Dear Teacher….. 3 Ways to Stay Sane This Year
Blog post written 4th September 2017
At the start of term you may be feeling all shiny and fresh (or you may be more devastated than the kids that it’s back to school). Either way, I see how each term takes it’s toll on teachers happiness, energy, enthusiasm and health. So I wanted to share 3 simple things we cover in my Fresh Air for Schools programme, and why these small things can make such a difference for you, because I believe that you are one of the most important people in students lives, so keeping you shinning is the best thing we can do for young people.
Opt outside
If there is an opportunity to get outdoors, grab it, even if it’s just for ten minutes. Being with students (and staff) all day can be exhausting and our heads need a change of scenery and perspective. In fact our minds work better when we are in open spaces, with a bit of green and some fresh air in our lungs. Also coming up with creative ideas, problem solving and planning does not only happen in the class room. Being outside has so many benefits for learning and creating, because it’s a more relaxed environment we can connect better with others too, our minds are more open and so able to explore ideas, and being in nature reduces stress which means we are more refreshed and energised after walking.
Spend 10 minutes doing nothing
OMG! Radical eh? I know every minute counts right now, but as the saying goes ‘You should sit and meditate for 20 minutes every day, unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour’ – Zen proverb
I have this terrible habit of thinking the more time I spend doing stuff, the more I will get done, but this is madness, counter-intuitive and leaves my brain frazzled. This is not easy for everyone to do, but sitting in silence for 10 minutes is like recharging our brain and when we do this with others the calming effect is contagious. There is a great app that can guide you through 10 minutes, it’s really helpful, give it a go.
Celebrate the good stuff with each other
I love doing this one with teachers, it really lifts everyone’s spirits and reminds them of all the great work they do. Make your own staff celebration box. Give everyone 2 small pieces of paper. On one piece write something that you have achieved in the last few weeks, something you are proud of. On the other piece give someone else a shout out, thank someone for something or acknowledge something they did well. Sit together and read them all out loud. It’s so simple, but we never take time to celebrate the positives and this has a really positive and motivating effect on staff. Some schools have kept this in the staff room and every week read out the posts over a cuppa and toast. Great way to end the week!
P.S Just to let you know, you do such an important job and you’re doing great! Remind yourself and your colleagues of that every day.
Sending good vibes……