Like most every teacher in the country, I am stressed out, exhausted, and barely functioning by the weekend. I do school work in the evenings and on weekends and I'm still miles behind. Have you taken sick or personal days this year for your own health? How do you do that and not feel guilty? I know I need the time off but feel bad about it.

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It’s is called mental health for a reason. Like your physical health, it deteriorates if you don’t take care of it. If you need the time, take the time.

If you are doing work a ton of work at home, you might consider revisiting some of your work habits to see if you can make that happen less. Need some help brainstorming about it? I’m your girl.

This guilt thing. Feeling guilty for taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a thing regardless of what your job is. Part of this is mindset. You have to decide that you matter just as much as whatever you’re feeling bad about because guess what, you do. It doesn’t matter how much someone tells you you matter. You have to believe it.

Finally, this year has been a mess all the way around. I don’t know what your situation is but I’m pretty sure a good deal of the burden you’re carrying isn’t yours to bear. Drop that ish.

Sending nothing but positive vibes and hopes that you take the time you need.

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Such an important question! Thank you for asking this question.

Did you know mental/emotional/and physical pains all trigger the same areas of the brain? Stress is literally toxic to your system. It weakens the immune system AND SO MUCH MORE!

Stress is CONTAGIOUS! When I am stressed, I will most likely stress others.

Personally, I have and will continue to take sick days as mental health days.

The guilty comes from knowing/feeling/believing our students/colleagues need us to be there. Which is ultimately true. However, they need us to be completely there, healthily there.

Teachers are also notoriously “rule followers”. We have long since subscribed to the rule “If you don’t have a fever, and aren’t throwing up, you aren’t sick. GO TO SCHOOL!” Our parents taught us that. We tell our kids that. We expect it of our students.

And, we are wrong.

The encouragement is to see mental health as the most important aspect of overall health. Then allow your “rules” to recognize stress as an equally harmful ailment as, say the flu.

In short, use sick days to promote and increase your level of health. If it makes you better while you’re there, it served it’s purpose.

*I consulted my administrator and superintendent, who affirmed my stance. In some districts, this might not be the case. Know your school board policies!

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I take sick days whenever I feel the need. I usually take 8 a year. I get dinged every year on my evaluation for absences. My reply is, “Mark me needs improvement every year. I need my days to relax and refresh.” Maybe I catch up on work, go to a movie with my kids, or sleep. I do what I need. Have you noticed the teachers who take off full weeks to go on vacations? (single income here lol I can’t afford that, but I would if I could)

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You CANNOT be the best you can be if you are burnt. What’s worse? Fail at your job? Or take a day off?

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We all take mental health days. And those who do not, they are either Hulk or seriously at risk of ruining their health.

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Just do it, nobody needs to know why you aren’t there. Take that sick day, sleep in, don’t check your email, turn your phone off (if you can) and know that it will all be okay. I always struggle with the guilt but disconnecting and planning for mental health days makes it easier. Fill your cup so you can fill your students’ cups too. We all remember the cranky stressed teacher that was an absolute nightmare to deal with so do what you need to show up to work your best self. Our kids need positivity right now and being exhausted, stressed, cranky, depressed, anxious, etc. will affect them.

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I consider a day off now no differently than a day I would any other school year. You should too. That is what the time is for. You can give from an empty vessel.

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Many of us are blessed to be off today. How will you care for yourself today?

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Food for thought. I had never thought about this way.

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