Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plans for Educators

by Tina H. Boogren

The key to thriving, as both a human and an educator, rests in mindfulness, reflection, and daily self-care activities. With Take Time for You , you will discover a clear path to well-being by working through Maslow's hierarchy of (1) physiological, (2) safety, (3) belonging, (4) esteem, (5) self-actualization, and (6) transcendence. The author offers a range of manageable research-based strategies, self-care surveys, and reflective teaching questions that will guide you in developing an individualized self-care plan. Embrace imperfection as you develop your own self-care
Introduction
Chapter 1: Understand the Framework
Chapter 2: Physiological Needs
Chapter 3: Safety Needs
Chapter 4: Belonging Needs
Chapter 5: Esteem Needs
Chapter 6: Self-Actualization Needs
Chapter 7: Transcendence Needs
Final Thoughts
My Personalized Self-Care Plan
References and Resources
Index

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Education, Mental Health

152 pages, Perfect Paperback

Published May 10, 2018

About the author

Tina H. Boogren, PhD, is a fierce advocate for educators and an award-winning educator, best-selling author, and highly sought-after speaker. Dr. Boogren has proudly served as a classroom teacher, mentor, instructional coach, and building-level leader and has presented for audiences all over the world.

Dr. Boogren is deeply committed to supporting educators so that they can support their students. She conducts highly requested and inspiring keynotes, workshops, and virtual webinars that focus on quality instruction, coaching, mentoring, and educator wellness, and she hosts a weekly podcast, Self-Care for Educators With Dr. Tina H. Boogren. Additionally, she is codirector of Solution Tree’s Wellness Solutions for Educators with Dr. Timothy D. Kanold.

Dr. Boogren was a 2007 finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year and was a recipient of her school district’s Outstanding Teacher Award eight years in a row, from 2002 to 2009. She has been recognized as #5 of the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education, is a Marquis Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Professional Women recipient, and was recognized in the Wall Street Journal as a Who’s Who of Distinguished Leaders.

She is the author of numerous books, including In the First Few Years: Reflections of a Beginning Teacher; Supporting Beginning Teachers; The Beginning Teacher’s Field Guide: Embarking on Your First Years; 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators; 180 Days of Physical Wellness for Busy Educators; Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plans for Educators, which was the Independent Publisher’s Gold Award winner in the Education category; and Coaching for Educator Wellness: A Guide to Supporting New and Experienced Teachers. She is a coauthor of Educator Wellness: A Guide for Sustaining Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Social Well-Being with Timothy D. Kanold, The Educator Wellness Plan Book & Journal with Timothy D. Kanold and Jasmine K. Kullar, and Motivating and Inspiring Students: Strategies to Awaken the Learner with Robert J. Marzano, Darrell Scott, and Ming Lee Newcomb and is a contributor to Women Who Lead: Insights, Inspiration, and Guidance to Grow as an Educator, edited by Janel Keating and Jasmine K. Kullar.

Dr. Boogren holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree with an administrative endorsement from the University of Colorado Denver, a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies from the University of Denver. Additionally, she is a Level One Certified Nutrition Coach and a Specialist in Change Psychology through Precision Nutrition. She holds a Women’s Coaching Specialist Certification through Girls Gone Strong and is currently pursuing Personal Training Certification through The National Council on Strength and Fitness.

Reviews

[Tina Humphrey Boogren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmmmm... I have to give this five stars, right?!???

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tool for greater sanity!

Attended a workshop with Tina Boogren and it was incredible (I think everyone leaves wishing they were her best friend...or maybe that's just me?). The workshop prompted me to buy and read the book. It is a great self guide but also a great tool for working with other educators and even students! I plan to create support groups in my school with this as the starting block!

[Bryan Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource of the overwhelmed, anxious or stressed out educator. If you are willing to do the work this will be worth your time to read and use this book.

[Melissa Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of practical tips for teachers that help stave off the feeling of burnout. If you get a chance to see the author in person, I would highly recommend it.

[Fatima Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW
TAKE TIME FOR YOU
By – TINA H. BOOGREN

The author of the book, “Take Time For You,” Tina H. Boogren, strongly believes that the key to thriving for humans- rests in self-care that is based on consistency, as a ritual and part of an individual's routine. Tina describes self-care in the words of Psychologist Catherine P Cook-Cottone (2015) as the “daily process of being aware of and attending to one’s basic psychological and emotional needs including the shaping of one’s daily routine, relationships, and environment.” The approach and perspective of the author in this book revolves around the essence of being able to help ourselves before being capable of helping others, Tina describes this with the example of an airplane’s number one emergency safety guideline of “secure your oxygen mask before assisting others.”
Likewise, the author strongly focuses on the approach of guiding people to put themselves first, to cater to their needs, and to reach the full potential of their responsibilities that require them to perform without reaching points of burnout and inefficacy.
Tina H. Boogren, PhD, is a former classroom teacher, teacher mentor, English department chair, instructional coach, professional developer, athletic coach, and building-level leader. Tina has worked with a lot of teachers in her successful career, and despite facing a combination of good and bad teachers, Tina takes it as a responsibility to honor the amazing teachers she has worked with, as the harsh and unacknowledged perspective people have for this selfless occupation wants her to bring light to the hard work and dedication behind the realistic picture of this job. The amount of stress it can create for educators and the endless shifts they are weighed down by barely give them time to consider themselves. The author wants to focus on the importance of making accountable strategies that will allow the promotion and growth of the overall health and well-being of these educators, to be able to create better results for gratitude, respect, and the quality of generations raised and taught by these educators.
The book emerges from the point of view, that “the key to thriving as both a human being and educator- rests in self-care.” The author writes intending to help “create rituals, routines, procedures, habits, and mind shifts.” From simple examples, such as pausing to take a few deep breaths throughout the day or just having a cup of coffee in the quiet by yourself, it wants to promote the perspective and acceptance of engaging in consistent self-care habits without feeling guilty.
The book truly works for everyone and anyone, even though we widely understand it is written with all educators in mind, these include teachers, caregivers, parents, etc.
The main intentional approach is to reward the educators with guidance to serve their basic needs as described by psychologist Abraham Maslow. The book serves the reader as both a guide and an anchor.
The author writes in a relaxed semi-formal tone, addressing the respectful committee of educators in mind but also keeps the tone and mood of the book very practical and approachable for the readers to understand better and focus on the content of the book. The author writes with a flow of clarity and a deep understanding of the theory on which the book is based on the humanistic approach derived by psychologist Abraham H. Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs and how this framework applies to humanity as a whole. The book follows a systematic pattern based on the theory, alongside additional guidance and help on implementing categorized strategies and being able to inculcate them in our daily lives.
The author does not drag the contents of the book into endless pages but limits the chapters and pages to the required quality guidance the reader needs to be able to grow and practically keep implementation on the positive side with consistency and habitual discipline.
The book, personally allowed me to dedicate and journal with more accountability and confidence as the statements and examples that supported the suggested strategies were very practical and implementable. The theories and facts behind each level suggest and communicate all needs from the basic to the transcendence are all required feelings of affirmation each individual needs to be able to perform with their level of potential confidence. After reading the book, I have made a point to check myself with the affirmations questions to be able to easily reframe situations to be able to regulate my emotions and energy. From my personal experience, I have related that taking some time out for myself makes all the difference in my wavelength of energy and mood throughout the day with my kids. The more I am rested and self-cared, the more productive I feel that day. I have more patience and love for my children, and I am capable of handling them with more empathy, love, and tolerance.
The book achieved the author's goals to the fullest as it outlines the guidelines in a standard and well-researched manner that is easy to implement and the format of analyzing the regulating creates a sense of gratification and progress for each individual to witness and observe towards the end of the book. It also brings light to the hard work and mental energy required by professionals in this field and the importance of being systematic and prioritizing, which go hand in hand with their success.
I would recommend this book to as many people as I can, as I strongly believe to be able to achieve our potential in our lives, it becomes very important for us to address self-care with consistency and motivation. This book allows practices of self-regulation and self-care that make the community stronger and more devoted by channeling their motivation and focus with more clarity.

[Erin McDonnell-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for anyone (not just teachers) who feels overworked, under appreciated, or just plain “done.” She offers various and accessible strategies to help support a healthy life style (physically, mentally, and emotionally) that can be immediately implemented. It’s a quick read but to implement the changes she offers pacing resources within the text.

Side note: I heard Dr. Boogren speak at a one-day seminar and was immediately entranced with her engaging and informative presentation style. Her writing is reflective of that.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beyond just a book- this is a process and a support tool that one should revisit regularly to ensure you are living your best life. Also- living your best life is not selfish- it positively affects everyone around you. I plan to go back through all the strategies as I try to have a productive, transformative and restful summer!

[Nicole Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best self help book I've ever read. Of course, knowing the author and her amazing support for educators everywhere may add bias to my review.

[Nnennaya Ukwuoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plans for Educators by Tina H. Boogren.

"Take Time for You" by Tina H. Boogren is a helpful self-care guide for educators. It emphasizes that self-care is essential for both personal and professional well-being. Boogren understands that educators face unique challenges, such as long hours and emotional stress. She provides a "wellness wheel" framework with a simple, four-week plan that encompasses various aspects of well-being, including physical health and emotional resilience.
Boogren writes about self-care out of a sense of urgency and empathy. She knows many educators experience burnout and wants to help them find balance. With her background as a teacher and coach, she understands her audience's struggles. Instead of complex ideas, she offers clear prompts, checklists, and exercises that help educators develop healthy habits and prioritize their well-being.
The work is presented from a first-person perspective, fostering a relatable and conversational tone. Boogren frequently shares personal anecdotes from her teaching and self-care experiences, imbued with an encouraging and nonjudgmental voice. Readers are engaged in a collaborative process of self-exploration and goal-setting rather than being lectured. While the intended audience comprises educators, specifically those in K-12 settings, the strategies are broadly relevant to anyone in a helping profession who struggles to prioritize their well-being. The book is likely to resonate with counselors, social workers, and higher education professionals who confront similar risks of burnout. Boogren addresses readers who often prioritize others, recognizing those who may feel guilty or uncertain about investing in themselves.
The author's style is accessible, warm, and encouraging, making the writing flow smoothly and suitable for even the busiest of readers. Boogren skillfully balances clarity and depth by using straightforward language while integrating insights from wellness research. The book's structure—a progressive four-week plan—enhances its coherence and usability. Each week focuses on a different domain of wellness, such as physical, emotional, or spiritual health, and includes daily prompts and weekend reflection exercises. This modular design allows for flexibility and personal adaptation, which is especially beneficial for readers with diverse schedules and stressors.
Engaging with this book was both affirming and motivating. Before delving into Boogren's text, I believed that self-care was primarily intuitive and perhaps even indulgent. However, the book challenged this notion by presenting self-care as an intentional, data-driven practice grounded in scientific research and best practices. The emphasis particularly struck me on tracking wellness goals and reflecting on one's progress. This approach aligns with evidence-based health education strategies, reinforcing the connection between personal and professional development. The book reinforced my conviction that the well-being of educators has a profound impact on the quality of care, instruction, and empathy they can offer to their students. Boogren's insights on granting oneself "permission" to prioritize self-care resonated with me, particularly since many professionals, especially women, often struggle with societal or cultural guilt regarding self-care. The journaling activities enabled me to recognize how my work-life boundaries had gradually weakened and provided strategies to re-establish that balance.
Boogren successfully fulfills the objectives outlined in the book's introduction and foreword. She presents a realistic, accessible, and educator-focused approach to wellness, and she truly delivers. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, she highlights the importance of personalization and progress over perfection. The additional resources, including downloadable planning sheets and reflection templates, significantly enhance the book's overall utility.
I highly recommend this book to my fellow educators and helping professionals. Its structured and actionable approach effectively addresses a crucial gap in the self-care literature. While many wellness books offer general advice, Boogren's work stands out by aligning strategies with the unique rhythms and realities of professional life in education. Furthermore, its compact and practical format makes it an excellent choice for book clubs or professional development sessions focused on educator well-being.

Take Time for You is an empowering and timely resource that redefines self-care as both a personal responsibility and a professional imperative. It offers readers not merely ideas but a concrete plan for fostering a healthier, more sustainable life both in and out of the classroom.

[Lauren M.]

The book Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plans for Educators by Tina H. Boogren, focuses on self-care based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Boogren has a unique approach on the subject where she gives each of Maslow’s basic needs in the form of a pyramid and every chapter is a different need. There are lots of surveys and interactive components to this book. The author wrote on this subject because it is something that she worked on herself and as such she felt the importance of educating others on this subject matter as it pertains to other educators. The book is written in first person, and you can really hear the author’s voice shine through. The intended audience is clearly educators as it states in the title byline however it is very reasonable to see that it is intended for anyone who might need help with their own self-care. The author’s style is informal however she has lots of citations within the context of the subjects to help clarify and elaborate on her thoughts and strategies. The writing style is as if you are being spoken to instead of talked at and talked down to. It is very easily approachable and a solid read if you need help with your self-care as well. The chapters are concise and to the point however they flow from one topic to another. She states very clearly different strategies you can use and gives you the space to write in your own strategies as well as an action plan for the week for each need and at the end of every chapter. There are also reflection questions that she includes as a means of helping you find out what worked and what might need to be tweaked. I thought that the book was not going to be effective because I have tried other self-help books relating to self-care and nothing ever really stuck the landing, however since this book is interactive with the reader it helped to create a sense of ease for me to implement the strategies involved. I think that the book really changed my perception about self-care and why it is so important. Ms. Boogren really drives home the feeling of positivity and perspective change with each different activity and question she poses to the reader. I feel as though this book was the right pick for me as I struggle with my own self-care most often when I am stressed or finding my mind wandering away from the task at hand. I hadn’t realized before just how the need of safety really was lacking in my life as far as how things had felt out of control, and I was just absolutely struggling to stay afloat. Taking the time to do the work has been a challenge yet has been successful and meaningful. I am able to use my time more wisely and have benefitted from the techniques suggested throughout this book in order to improve efficiency and efficacy in my daily life and my daily activities. I would absolutely recommend this book to other readers who are also struggling with finding the time for themselves which can lead them to more productive attitudes and habits. My personal experience was a very positive one and I now feel ready to take on the day at hand and prepare myself to have a positive outcome by the end of the week. As someone who struggled with self-care, I now feel like I have the tools to continue moving forward with these strategies that were outlined in the book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The focus on this book was to promote self care and its importance. The author's viewpoint on self care was to focus on why self care is essential and also provide skills and coping strategies to make sure we can better show up for ourselves in multiple different aspects. The author's approach was to provide us with these skills and strategies by not only giving us the list of what steps we could take but also examples from her personal life and the approach she took. The author had a personal approach in this book and emphasized why self care is important but also gave insight to how this affects each and every one of us. This author wrote on this subject because she knew how important this would be for all other educators who were experiencing the same thing as her. As an educator the author felt the burn out but also acknowledged that many other educators were going through the same thing and something needed to change in order for educators to continue to feel happy and fulfilled in their careers. This book was written from a first person point of view. The intended audience was primarily educators but also just anyone and everyone because everyone can benefit from self care and coping strategies. The author's style of writing is informal, she made a lot of connections to her personal life and described the approach she took during her own self care journey. I personally would have never really steered toward reading this kind of book but I am very glad I did. The book felt extremely personal and relatable. This book allowed me to be more knowledgeable in self care and coping strategies and It also changed my perspective on the importance of self care. As someone who never practiced self care this book made it very easy and showed what steps to take in order to start my self care journey and it took away the overwhelming feeling because although there are steps to take this can be done at your own pace. The book has done a great job in achieving the goals outlined, the instructions are very clear and concise and it provides the sense that there is no right or wrong answer, instead it is a work in progress and can be tailored to everyone's own needs. I greatly appreciate the ability it has given me to be able to provide self reflection and a better understanding within myself. I truly would recommend this book to anyone because I can honestly say that self care can positively impact everyone on any level. This book has great things to offer that we aren't really taught anywhere else and it is something that we can always go back to and continue to practice. This book is a great read for anyone at any level, i think it does a great job is explaining why self care is important but it also gives the sense that we are not alone, there are many people struggling with coping strategies or self care and we should be more comfortable talking about the subject but also bring more awareness and promoting self care.

[Jewell MGraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plans for Educators by Tina H. Boogren is a self-care guide designed to help educators prioritize their own well-being. Boogren's self-care framework is based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs. However, she presents this theory of motivation to readers as a ladder instead of a pyramid. Boogren said she did this to help readers visualize themselves climbing a ladder to achieve their self-care goals (Boogren, 2018). Boogren writes the book from the perspective that self-care is not a luxury or a selfish act; instead, it is a professional and personal necessity. If educators take care of themselves, they can better support their students and the communities they serve. The book includes explanations and personal stories, but Boogren also provides numerous examples of self-care strategies, weekly logs, and reflection questions to support readers. She most likely chose to write about this subject because she has first-hand experience as a teacher. Boogren understands the profound impact burnout and not practicing self-care can have on educators.   
The book is written in the first-person point of view, so it feels as if Boogren is engaging in a conversation with the reader. She shares some of her own struggles and strategies that have helped her, which have helped to build trust and rapport. The way the book is written makes it feel more like an open conversation with a supportive friend, rather than a typical self-help book. The intended audience of this book is any and all educators, not just teachers, but it can be used by and is very helpful to anyone. Boogren's writing style is formal, yet her tone is warm and encouraging. She doesn't use slang, but her language is easily understandable, and the writing is well organized with a good flow.       
I feel like this book really helped me to evaluate my own beliefs about self-care. Self-care was something I really only practiced when I was already feeling burned out or stressed. I did not prioritize the small acts of daily self-care that can prevent me from developing these feelings. After reading the book and completing the study, I did see a small difference in my overall mood and stress management. I learned that self-care is not a luxury; it needs to be my priority. To achieve a long-term, successful career in social work, I must understand the importance of self-care and commit to a lifelong process of learning and practicing self-care skills. This book reminded me that I can not be effective in supporting others if I am running on empty myself. Going forward, I plan to apply the strategies I learned to prioritize my own well-being. I would recommend this book to others. Boogren's presentation of self-care is easy to understand. It provides readers with a deep understanding of why self-care is essential, as well as practical strategies to put into practice. 

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Tina Boogren’s, Take Time for you: Self-care Action Plans for Educators (2018) readers explore self-care through the lens of the American humanistic psychologist Abraham H. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Readers are empowered to generate unique six-prong action plans for their self-care. However, while Maslow expressed a theory of needs in a pyramidal structure, Boogren coaches readers to instead visualize a ladder of levels ranging from the lowest rung of physiological needs, to the second level of safety needs, the third level of belonging needs, the fourth level of esteem needs, the fifth level of self-actualization needs, and the sixth and highest level of the needs surrounding transcendence of the human experience. Boogren reminds readers that the fifth level of self-actualization and the sixth level of transcendence are like a mountain summit, and fleeting in nature, welcoming us for brief visits at peak experiences.

Like other reviewers, I too, hoped for another chapter of the book devoted to dissecting the research behind those in caring professions who seem to have unbreakable steel rungs at the top of their ladders, in areas of self-actualization and transcendence, and nearly collapsing rungs in terms of the physiological, safety, belonging and esteem levels. These professionals might be immersed in the challenging work they love, excellent mindful listeners, acting as professional “kindness ambassadors”, and showing awe-inspiring levels of human empathy, but they may also struggle with basic needs that comprise the first few levels. When your profession is to help others climb the ladder and to focus on nurturing the physical and psychological safety of others, the top rungs of the ladder may come somewhat easily. I would be interested in hearing more from Boogren on how readers can be sure to balance all levels of needs.

Boogren writes from the point-of-view of your local teacher-friend and expert, addressing teachers who are hoping for an escape plan from educator (and carer) burnout, but this book is perfectly universal to any individual hoping to better steward their inner and outer worlds. Above all else, this book cuts through the noise of mental health influencers, and explains, once and for all, that self-care is a daily commitment, and not solely a purchase of a long hoped-for pair of boots, or a “someday” vacation. Self-care is the daily work and practice of shaping our rituals, relationships, and environments.

I'll be taking my tailor-made action plan, my Nalgene, and lavender essential oil, with me, wherever I journey, from here on out!

[Diana Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Tina Boogren’s, Take Time for you: Self-care Action Plans for Educators (2018) as part of an assignment for a college mental health course.
The book is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs however, instead of viewing it is a pyramid, the author frames the six strategies as a ladder starting from physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and working your way up to self-actualization and transcendence needs.

My first assumption of this book was that it would be another one of those “self-help books written by some celebrity influencer full of medical terms, data and statistics. However, right after reading the introduction I got a sense that the author is light, funny, empathetic and very knowledgeable with her own personal lived experience. The book is written in first person and although the book is intended for teachers, it is such a great and supportive tool that can be applied to anyone juggling many tasks and responsibilities that is struggling with time management and just ready to check out.

I really appreciate that the book has self-assessments and plenty of worksheets to record, make notes and do our own “homework to practice and develop our own self-care action plan (my whole book is highlighted and has my notes all over it). Although, this might not seem important to some, I personally also appreciate that the size of the book as I was able to stick it in my work bag and carry it around with me everywhere I went!

This book came to me at the perfect time as ironically, I was attending a mental health course but really struggling with prioritizing and organizing my life and feeling overwhelmed along with suffering from anxiety and depression. I learned how important it is not to skip steps to be able to practice self-care especially the physiological needs step as it is the most essential and you will not have the energy or mindset to climb the rest of the ladder.
As a middle-aged woman this book has helped me start unwiring my old ways and realize that one must have their own “oxygen mask” on before assisting others. This book has made a huge positive impact in my life and has really empowered me to really start taking care of myself.

Although I haven’t mastered all the steps, this is now my little “bible” to keep climbing and moving forward! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone out there wearing multiple hats and struggling with time management, it’s a life changer! I plan on going back and reviewing my notes to make sure not only that I am being productive while taking care of myself, but also to make sure I reach the top of the ladder and live my best life!

[Sandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful and really helped me look into self care through another lens. Self care truly is a broad spectrum and includes a variety of different areas that affect us and how we feel. Tina Boogren introduced the importance of self-care for teachers. She also emphasized that self-care isn’t just for educators or professionals but that it is important to implement with all individuals. The practices and approach to self-care that she used in her book are effective for both educators and non-educators alike. She addressed the idea of self-care using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and each level of need built of off the other, like rungs on a ladder. In order to be the best version of ourselves and translate that into our work or within our communities we have to make sure that our own basic needs are met, that we are ensuring our own safety, as well as upholding high feelings of self worth and belonging. By doing these first steps we can then find happiness within ourselves. Our own self actualization can influence how we treat those around us and in our community. Educators would also be able to positively affect whom they teach. Tina Boogren did a phenomenal job in creating a self-care guide that can be applicable to many people from diverse backgrounds. Her book personally helped me look at self-care differently and helped me realize that self care is more than just sleep, water, and a good skincare routine.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's not a whole lot in this slim volume, which is mostly filled with blank calendars for tracking goals or with pages in which to take notes. But what is there is worthwhile. Boogren uses Maslow's hierarchy of needs model and adapts it specifically to educators.

I would have liked to see her grapple more with the fact that educators are probably more likely than many folks to spend time at the top of that hierarchy (meaningful work, care for others) without a solid foundation in the lower levels (enough rest, feeling esteem, etc.). Boogren places Maslow's hierarchy on a ladder rather than the more typical pyramid, and she does say at one point that it is possible to keep climbing if one of the rungs is shaky, but she only spends a paragraph on this, while I think my own experience of a shaky but climbable ladder is probably typical of most educators.

This is not really a book for *reading* but rather for making an "action plan" in which one tackles each of Maslow's stages sequentially. I can imagine doing this as a group (and she includes reflection questions for groups or accountability partners) but can't quite imagine doing so on my own. But I'll keep the book close by, and maybe I'll make this a project for this summer, as I try to recover from a school year like no other.

[Sarah Cid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Take Time for You by Tina H. Boogren. As someone who often struggled to prioritize self-care, this book was a practical wake-up call. Boogren offers easy-to-follow strategies like consistent sleep routines, gratitude journaling, mindfulness, and movement exercises, all designed to reduce stress and prevent burnout.

What I appreciated most was how realistic and flexible the advice is. Not every strategy is easy to maintain, but the book emphasizes reflection and adapting practices to your own life. I noticed improvements in my energy, focus, and overall mood just from small daily changes.

This book is especially helpful for educators or anyone with a busy schedule, but honestly, the tips could benefit anyone looking to build sustainable self-care habits. It’s encouraging, actionable, and a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Highly recommend!

[Sara Oseguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good. It focuses on self-care which is something everyone needs to keep up day by day. It helps create an action plan by showing strategies based on Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, which involves all self-actualization, esteem, love and belonging, safety needs, and physiological needs. The best part about this book is that even though is directed at teachers, it can also be used by everyone no matter their profession. The book provides surveys and plans in each module that help us understand the need to thrive and not just survive as the author mentions, as well as help us think about what we need to change in our self-care, or what only needs to be reinforced. I would recommend this book, it was challenging, easy to read and understand, and at the same time created my self-care plan.

[LQ827 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a professional learning course and got a lot out of it. I liked how the author really broke down Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in relation to self-care. This is the most in-depth way self care has ever been explained to me and I found it extremely helpful to shift my thinking of self care from the generic massage, spa, luxurious bath routines, etc. to focusing on tangible, real-world needs that aren’t being met in today’s busy lifestyle. I think those who work in education will find this helpful because Maslow’s tends to be a familiar concept for many who work in that field but really any working adult could get a lot out of this book!

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. The purpose of this book was to educate aspiring or current educators on the importance of engaging in self care to live a productive life. The author’s approach on self care is to experiment with a variety of self care techniques and choose the ones that one enjoys the most. I love how Broogen emphazied how there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to engaging in self care. Broogen chose to write on this instead of another subject because she is very passionate about selfcare especially among educators. With that being said, I definitely recommend this book to anyone aspiring to become a teacher.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for a book study through out school district and I'm glad that I did. If you are willing to do the work to figure out your own needs and triggers, it will help you with the appropriate strategies to remind you to take a moment for self care and the actions that you can use to achieve self care.

[Lacy Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine. Not earth-shattering. Mostly rehashing Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I liked the author's "voice" though. She's seems fun and nice. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Ana Gabriela jacome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really recomend this book for educators, and all the people who considered that Self-Care is crucial in our life's. Personally, the book helped me a lot.