Filling My Cup: Wellness Lessons from COABE 2025

By Maeve Warrick

As I sat in the COABE 2025 conference, surrounded by passionate educators, I didn’t expect one session to hit so close to home. But “Women in Adult Education” did just that—and left me walking away with a renewed sense of purpose. This experience reaffirmed my personal and professional goal for the year: to create a strong sense of wellness so I can give back to my adult education community fully.

The session explored the many roles that women educators embody, balancing both professional responsibilities and personal commitments. A particularly valuable resource introduced during the session was the Women and Wellness Resources Padlet, curated by presenter Kim Glenn. This digital collection offers tools focused on wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. Glenn didn’t just talk about finding wellness—she shared real tools to help achieve it. A handful of the books listed are now on my “To-Read” list!

More than anything, this session was an invitation to reflect on my own work-life wellness. Our work in adult education is powerful and life-changing. But as the adage goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So what am I doing today, this week, this month, to ensure that my cup is full?

Wellness Strategies I’m Using—and You Can Too

In February 2025, I shared with our teachers and on social media a small “Love Yourself” campaign. These were my reflections and wellness strategies—shared in the hope they’d help others too:

1.  Inbox Out of Sight, Out of Mind
   Very rarely are there true work emergencies that require an immediate email reply. When you’re off the clock, feel comfortable stepping away. My own expectation is that emails are answered the next time I’m at work. This boundary protects personal time.
2. Mindful Media
   Nearly 90% of news coverage is negative. While staying informed is important, be mindful about your media consumption. Is the news the first thing you check when you wake up or the last thing before bed? Think of it like your diet—balance is key.
3. Transition Routine
   Switching from work to home can be tough. Try creating a daily ritual to signal the end of your workday. I like listening to audiobooks during my commute. It helps me mentally “log off” and be more present at home.
4. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix
   This tool helps categorize tasks by urgency and importance. It’s simple and powerful—perfect for figuring out what truly needs your attention and letting go of what doesn’t.
5. Chunking and Rewards
   Break large tasks into smaller, doable chunks—and reward yourself when you finish! A stretch break, a favorite snack, or a quick walk can be just the boost you need.
6. The Two Minute Rule
   If a task takes less than two (or five) minutes, do it right away. Tackling small tasks as they arise makes the whole day feel more manageable.

If you’re feeling run-down, try just one of these strategies this week. We owe it to ourselves—and our learners—to lead from a place of wellness and strength. And next time you’re at a conference? Don’t skip the wellness sessions. You might just find exactly what you need.

Guest Blogger