Intentional Micro-Moments: 5 Simple Ways Educators Can Prioritize Self-Care This Summer
Struggling to fit self-care into your busy life as a teacher? Intentional micro-moments could be the solution.
Summer is often thought about as a season of rest for educators–but educators know how far from the truth this sentiment truly is. The reality is, whether you’re prepping for the fall, working flexibly in education, completing a certification, or trying to heal and reclaim your inner strength after a long school year, summer can fill up fast.
Since research has shown that teachers are more than twice as likely to be stressed as other working adults, it’s imperative to care for yourself so you can care for others. Although the word “self-care” can feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that small, intentional moments–micro-moments–can help us reset and reconnect during daily life.
Micro-Moments Definition
Micro-moments are short, intentional acts of care, presence, or joy that take just a few seconds or minutes. What’s so powerful about micro-moments is that they don’t require a yoga mat, a spa day, or hours of free time. Instead, they are quick, powerful actions you can take throughout a normal day.
Examples of Intentional Micro-Moments:
These moments might look like:
Taking three deep breaths before responding to an email
Sipping your morning tea or coffee without multitasking
Jotting down “glimmers” or moments of joy that calm your nervous system and bring gratitude to your day (e.g., a moment of connection with a partner or your child)
Stepping outside for a breath of fresh air and to experience your bare feet on the grass
Written or spoken affirmations (e.g., I can do hard things)
Benefits of Micro-Moments
These small but mighty practices aren’t trivial. Research shows that even micro-moments of mindfulness can reduce stress hormones, increase gratitude, and improve mood.
5 Ways to Embrace Micro-Moments This Summer
Micro-moments may be small, but it still takes intentionality to incorporate them into a busy day. Like any habit, it’s a good idea to start small and build upon your successes.
Try one of these examples of micro-moments and see how it impacts your day. Once it becomes a regular part of your routine, consider adding more intentional micro-moments. During the school year, you can even use these practices with students.
Name your need.
Throughout the day, pause and ask yourself, “What does my body, mind, and spirit need in this moment?” You might find you need to close your eyes for a few minutes, to stretch in your chair, have a glass of water, or to repeat an affirmation that reminds you that you are enough. Over time, naming your needs won’t feel as uncomfortable, and you will begin to listen to your body.
Create a ritual.
Anchor your mornings or evenings with a small ritual that builds connection to your inner landscape. For example, lighting a candle and placing your hand on your heart, placing your feet on the ground when you log on to a meeting to signify being grounded and present, or logging one thing you’re grateful for at the end of the day.
Get creative.
Sustainability is the most important part of micro-moments of self-care. If playing a quick round of Animal Crossing provides you with a moment of joy, or texting funny animal memes to a friend makes you laugh, incorporate these micro-moments into your daily life. Chances are, if you love these moments, you’ll be more likely to prioritize them.
Turn transitions into touchpoints.
If you are waiting in line, brushing your teeth, or walking to your car, you have an opportunity to check in with your body, mind, and heart. This might look like trying out a gentle breathing exercise, checking in with your body sensations, or completing a sensory scan.
This is a great example of a micro-moment for teachers to try with students. Use one (or more) of the normal transition points throughout the day into micro-moments of gratitude, peace and calm.
Connect with others.
Reaching out to one friend each week can be a powerful way to remind yourself of your support network. A micro-moment might be sending a “Hello” to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while, or making note of someone you want to reconnect with later and planning a time to Zoom or chat in person. We heal in relationships.
Micro-moments are truly the pathway to presence and overall well-being without pressure and overwhelm. By weaving micro-moments of self-care into your summer rhythm, you’re not just prioritizing your needs; you’re setting a strong foundation that will stay with you throughout your career as an educator.
Move Beyond Micro-Moments: Teachers Deserve Support All Year
Your self-care this summer can include creating a more sustainable career (year-round!).
For the first time ever, we’re opening the doors to the Educator Forever Network for FREE, July 28-31.
This special week is your chance to experience the Educator Forever Network, our membership community where we support educators to expand their impact beyond the classroom and build sustainable, joyful lives.
Ready to experience what’s possible? Here’s what to expect inside this free event:
✅ Explore new, flexible career pathways in education
✅ Attend live career-related workshops (skill growth, creativity, wellness, and co-working sessions) to help you expand your impact and income
✅ Create a strategic plan for your next chapter
✅ Get the community, support, and accountability you need
Join this exclusive free week of the Educator Forever Network, July 28th–31st.
Whether you’re actively planning a career change or just dreaming of more freedom and flexibility, this is a powerful first step. Sign up now (it’s free)!
About The Author
April Brown (M.Ed.) is Educator Forever’s Director of Learning and Development. In 2015, April began designing curriculum and writing articles for an EdTech company as a side gig while she was teaching in Placencia, Belize. After having her eldest daughter in 2016, April was eager to use her unique experience teaching and leading in mainstream and alternative settings in the United States and internationally to work remotely while still making a difference in education.
The Educator Forever Network empowered April to leverage her skills as a compassionate disruptor and out-of-the-box thinker to excel as an instructional/well-being coach, adjunct instructor of Trauma Supportive Schools and Mindfulness courses, curriculum developer, and writer for publications such as PBS SoCal, Education.com, and Britannica for Parents. April resides in Southern Vermont with her daughters and husband and is the Director of Learning Support at a small progressive independent school serving preschool through eighth grade. She is an advocate for teachers and students – inside and outside of the classroom.