Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout
Posts Tagged ‘stress relief’
Whole Teacher TV
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Just shot first video to post on you tube for The Whole Teacher! What a leap! It was a bit challenging to put myself out there like this, but I truly believe in sharing my passion and helping as many teachers as possible keep theirs.
Just as our students have different learning styles, I recognize that so do we. The videos are another format that you can access for support and resources to help you to build balance before burnout.
Look for them to be posted soon here on my blog and check them out on YouTube. I have plans of weekly short bits that continue building on the subject matter of teacher wellness and working on helping "The Whole Teacher" "the whole you", so that you are better able to help your students and school.
Enjoy!
7 resolutions for healthier eating to manage teacher stress
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it. ~Aldous Huxley
How true! What you eat and when you eat it can have a tremendous effect on how you feel and how you are able to manage stress. As teachers our time that we can eat is often dictated by our schedule, but that should not stop you from putting some very simple steps into place to maintain energy and patience throughout the school day.
Here are some simple tips you can put into place in order to eat healthier and feel better offered by friend and Registered Dietitian, Nicole Cormier, RD, LDN:
1. Have less than 12 grams of added sugar per day.
2. Drink more than 64 oz. of water per day.
3. Eat more than 5 full cups of vegetables and fruits per day.
4. Eat a lean protein at most of your meals.
5. Move at least 30 minutes per day.
6. Keep a food journal.
7. Portion out your proteins at least once a week.
For more information about these "Resolutions" and some great workshops offered by Nicole please check out her site at www.deliciouslivingnutrition.com
7 Colleagues Every Teacher Needs
Thursday, February 5th, 2009There’s a great article written by Lisa Earle McCLeod entitled 7 Friends Every Woman Needs. In it she address the 7 types of friends that are a must in every woman’s repetoire of gal pals. I love this article and everytime I read it I can go back through every one of my adult friendships and see the meaning and pupose in them.
In this month of building the Balance Reserve of Meaningful Connections, I suggest we reframe this and look for the variety of relationships we have at school. Who are the 7 Colleagues Every Teacher Needs? I’ve borrowed some of the titles, but let’s see how they fit in at school. Here’s the first:
1. The in-the-trenches-with-you Colleague -
This person is usually right next door to your classroom. They are extremely important when you can’t wait for your planning time to take a potty break, when you need a time-out for a student or yourself or just an ear to listen to your story at the end of the day.
Teaching can be isolating, but strong bonds are formed by geography. These are the colleagues who best know your daily routines. They witness your good days, and are the most likely to hear through the walls on your rough days and vice versa. They tend to teach the same grade level as you and are an amazing resource to help alleviate re-inventing the wheel.
Do you need more crayons? Have you run out of glue, or staples? Need a great lesson for teaching Egypt? These are the colleagues we turn to the most during our school day.
My last year in the classroom I developed a very close relationship with the woman who taught next to me. Every morning we shared a routine of relaxing music while we both checked emails. We each sipped our coffee and reflected on the previous day, while getting ready for the present. I made sure I was prepared for the next day the night before, so I could enjoy the morning "socializing". I felt that "adult" time helped me set the stage for a day full of "children".
Who are your in-the trenches-colleagues? What do they add to your day? Post a comment below. Tune in in a few days for "The Wise One".
Those who think they have not time
Monday, January 19th, 2009Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.-Edward Stanly U.S. Congressman
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.
Subscribe
