Not the Perfect Start

Well, it was not the perfect start to the school year I was hoping for…

Last week was our first week of the 2019-2020 school year. The first three days were with teachers, figuring out our rooms, and figuring out which students needed which accommodations, which had allergies, birthday planning, etc.

The very first day that students came, Thursday, was hectic to say the least. I went through that day with sore shoulders and neck and the start of a headache. Some classes on Thursday were 15 min. long, and a few were 90 minutes long, depending on which classes we had. It was a go-go-go day. Waking up Friday morning, I believe I was as tired as I have ever been. I’ve never felt “teacher tired“ like that before. Before I even ate my breakfast, I threw up (I couldn't find a way to put this nicer). I figured it must be the start of a migraine, and it had been my plan to not have a migraine this entire year ahead.

The students I have this year seem to be happy to be there and ready to learn (for the most part). I was supposed to be happy and ready to teach. I had read myriad articles, listen to myriad podcasts, read inspirational quotes, and was ready to be well this year. Teacher wellness has been on my mind since the ‘17-’18 school year when I had five migraines to contend with. During the ‘18-’19 school year it was down to three. This past Friday, I was not happy to teach. I was hurting, exhausted, and was skeptical of how this school year was going to go.

What had happened to my plans for being well? Here’s what I’ve been doing:

• Vitamin B-complex (supposed to help prevent migraines)
• DanActive once a day (this kept me healthy when my mom was going through chemo)
• Water every day
• Eat relatively healthy
• Walking outside whenever I can
• Getting outside every day (my relaxation)
• Learn / practice something new for 30 min/day (the banjo)
• Read & Write
• Plenty of sleep (to bed at 9pm)

What was good about the first two days was the students, and my attitude in front of the students. I was calm. I was patient. I was enjoying their ideas, suggestions, and comments. I feel as if this will be my best year yet (as the last few have been)! I am doing more upfront in regards to sharing WHY we’re doing certain things in the classroom, and I’m less reactive to things said or done. I’m listening more, and things are going smoothly.

Another good note - some teachers were chatting about asking administration to change the first day schedule, as well - that should help exhaustion levels of both teachers and students next year. 

I pushed myself this summer. I thoroughly enjoyed each day, yet I didn’t stop to relax as much as I normally would during the summer. I often do “too much” or “too many things at one time,” and this summer was no exception. It’s time I slowed down my HOMEwork, so I can handle the schoolwork.

My plan moving into week two is very similar to my summer plans:

• Vitamin B-complex
• DanActive once a day
• Water every day
• Eat relatively healthy
• Walking outside whenever I can
• Getting outside every day
• Practice the banjo for 15 min/day
• Read (& Write if time)
• Only look at social media in the mornings on weekdays
• Plenty of sleep (to bed at 9pm or before)

I was fortunate to get outside THREE times on the first day of school (with homeroom and my second and third classes), and then again for lunch and my last class on Friday. I’m excited to keep this up, as I believe it’s healthy for us - for our bodies, souls, and the culture of a class. 

As I reflected today by writing, I notice my teacher wellness took a nose dive Friday. I guess that’s what happens when your body has taken a toll. I’m all better today, and I’m relaxing for the week ahead. I’ve gotten outside with the top down on the convertible to go for a walk at the arboretum with Hubby (see the photos below), had my water, finished my banjo practice (20 min outside), and am going to read a bit. I only spent 30 min on schoolwork yesterday, and will only spend 30 min on it again today - just not right now. This writing has helped me see that I simply had a set back in my health. I’ll probably catch a bad cold or get sick at some point this school year, as well, and that’s to be expected, no matter how much DanActive I have. ;) 

--> I’m going to remember the advice of Dan Tricarico in The Zen Teacher: 

Do something for YOURSELF every day. (For me, this means getting outside.)

--> I’m going to remember the science Lisa Bush shared in Teaching Well:

We cannot run on fumes. It’s unhealthy for our body and our mind.

When we’ve got the MOST WORK to do, that’s when we need to take

time (30-60 min.) for ourselves.

--> I’m going to remember David Irvine’s quote in Lisa’s book (above):

“Self-care is more than a luxury. Self-care is a responsibility.”

--> I’m going to remember what Matt Miller keeps sharing -

MED - The Minimum Effective Dose:

When you’re a teacher, the work never ends.

I don’t need to make everything perfect.

I only need to make it work well for me and our students.

 

What are YOU doing this school year to stay happy and healthy?