Dear Teachers,
I used to be just like you. Putting on my teacher outfit when I was feeling sick and run down. Trying to convince myself that it was just a slight tickle in my throat. I thought I could just push through and I would feel better eventually. But then something happened. A small tickle in my throat turned into laryngitis. I woke up, grabbed some cough drops, and went right to work. As the students came in, I realized I had no voice. Yup, a teacher with no voice in a classroom filled with first graders. Sounds ridiculous, right? I remember having my colleague walk into my classroom and saying aloud, “Diana, why are you here? You need to go home! You’re sick!”
I knew the answer to the question. The reason I showed up was because I didn’t want to let my students down. Teacher guilt is REAL, you guys. But the fact of the matter was, I was doing a disservice to my students because I wasn’t feeling 100%. I was worn out, and not allowing my body the proper amount of time to heal. After 10 years of teaching, I now know when my body needs to rest. When I am not feeling like myself, I tend to make a ton of mistakes, I feel sluggish, and I have a hard time concentrating. I no longer have teacher guilt because my health comes first… and yours should too! Your health is more important. PERIOD. Take your sick days, teachers!
Honestly, I have been battling a serious cold for a few days now and I have been feeling completely wiped out. I have used two boxes of tissues within the past 3 days! No joke! However, since I have been home, I have been able to slowly recover. I have been drinking hot lemon tea ( just hot water and a lemon cut in half!), using saline spray, resting, and eating chicken noodle soup…all while in my comfy clothes! If you are a teacher out there, I know you can relate!
If you are planning on taking a sick day….
But guess what? I have created a Substitute Editable Flip Book that has been a LIFESAVER when taking sick days. Gone are the days of leaving a million post it notes about procedures, paperwork, and lesson plans with the substitute. I knew that there had to be a better way to provide important information to a substitute. This flip book is editable! All you need to do is add your information, print, cut out, and keep at your desk! It’s that simple. Check it out HERE.
I also created an Amazon List that is FILLED with my “Get Well Soon” must haves that I use CONSTANTLY throughout the school year when I am feeling sick. Here are my favorite sick day items that will make you feel better soon! These items can be found on my Amazon Store. *These are affiliate links*.
Elderberry Syrup
A spoonful is all you need! Organic. Immune Booster. Magical. Honestly, it even tastes good! I take a spoonful of this elderberry syrup every morning. This is a game changer for sure!
Halls Cough Drops
Let’s be real. I lose my voice every cold season. These practically taste like citrus candy. Chock full of vitamin C too! Great to leave at your desk in school too ( if need be!)
This Yogi Tea is EVERYTHING. It’s the only tea I drink when I am feeling run down and sick. Add some lemon and honey and it will make your throat feel better!!
Sinus Rinse Kit
Ok. This may not be your jam, but this sinus rinse is EVERYTHING. When you are feeling congested, this works wonders! I have a slightly deviated septum and one sinus passage way is skinnier than the other. Therefore, I get sinus infections almost all the time. This sinus rinse uses a safe saline that flushes out all the grossness that gets backed up in your sinuses. SO GOOD!
Personal Steamer
This is a MUST. If you are feeling congested, this personal steamer will make you feel so much better while you are feeling sick. Honestly, I would use this at least 3 times a day. The steam really opens up your sinuses and helps control coughing too!
Remember: take your sick days!! Your body needs to rest. You are not superman ( or superwoman). Your students will be just fine. Promise.
Get well soon! xoxo
Looking for digital resources to use while your taking a sick day? Check them out HERE!
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