The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.

I had an amazing  time sharing The Whole Teacher with some truly special educators at the MTA Summer Conference at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.  I am so grateful to each of those who chose to attend the first session of the final day of the conference ... especially considering the weather was perfect and it was, after all, the morning after "The Bash".

Thank you to each of you for sharing, brainstorming and offering such heartfelt support to your fellow teachers.  I came across this poem this morning.  It seems to embody the true meaning of the Balance Before Burnout Reserves and simplifies them beautifully!

Enjoy the final weeks of summer!  This is when the "sunshine, water, rest and air; exercise and diet," are most easily found.  Keep checking in The Whole Teacher for help finding them throughout your school year when it's a bit more of a challenge!

These past few weeks have been terrible for illnesses here in New England.  I made it through the holidays in one piece and then succumbed to an awful stomach bug just after returning from vacation.  It was pathetic.  I had important meetings at school and tried to push through it, but finally caved in and stayed home. 

I know that when I get sick, it is when I have pushed myself to do too much.  I stayed up too late, worried too much, and tried to pack too much in to one day.  When I am well I can do this and be clear and strong, but I now know that living on adrenaline wears me down fast.  But it’s the nature of the job, right?

I suppose, but it wasn’t ending at work.  So now I am looking at what I can control and fitting in ways to process that adrenaline before the inevitable crash.  The answers are not exciting or new, but basics that help me sustain myself so I can be there for myself and those who need me. 

Action Steps:

Exercise - I’m building in a routine at least 3 days a week on the treadmill to start amping up the chemicals that help process the "fight or flight".  Now a day when we feel threatened, are bodies get ready to go, but the stress comes and we no longer "run away".  The chemicals for flight just build up and leave us feeling anxious.  Best way to get through it is to walk or run.

Breathe – Yoga, singing, and meditation all are great ways to get the air flowing.  Deep breathing helps get more oxygen through your body and to your brain, which also helps with stress.  There is a great deal of research on breathing techniques. My first week back to school I was so busy that I noticed I was holding in my stomach and taking short breaths.  Taking time for deep breathing when I feel myself holding it all in has helped to calm my thoughts.

Just say no – Before I take on something new, I check with how I am with adrenaline.  If it’s going to get me too crazy I try to say no.

Time Management - Giving myself plenty of time to get things done, or to get to where I need to go, means I can do things without added stress.  I used to say I worked better under pressure, but I realize the price I pay in the end isn’t worth the push of procrastination.

Limit the caffeine – I love my coffee in the morning and am not ready to give it up all the way, but I can listen to my body signals and stay away from sugary sodas for lunch.  Protein and complex carbohydrates and plenty of fluids also help.