If you’re a teacher, you already know that exhaustion is part of the job. But here’s the truth: a lot of the “wellness advice” teachers hear isn’t actually helping. In fact, some of it is making you even more tired.
Let’s bust a few myths that need to be retired once and for all.
☕ Myth 1: More Coffee = More Energy
Coffee feels like the only thing keeping you upright some days. But after the 3rd (or 4th) cup, what happens? Jitters, crash, and even worse sleep at night.
Truth: Coffee is fine in moderation, but it’s not a substitute for hydration, protein, or rest. Try water first in the morning, pair your coffee with food, and cut off caffeine by early afternoon so you can actually fall asleep.
🍎 Myth 2: Skipping Lunch Saves Time
Raise your hand if you’ve “accidentally” skipped lunch because you were catching up on grading or answering emails. (🙋♀️ guilty.) But skipping meals makes your afternoon crash even harder.
Truth: A 10-minute lunch with real food (protein + carb + fat) will fuel you way better than powering through. Even a cheese stick + apple beats a granola bar at 3:30.
🕔 Myth 3: Staying Late Makes You a Good Teacher
It’s easy to think that being the last car in the parking lot proves your dedication. But staying late night after night doesn’t make you a better teacher; it just makes you an exhausted one.
Truth: Boundaries are self-care. Leave when your contract says you can. The work will always be there tomorrow.
😴 Myth 4: You Can Catch Up on Sleep Over the Weekend
Bad news: your body doesn’t work that way. Staying up late all week and trying to “bank sleep” on Saturday just makes you groggier.
Truth: Aim for consistent sleep + wake times, even on weekends. Pair it with a simple bedtime routine (phone down, brain dump, Calm peptides if you need help winding down) and you’ll feel better all week long.
💻 Myth 5: You Don’t Have Time for Wellness
Between lesson plans, grading, meetings, and family, wellness feels impossible. But waiting until you “have time” means it will never happen.
Truth: You don’t need an hour at the gym or a spa day to reset. Wellness can be:
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A 2-minute stretch at your desk
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Drinking water before coffee
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Taking a quick walk during planning
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Saying “no” without apologizing
Small resets add up and they actually stick.
✨ Final Thoughts
Teachers don’t need more pressure or more myths about what wellness should look like. You need realistic, sustainable routines that support your energy, focus, and sleep.
Start by retiring these myths and trying one small shift this week. Your future self (and your students) will thank you.
👉 Want more simple resets? Subscribe to my Sunday Reset Newsletter for weekly teacher wellness + tech tips.
