Investing in Teachers’ Health and Wellness for Educational Success
Luis B. Taruc
The Department of Education (DepEd) has never run out of ideas for its programs pertinent to achieving the overall wellness of its important clienteles- the learners. As a matter of fact, students’ health and wellness has worked out its way to the instructional materials and extra-curricular activities. But has one marveled about teachers’ health and wellness? Can this significantly affect the learners and the school in any manner?
Teachers are obviously the most overworked and stressed public servants. With their tons of paper works, work environment, many preparations, and the kinds of students to deal with, they often become unmindful of achieving healthy lifestyle and establishing a healthy work-life balance. This sometimes results in inactive and sedentary lifestyle or resorting to binge eating to ward off stress in work. Consequently, teachers suffer from heart related diseases and stroke, which are the top two causes of death according to World Health Organization. In order to prevent these from occurring, the DepEd has encouraged teachers to practice healthy living through stress management, physical work out, and the like. But teachers must remember they should be the ones to invest in their own health and wellness to ensure their longevity.
There are simple practices that teachers can do to boost their energy and reduce stress. Having nutritious food in one’s lunchbox is the best way to combat diseases. Teachers must get in the habit of bringing healthy snacks and nutritious breakfast or lunch. In this way, they not only implement a healthier lifestyle but also allow their pupils to mimic this behavior as well. Teachers must ensure that they do physical activity in the classroom. In an online article published by Dawn Ernesty in Healthy Food Choices in School, teachers are advised to do a 5-minute stretching routine for every two hours of sitting. This can lead to having a good posture and avoid back problems. Stress management is also an important practice to increase mental wellness. Meditation, yoga, watching movies, breathing exercises are also positively associated with emotional and mental health, Ernesty also added.
Teachers need to look after their health and wellness to affect positive changes in schools and communities. If they are happy and healthy in their position of work, then they provide quality teaching and continuous improvement which are essential for educational success.
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The author is Teacher III at San Isidro Elementary School, San Luis District,
San Luis, Pampanga