If you are able to read this, thank a teacher. Teaching is one of the most revered profession, given the fact that it is our teachers who are the ones who enabled us to chase our dreams.
It is no doubt that their guidance, praises and even occasional scoldings have made sure that we do well in all the tests of life.
Teaching may have looked all fun and games during our childhood– checking notebooks and writing on the blackboard– we obviously know better now that it is one of the most demanding jobs.
Imagine teaching a bunch of 40 students, giving attention to them individually, writing on a blackboard, reading out loud, keep a check on the disciple of the class, making test papers, and ensuring that all their queries are resolved–teaching is as mentally exhausting as it is physically.
This teacher’s day we bring you health tips to ensure that all our esteemed teachers stay in the best of their health and continue teaching us.
Teachers and professors, start taking notes.
1. Take care of your voice
You have to ensure that you take optimum care of your voice as it is your biggest asset and you may be more prone to voice-related problems when compared to others.
– Drink plenty of water. Water not only lubricates your vocal cords–by producing enough mucus–it also keeps you energetic and refreshed.
– Make sure you sip on warm water and not chilled one.
– Avoid shouting and talking too loudly unless and until it is absolutely necessary. You can use nonverbal cues like clapping hands to quieten a noisy class. If the class is too large or the environment is too noisy you must use a mic.
– Make sure you take a sip of water every time you feel like clearing your throat. Clearing your throat too often may result in vocal cords being slammed together.
– While preparing for a long lecture, do vocal warm-ups. Take an easy breath in and exhale while saying ‘hum’.
– Give your voice the much-needed rest during the length of the day.
2. Take care of your back
This profession demands grueling hours of standing and even sitting. You need to do the following to ensure that you keep your spine strong and prevent back and neck pain.
– You must always maintain a correct posture while you sit or even stand.
– Stand up straight.
– Keep your shoulders relaxed whenever you are standing.
– Your feet should touch the ground whenever you are sitting and your lower back must be supported while sitting.
– While lifting anything even remotely heavy, it is advisable to take help. You should push heavy objects instead of pulling them.
– If you have been sitting for too long, it is advised that you do a bit of stretching.
– Take care of your eyes
As a teacher, it is of utmost importance that you take care of your eyes and avoid straining them. The easiest way to do so is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This means you need to look away every 20 minutes to a distance of at least 20 feet for at least 20 seconds.
4. Wash your hands
In this profession, you come in contact with a lot of students and teachers– and people in general. To protect yourself from the illness that may be lingering around, start practising the habit of handwashing, as it reduces the risk of falling sick with coughs and colds too.
5. Take out time for yourself
To teach the students that they need to take care of themselves, it is important that you invest in yourself and take care of yourself.
– Get enough sound sleep
– Make time to exercise
– Meet friends and family
– Do not eat junk food
– Meditate. Meditate and meditate, it relaxes and rejuvenates you
– Get regular health check-ups.
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
