The resources they provide are specifically designed for educators looking to enhance their well-being while managing the demands of teaching.

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