How to be a More Productive Teacher

Teachers have various duties and responsibilities. Many teachers have to deal with overwhelming tasks; things seem to be too hard to be accomplished. These include plans, marking, parent/teacher meetings, attending conferences and workshops, designing worksheets, etc. let alone if you have kids.

Here are helpful ideas to be more a productive teacher:

1- Your health first:

Your health is very critical. The healthier you are, the more productive you become. Your body is the vehicle that carries you all your life and you have to look after it. Exercising is extremely valuable for your physical and mental health. Exercising helps strengthen your blood circulation. Your body releases endorphins that help you feel positive and happy. It also helps improve sleeping. Working out in the sunlight supports the immune system and improves bone health.

2- Wake up one hour earlier:

Waking up before you usually start your day gives you extra free time. Such time is worthy to be yourself. You have to put yourself first. Prioritize yourself. Reserve this time for workout or yoga if you prefer and read a book. This will make you ready for anything. This time also can be designated to a project that is not related to your job. For example, learning a new skill or blogging. At the end of the day, you will look back at your day and be satisfied about your achievements.

3- Plan your day the night before:

Planning really saves time and minimizes responding to notifications and other's needs. It also shows what you can do. Frequently, we forget things or hope to do something but we find no time. In addition, planning helps to clear your mind. That is when you transfer tasks to do from your head to a piece of paper. Like a computer, it will improve your thinking performance. Besides, planning shows you a view of your thoughts and how to map them out.

4- Form a new productive habit:

Do you think starting to clean up your desk after you finish is helpful? Do you think that listening to a podcast (audio) will add to your knowledge? Adopting a new habit will boost your productivity. Focus for a month on one beneficial habit until it becomes one of your daily rituals. Some productive habits are making lists, planning, writing goals, limiting notifications and distractions, for example.

5- Take a nap:

If you are lucky enough, block 20 to 30 minutes for a nap. This short nap will help improve alertness and reset your energy. It will help keep you from being burnt out. It will function in the same way as a reset for an electronic device.