Reclaiming Strength as an Online Teacher
Fuel & Flourish: Reclaiming Strength as an Online Teacher
March 8, 2025 – International Women’s Day
By Brenda Brooks
When I first transitioned to online teaching, I thought I had hit the jackpot. No commute, a flexible schedule, and the ability to teach students worldwide from the comfort of my home. But what I didn’t realize was how quickly an online job can consume you—and how easy it is to slip into an unhealthy routine.
Mornings blurred into afternoons, one class after another, with barely a moment to stretch. Food became an afterthought—whatever was quickest to grab between lessons. A slice of bread, a handful of crackers, sometimes just coffee. Exercise? That felt like a luxury I didn’t have time for.
The irony? I was teaching energy-filled, enthusiastic students while I sat motionless in front of my screen, barely fueling my body. I was helping others grow, yet I was neglecting myself. I often found myself skipping meals entirely and eating later in the day. My mornings consisted of coffee, and only occasionally did I take the time to make a healthy breakfast before diving straight into class prep or content creation. My health had fallen to last place, and I rarely made time to meet friends or even step outside.
Something had to change. And it started with small, intentional choices—prepping food ahead of time, moving with my students, standing during brain breaks instead of sitting, and reclaiming my energy. Because the reality is, our work is only sustainable if we take care of ourselves first.
Honoring International Women’s Day
As I reflect on my journey, I can’t think of a better time than March 8—International Women’s Day—to celebrate the strength, resilience, and power of women everywhere. Whether we are teachers, caregivers, leaders, or dreamers, we pour ourselves into others. But true strength comes from learning to pour into ourselves, too.
This week was about that—choosing myself, my health, and my well-being, not just as a woman, but as a person who deserves to feel strong, energized, and fulfilled.
This Week’s Wins & Lessons
Progress: Down 0.5 kg, 5 cm off my belly, and 2 cm off my arms. Slow but steady!
Biggest Shift: Exercise is no longer an extra chore—it’s something I look forward to. I’ve started taking more walks outside, and I love feeling the fresh air on my skin as I move. Springtime has never felt so refreshing!
Most Eye-Opening Realization: Sitting all day isn’t just bad for my body—it drains my energy. Moving more makes me feel alive! I’ve regained that pep to do more than just sit.
How I Moved This Week 🚴♀️
I focused on daily movement, alternating between biking, strength exercises, and stretching to counteract long hours of sitting. Each day had a theme, guided by a motivating playlist:
Day 10: Fast and Fierce – High-intensity cycling with songs like Pump It and Blinding Lights
Day 11: Feel-Good Flow – A lighter ride with Shake It Off and Happy to keep me moving
Day 12: Classic Cardio – Longer endurance biking paired with legendary anthems like Don’t Stop Believin’
Day 13: High-Tempo Hustle – Strength-focused with upbeat tracks like Toxic and Firework
Day 14: Victory Ride – A celebration ride fueled by Titanium and Roar
What I Ate This Week 🍽️
One of the biggest changes was meal planning and prep—making one meal per day and splitting it into lunch and dinner, ensuring I had real, nourishing food on hand. I also became my own prep cook, cutting all my veggies in advance and storing them in containers. I even started jarring garlic and onions so I spend less time in the kitchen and more time exercising and focusing on myself.
Skembe Chorba (Bulgarian Tripe Soup) – High-protein, comforting, and packed with flavor
Asian Pork Chops – Marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, served with stir-fried veggies
Pork Loin with Roasted Vegetables – A simple but satisfying meal
Stir-Fried Shrimp with Veggies – A quick, healthy option bursting with flavor
Lemon Garlic Chicken & Roasted Veggies – A celebratory meal to close out the week
The Biggest Takeaway?
Online teaching is an incredible career, but it’s only sustainable if we take care of ourselves first. Making time to move, eat well, and fuel my body isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about showing up as my best self for my students, my work, and my life.
What’s Next? 🌟
Now that I’ve built a solid two-week foundation, I’m ready to push myself further. Here’s my focus for the upcoming week:
✅ Increase workout intensity – Adding longer rides and strength training to build endurance and muscle tone.
✅ Meal variety – Experimenting with new recipes to keep meals exciting and avoid boredom.
✅ Outdoor movement – Committing to at least two outdoor walks per week to soak up fresh air and sunshine.
✅ More self-care – Making sure I take time for myself, beyond just exercise and food prep.
This isn’t just about a short-term goal—this is about sustainable, lasting change. I’m excited for the next phase of my journey. Who’s with me? 💪✨
👉Check out the recipes for the week here
🎗️👇 Drop me a comment for encouragement or to share how your journey is going!
