I’ve recently been receiving calls and seeing posts on social media from teachers all over the county about the level of stress they are under. Many of you are sharing that this rise in stress coincides with the testing season. Whether it’s test prep, data chats, or a 40 day countdown it seems like your power is being taken away. There are so many things about this job that you cannot control. I encourage you to find the things you can control and focus on that. To support you in finding balance once again, I have revived my Mindful Tips for Teachers. This is a shortened version. Use the links in each tip to go to my original post for more information. Tip #1: Set an Intention. Being pulled in many directions at once is draining and makes you feel less powerful. Setting an intention is a powerful way to organize your thoughts and focus your energy on what is most important to you. Tip #2: Begin a meditation practice. Right now it seems like you have no time for one more thing on your plate. Making time each day to sit for 5 minutes and breathe will unlock your mind from the constant chatter and allow you to see that you do have time for the things that bring you the best results. Tip #3: Loving Kindness Meditation. This short video is a meditation that you can do anytime you feel drained. Loving Kindness Meditation brings the awareness back to your inner self that is longing for recognition during these stressful times. It is vital that you create your own healing energy while you are responding to others’ needs. Tip #4: Take Three Deep Breaths. Pause and breathe. That’s it. Sounds so simple and yet it is so powerful. Stress inhibits our brain’s ability to prioritize, solve problems, serve ourselves and serve others, so pausing to take a few deep breaths helps you center and refocus. Tip #5: Greet Students at the Door. The main reason you got into teaching is to make an impact on your students. Gratitude is one sure way to bring the focus back to what is most important to you. Tip #6: Build a Positive Tribe. Let’s face it… not all of your colleagues are optimistic. There will be people around you who drain your energy with negativity, so it is worth taking a moment to examine the energy when you are interacting with your colleagues. Let me know which one of these tips works for you. You can reach out to me on Facebook and Instagram. Contact me to learn more about how we can work together to support your work-life balance. I am currently offering private yoga lessons and small group yoga classes.
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AuthorHi! Thank you for joining me on this journey. After spending 30 years in education, I'm writing my next chapter. This blog is a journey through that next chapter as I explore myself and the world around me. I write about mindfulness, how it has supported my life and how it can support you as well. My wish for you is to take what you need and leave the rest. Archives
February 2020
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