It’s January! Raise your hand if you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, anxious, and stressed… ME! My hand is raised! I fully enjoyed my Winter Break. I spent a lot of time indoors with my family and met virtually with the rest of the clan. We started a new tradition this year. I bought a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle that the whole family worked on together. I tried desperately not to spend too much time worrying about what will be happening in school in January, but with all the unknowns out there due to Covid, I found it more and more difficult to focus on the questions coming up.
I’m overwhelmed by all of the guidelines and new commonalities taking place. I’m angry about my safety as a teacher being such a low priority. I’m anxious about the safety of my own children, as well as of my students. And I’m stressed because these days things can change suddenly without warning. Will we be back in the classroom in January, or will we be fully virtual? What will I be expected to do? And now there’s this scary new version of Covid-19 coming out of the UK which is supposed to be transmitted by children as well as adults. I know the easiest thing to do right now would be to sit and negatively dwell on the future, but what good is that going to bring? I’ve decided to take a step back and focus on my own mental clarity so I can be the best version of myself for my husband, kids, students, and colleagues. I want you to the best “you,” too!
Here are 5 ideas to help you get started de-stressing:
1. Move Your Body
I know what you’re probably thinking – If I’m already stressed out, why would I want to add, “Become a runner” to the list?! Don’t overthink this. The idea isn’t to start some over-strenuous workout regimen. The goal is to move your body at least 30 minutes per day. Walking, swimming, weight training, and even cycling are all great options to consider depending on your own physical fitness level! Just 30 minutes can be so beneficial for brain health. Immediate benefits include reduced feelings of anxiety, improved sleep, and better cognitive function. Of course the long term effects of regular exercise are insurmountable – reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, healthy weight management, and strong muscles and bones. Try giving yourself these 30 minutes each day and see how much it positively affects your overall mindset!
2. Read a Book
Of course we love books and encourage our students to read every day – we’re teachers! But how many of us can honestly say we are reading every day for enjoyment? One summer, in my early teaching days, I island hopped in the South Pacific by myself. There was never TV. I could listen to music, attend evening shows, and spend a lot of time on the beach, but most of all I read. I met so many new friends that summer, but I loved spending time alone reading. It felt so good to unplug and focus on something else in the moment.
When I returned home shortly before school started, I had a hard time watching TV. I feel this way again now as we head into 2021. The negativity constantly portrayed in the news, social media, and public advertisements make it extremely hard to focus on the positive aspects of life. Take some time to unplug and get lost in a book. Read what you enjoy! Self-help books can be so motivating and inspiring. Fictional stories can boost creativity. Or you never know what you may learn getting lost in non-fiction!
3. Indulge in a Guilty Pleasure
Treat yourself! Whatever it is, make it yours and make it special. Now special doesn’t necessarily mean often. Especially for me when it comes to one of my own guilty pleasures – my favourite cocktail, an Old Fashioned! Special may mean just once in a while: Shopping, your favourite chocolate candy, a relaxing pedicure, or an addicting Netflix series! We’ve maybe always heard the saying as, “Guilty pleasure,” but don’t feel guilty. You work hard. You deserve to have your own thing.
4. Connect with Friends
Now more than ever with Covid, social media can seem bombarding and repetitive. You log on to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and all you see is coronavirus updates and political campaigns. Don’t forget the true purpose of social media – to connect with what and who we want! During this time I have tried to reconnect with some old friends who have moved to different parts of the country. I hadn’t been in touch with them for so long, and now setting up Zoom calls and messaging over Facebook is a part of my new normal. My cup is so full and I can feel my stress melt away after having a good laugh with an even better friend!
5. Get in Touch with Nature
If you’re not one who typically enjoys the outdoors, I’m not saying to go on a 4 mile nature hike and then end your day with fishing in a river. Now if that sounds like your cup of tea, go for it! But truly, getting in touch with the nature around you can be so beneficial to managing stress and anxiety. Have you ever tried taking a walk among trees? The Japanese call this Shinrin or, “forest bathing.” It’s proven to reduce high blood pressure, boost your immune system, improve your mood, and reduce stress. If you live in an urban area, try finding a park with many trees and taking a walk or having a picnic. As you go outside and ground yourself, try listening to what’s around you – birds, conversation, children playing in the park, or even just the sound of a nice breeze. I always feel much calmer after spending even just 10 minutes outside.
These are just a few of my favourite ways to declutter my mind and keep a positive attitude. Meditation, deep breathing, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy foods are also great ways to help manage stress and keep yourself a priority during this back-to-school time. I know this is totally unchartered territory and you’ll most likely be teaching in conditions you’ve never even thought possible, but you are not alone, my friend! We are in this together! 🙂
