This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I’m coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast. It is so exciting to be back with all of you today. Everyone, welcome. I’m glad you’re here with me. Today we are focusing on physical self care for teacher energy, rest, and resetting your body. That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. Before we get into it, let’s talk about three things I’m thankful for. The first thing I’m thankful for is my dad’s good news. My dad went to the doctor yesterday and received news that his brain tumor has not grown. Because of where it’s located, surgery isn’t an option, so hearing that it hasn’t changed is a huge relief. I’m incredibly grateful for that and consider it a blessing. The second thing I’m thankful for is extra sleep. I went to bed early last night because I was feeling run down, and rest truly is healing. That extra sleep changed how I showed up today and made a real difference in my energy. The third thing I’m thankful for is smoothies. They’re simple, nourishing, and an easy way to fuel the body. A good smoothie can set the tone for the day. Let’s get into our focus on physical self care for teacher energy, rest, and resetting your body. We’ve talked about different aspects of teacher self care before, but today I want to focus specifically on the physical side. First, sleep is your superpower. Lack of rest is one of the fastest paths to burnout in teaching. Prioritizing sleep helps you stay sharper, calmer, and more patient. Consistency matters, from bedtime routines to waking routines. I’ve had to learn this the hard way, because I sometimes like to grind late into the night and then feel terrible the next day. I’ve realized I have to be strategic and know when it’s time to stop and rest. Creating boundaries, like not grading in bed and treating naps or early bedtimes as investments instead of laziness, is critical. Sleep heals the body, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Next is movement. Teaching is physically demanding. We’re on our feet all day, bending, walking, and constantly moving. Intentional movement builds energy instead of draining it. That might look like stretching, yoga, walking, biking, hiking, or paddling. For me, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, and hiking have been game changers. I’ve lost significant weight over the past year and a half, and movement, especially paddleboarding, has strengthened my core and transformed how I feel physically. Movement doesn’t have to be extreme. Even small, consistent activity makes a difference. Fueling your body is another key piece. What you put into your body affects your patience, focus, and stamina. Teaching days often run on coffee and leftover snacks, but fueling well matters. Protein, hydration, smoothies, and healthy snacks help sustain energy and prevent crashes. Micro-recoveries throughout the day also matter. You don’t have to wait until the evening to reset. Stepping outside for fresh air, taking deep breaths, sipping water, and brief moments of pause protect your energy as the day unfolds. Physical self care is foundational. You can’t show up well if you’re running on empty. Focusing on sleep, movement, fueling your body, and small resets allows you to sustain this work long term. As we close, remember this: taking care of yourself physically isn’t optional. It’s how you stay strong, healthy, and able to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.