A lot of emphasis is placed on getting students ready to return to school in the fall. In the last-minute rush toward the beginning of a new term, teachers seem to neglect themselves. Taking care of personal needs can help teachers start the year with a full heart instead of feeling depleted before it all begins.

Here are five tips for getting psychologically and spiritually prepared for the new school year:

1. Pour on the Pampering

What sorts of things help you relax and rid your body and mind of stress? Whether you refresh yourself with a long nap, a massage, sports, a good book, or guerilla shopping, take time out to do what you love. Before long, free time will be a limited commodity.

2. Assemble a Personal First Aid Kit

Be sure you're prepared for little health-related annoyances. Put together a small bag or box that can be tucked away in a drawer. Include the following:

--Pain relief tablets
-- Deodorant
-- Breath mints/throat drops
-- Lotion
-- Anti-bacterial wipes
-- Hand sanitizer
-- Toothpaste and toothbrush
-- Eye drops

3. Don't Forget the Tool Box

Think of all the things you wish you had stashed in your classroom last year, like extra pens and safety pins, to fix little things that always come up. I like those multipurpose, all-in-one tools "as seen on TV," but you should also consider the following items: 

-- Extra writing utensils (just for you)
-- Sticky notes
-- Private notebook (just for you)
-- A glue stick
-- Safety pins
-- Super glue
-- Note cards 
-- Instant spot remover

4. Create a Survival Kit (a.k.a. Warm Fuzzy Stuff)

Your classroom is a home away from home. Surrounding yourself with creature comforts can make getting through a particularly trying day a little easier.

-- Family photo
-- Warm socks
-- Inspirational book or calendar
-- Tea or coffee bags
-- Your favorite snack
-- Gifts from your family or friends
-- Collection of nice things your students have made or given to you
-- Chocolate (just a suggestion)

5. Prayer

Spend time alone in prayer, asking for true guidance from the Lord as you make all of your preparations for the school year. As a teacher, you are a model for your students, not only academically, but as a witness for Christ. You've been called to discipleship, to mold the development of a Bible-based worldview and high moral character in a new generation of young people.

What are you doing to prepare yourself for the school year? What little secrets do you have to ease the back-to-school transition?