I know some of you are already in school or preparing to go back this week. I still have two-weeks of summer and already thoughts and worries are creeping back into my mind. As a seasoned teacher, I’m struggling to get to a place of excitement about this coming year. Is it because we’re still teaching in a pandemic? Is it because I’m still struggling to process the stress from last year? Is it because there are so many unknowns going into this coming school year? YES – to all three things.
So how can we prepare for a new year when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or worried? We can focus on the things we can control. Here’s how I’m preparing for the new school year in the midst of a pandemic.
Set & Maintain Boundaries
One of the best lessons that came from remote teaching was establishing boundaries between work and home. Remote teaching really blurred the lines between work and home life and I had to find ways to create boundaries for myself. I started working only within my contractual hours and using my time during the school day more effectively. I started prepping my lessons earlier in the week for the following week. What I found was I could get most of my work done during the day. My evenings and weekends freed up for family time and for things I wanted to do. Setting boundaries between home and work life is a good, necessary thing to do. If this self-described workaholic can create boundaries, so can you!
Commit to Hobbies
As I began to create those work-home boundaries, I found that I began to have more time to do things that I loved. I recently read a meme that said “You often feel tired not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks a light in you.” That statement hit me hard because it’s true. Whatever your passion whether it be reading, gardening, or cooking, make time for it in your week. If it’s important to you, you’ll make time for it. Nothing refreshes me more than reading a great book or spending time with my family. Make time to do the things you love.
Move Your Body
Another by-product of boundaries was that I had time in my day to simply take care of myself. Initially, that meant simply going for a walk each morning. The lovely thing is that the more I moved, the more I wanted to move. Schedule your self-care. Whether it be a quick walk each day, a weekly yoga class, or a daily workout, make time to move your body.
Stay Hydrated
I know. I know! I’ve been teaching for 25 years. I know the plight of every teacher, but drink your water anyways! One strategy I found really helpful was getting my water in early, and by early, I mean before coffee! (THE HORROR). Then I hydrate all night long! As an elementary music teacher, staying hydrated and taking care of my voice is so important, so I have to find ways to drink that water.
Tend to Your Emotional Health
As a teacher and parent, I constantly put others’ needs before my own. But the reality is that only works for so long. Worry and anxiety runs high in my world and I have to find ways to stay in the moment. For me, that means making time to meditate each day. For others, that might mean time spent in prayer, time with a therapist, or time talking with close friends. Find what works for you and then commit to it so that you have a healthy outlet for the stresses of teaching.
As silly as this sounds, it’s not the cute bulletin boards or fun activities that will make this school year amazing. What will make this year amazing is me being healthy in mind, body, and spirit and being present with my students and my family. What do you do to prepare yourself for the new year?
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