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Self-Support Sabotage

by | Balance for Educators

Before we can dive into all the ways to make the holidays fun and easeful, we first have to address (and remedy) one key component: Self Sabotage.

Do you sabotage your own self support? I say self-support instead of self-care because of the stigma that phrase can bring.

And aren’t we really supporting ourselves just like we support others when we practice self-care?

Self-support feels a little more accessible.

Our minds usually go to big things like spa days, getaways and massages or going to get some other treatment that can often cost a lot of time and money. When we look at it that way, we sabotage our own well-being.

We believe the story that there is no time to devote to ourselves.

But what if we started to flip that script and see it another way?

What if we prioritize and plan for our own self-support just like we often prioritize and plan for meeting the needs or expectations of others? That’s what we’re doing even when we spend all of our time on grading, lesson planning, and answering emails.

We find the time for those things, so why not make a conscious effort to find the time for ourselves?

It can be simple:

  • 5 minutes to take a few deep breaths and sit in silence.
  • 10 minutes to close the door and read something inspiring or do a little zen coloring.
  • 20 minutes to take a quick walk outside.

Then we feel fulfilled, recharged, and able to be more productive in whatever we go back to or jump into next.

In the end, what do we have to give up to do that?

  • Maybe we don’t scroll through social media as much?
  • Maybe we read or respond to one less email than we intended?
  • Maybe we didn’t wash the few dishes sitting in the sink?

Those things will all be there tomorrow or whenever we go back to them. And if they wait, that’s okay.

Always making yourself wait and telling yourself the story that you have to do that is exactly that – a story. And it’s self-sabotage. Choose to shift gears here! Turn that self-sabotage into self-support!

Amy Necci

Amy Necci

Balanced Life Mentor for Educators

Hi, I’m Amy (she/her)! I consider myself a teacher and student every single day. I’ve been practicing yoga and mindfulness for many years and love weaving them into my work as a public school educator in Pennsylvania. I have a BS in Education of Spanish and a Masters in Education.

I’m also a certified yoga teacher (RYT-500) and Balanced Life Mentor. I feel strongly that yoga and mindfulness can benefit anyone at any stage of life and that the skills learned through these practices are especially important to teach to today’s youth. My goal is to cultivate a space of acceptance and comfort, offering the people I support permission to be themselves, trust themselves, and grow at their own pace.