How to Use Speechify for Teacher Self-Care

You know how as teachers we never feel totally caught up?

It's a (very real) thing.

As soon as you finish one project, the other three that were waiting for you make themselves known.

And, not in a pretty way.

This is especially true if you have ADHD or autism.

Even though there's a lot we can't control, there are some tools that can help reduce overwhelm.

And this translates into taking better care of yourself.

That is where a text to speech tool like Speechify, which is my favorite one, can turn into a self-care tool.

Allow me to show you how Speechify can help you manage stress and take better care of yourself.

TL;DR

Speechify lets you turn your teacher homework into something you can listen to while your body relaxes or moves.

It is especially helpful if reading drains you fast, you forget what you just read, or you're simply exhausted at the end of the day.

You can use it for PD articles, emails, saved posts, or mindfulness content while you pace, fidget, walk, or flop on the couch.

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The Big Challenge: Reading Fatigue for Teachers

You may deal with executive function issues, fatigue, and sensory overload.

On top of everything else, teaching comes with piles of reading.

You have emails, lesson plans, PD articles, IEPs, district documents, and the “fun” stuff you keep meaning to read for yourself.

Reading might tire you out quickly.

Or you might find yourself rereading the same paragraph multiple times.

For a lot of us, traditional reading is not relaxing.

I know how this feels, and I also know how much guilt and shame can come with it.

And when you are already overloaded, forcing yourself to stare at more text just adds to the stress.

Why Speechify Helps With Reading Fatigue

Speechify lets you listen to what you want to learn, instead of forcing your eyes to track every word.

You are still getting the information, but it's in a way that can be more comfortable.

And really, who doesn't want that?!

Hands-Free Listening: Move While You Learn

One of the most helpful parts of Speechify and other TTS tools is that it's hands-free.

You are not stuck in a chair holding a device, trying not to get up.

You can lie down, pace, stretch, or even stare at a wall while your article is read aloud.

(Staring at walls is underrated in my humble opinion.)

Your brain may retain information better when your body is allowed to move a bit.

You might listen to articles, saved book recommendations, lesson ideas.

Or if you're like me, any of the hundreds of posts I had very good intentions of revisiting “one day.”

Comfort in Movement for Neurodivergent Brains

If you're like me, trying to be still can actually make it harder to focus.

So let yourself rock in a chair, sway, or stroll around your classroom or living room as you listen.

You will probably feel better and even retain more info.

Self-Care Content Ideas With Speechify

You don't have to only use Speechify for work.

You can turn it into an official self-care tool by choosing what you listen to.

Try loading up:

Inspirational articles or blogs that lift you up

Resources about understanding or working through burnout

Biographies from people you admire

Turning them into audio makes them easier to enjoy while you rest or move.

Visit this link to get a free trial of Speechify!

Why Saved Posts Are Perfect for Listening

Those posts you never go back to are actually great for Speechify.

You can let them play in the background while you do something else.

If you like connecting with other neurodivergent educators who actually get it?

You might also enjoy finding your tribe as a neurodivergent teacher.

Make Listening Extra Sensory-Friendly

You can make your listening time even better by pairing Speechify with sensory supports.

Ideas to try:

Fidgeting with a fidget toy, ring, or fabric

Tidying your classroom

Walking outside or doing light exercise like gardening while you listen

Everybody is different, so keep experimenting until you find what works for you.

Real-Life Scenarios for Speechify Self-Care

You might reach for Speechify when:

You are too tired to read

You want something comforting but do not have energy to choose a book

You feel overstimulated and drained from a long, loud day with students

You need to move around to feel better, not sit still

You have a bunch of homecare tasks (e.g., dishes!!) to do but also need to consume info

Getting Started With Speechify: Simple Steps

You will probably find it easiest to use Speechify on your mobile device, especially if you will be commuting

Try this:

1. Download the Speechify app and log in
2. Copy the link to an article or post you want to read
3. Upload or share it to the app
4. Pick a voice you like, then hit play and listen

The free version works, and if you upgrade, you get more voice choices.

So you can pick one that you really like listening to, instead of the more robotic-sounding ones.

I don't know about you, but those AI voices from some voice overs drive me absolutely insane.

So I appreciate a voice I really like listening to.

As a side note, you can also change the language settings.

Use my link to start your free Speechify trial.

Free vs Upgrade Voices

With the free version you have fewer voice options, but it is still enough to get started.

The paid version simply adds more variety so you can find a voice that really works for you.

Read more about the free and paid Speechify plans here.

Final Tips for Your Speechify for Teacher Self-Care Routine

Think of Speechify as a one tool in your pocket.

Use it when your eyes are tired, your body needs movement, or your brain wants low effort.

Experiment with where and how you listen.

Remember to give yourself permission to accommodate your own needs.

You are allowed to make reading easier on yourself.

It may even become something you look forward to.

Read this article to learn more about other ways to use Speechify as a neurodivergent teacher.

Here is another site's article on ways to implement self-care when you're neurodivergent.