We all know its coming, you can feel it in the air...and the lineups at Staples. The glorious, holiday filled summer is coming to an end. That means one thing. Back to school. Lesson planning begins, the students pour through the doors and you are learning a whole new set of names. You have to decide if you want to coach the basketball team, volunteer for the drama production and supervise the school dance. On top of all that you have marking, report cards, project planning and parent teacher interviews. It is not an easy job and we commend you for taking on the challenge and raising our youth to be stellar and contributing citizens. Although everyone gets super jealous of your summer holidays, we all know that Teachers deserve a couple months off during the year to recharge and reconnect with their families. But you don't have to wait until the summer to refuel and focus on yourself. All it takes is a few minutes a day and some good planning skills throughout the year. Here are a few pointers on how to avoid burnout.
1. Acknowledge your passion. You are teaching for a reason, because you love it! If you didn't love it you wouldn't be there. You love seeing your students progress and having the chance to work with the one group of people who have the most potential in the world. Remind yourself of this daily to fuel your days.
2. Ask for help. Teachers are givers by nature. You want to solve everyones problems yet you resist any offers of help that you may receive. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you know your limits and only want to give your best work.
3. Learn to say No. It is too easy to say Yes to every request. You feel guilty when you say no, like you are letting everyone down. Before you know it you have no room in your schedule to eat your lunch. Remember that every Yes you say is a No to something else. Choose wisely.
4. Actively Manage your Time. If this means scheduling in dinner with your spouse, or reading a book or going for a walk, then write it down and stick to it. If someone asks you to take on a new task, it is a simple sorry, I already have plans. If you don't schedule it, it will be pushed aside and forgotten.
5. Exercise. The effects of exercise on the body are widespread. It decreases stress levels, promotes better sleep, sharpens your mind and prevents injuries. Find what works for you and incorporate it into your lifestyle on the daily.
6. Manage Stress. This is a big one. If you don't recognize your limits you won't make it through the year without a breakdown. This year lets avoid rocking back and forth, huddled in a ball with tears streaming down your face wondering how you are going to face your students for another 4 months. Learn to meditate. Book regular massage. Start kickboxing. Whatever your jam is, commit to it and plan ahead for it.
Teachers are so important to every community and it seems as though they are being handed more and more responsibility each year. It is a tough job. But, whether you believe it or not, you deserve to put yourself first often. If you are not the healthiest version of yourself how can you expect to perform to your full potential. We love teachers at Bloom. We love giving you the space to talk about your daily challenges or simply allowing you to bask in the studentless quiet of the treatment room. We love to see your shoulders drop away from your ears at the end of the treatment and hearing how your headaches seem to be disappearing. We challenge you to take this year and make it yours. Schedule your self-care in advance and feel the benefits all year long.
Kristy