Educators are natural givers… constantly supporting the needs of our students, our children, spouses/ significant others, other family members, friends, and extended family. The list could go on forever.With the continuation of Covid 19 in schools however, it is no wonder we as educators are overwhelmed, nervous, and tired.
We often neglect ourselves, and with everything going on in our world and day to day lives, the unintentional self -neglect is beginning to catch up. Here are some are easily implemented strategies at work that have helped me during this long year!
- Face Mask Break- BREATHE
I noticed that I was having a hard time taking deep breaths while wearing my face mask at work. I am not talking about not enough oxygen to function or go throughout the day to day; I am talking about the deep belly breathing that helps reduce stress and anxiety. I needed those deep breaths to get through the day, but my mask would cling to my mouth as I attempted to take meaningful breaths.
As often as I could, I took my mask off. I do not always have the luxury of taking it off in the classroom for extended times, so something that I did was pull it down while facing a wall or the board for a few seconds and took a few good breaths! I felt a lot happier and calmer afterwards.
2. Water, Water, Water!
I know! I too have the love/hate relationship with drinking liquids at work. Either I am totally dehydrated, irritable, and groggy, but thankful that I do not have to do the “get out of my way pee -pee run” with my hardly five- minute free time, or I am having to get creative after drinking water with my bathroom breaks throughout the day… just to get to the bathroom in time.
I decided that I would be taking more bathroom breaks and drink more water… it has made a tremendous difference! Drinking more water made me feel happier, calmer, less anxious, and better able to function during the day, with more bathroom breaks, of course. Here is a more detailed article from Solar Mental Health explaining how awesome water is in more detail here Drink Up friends!
3. Go Outside!
I love being outside, but I am often inside most of the time at work. With so little time for planning in my day, it is difficult to go outside. I sometimes worry that I will not have enough time to get everything done. But I realized that everyone has five minutes if they plan correctly.
When I got outside for five minutes, I can think of an amazing lesson that I want to create, think about various ways to support my students, or take a moment to reflect on something I am grateful for! If I cannot get out for five minutes on a certain day, I am purposeful when I take the students for recess. I have intentional mindfulness and reflection while watching them, making sure to take deep breaths. Here is a great article that talks about the benefits of five minutes outside. You will feel rested and ready to work again, just like I did.
These small things can make a huge difference in our day, allowing us to feel better, more alert, and ready to finish your year with calm confidence. While some of us may be winding down the year, others have a month or so to go! Make yourself a priority! You have got this my friend!
We often neglect ourselves, and with everything going on in our world and day to day lives, the unintentional self -neglect is beginning to catch up. Here are some are easily implemented strategies that have worked for me during this long year.