Thanks for the love, ladies!
More news about Lexicon will definitely come as I gain more experience with the program. My CT will introduce the program to me at the same time that she introduces it to her students. I have had experience with similar programs in the past and I am sure that I will catch on quickly. Any issues that would arise would probably be due to log-ins that do not work or a technology glitch. Having extra equipment available and the ability to create new log-ins would remedy those issues.
Yes, I have a lot on my plate, but I have been doing this for the past three years so my mind and body have adjusted. However, I have discovered that my biggest stress relief tips include:
- Know when to stop and rest! There have been times when I have run myself down so badly that I have literally passed out on my keyboard while writing papers [Example: Core I FERs; I still shudder]. If you are that far gone, go to bed! No one does good work when they are exhausted; that paper will still be there in the morning.
- Realize that caffeine is actually the enemy. Since I recently weened myself off of my morning coffee addiction, I have discovered that I am more alert and more energetic. Seriously! Too much caffeine puts your body into panic mode and causes you to feel more stressed. The sweaty palms, racing mind, and pounding heartbeat may be due to that cup of Seattle's Best and not your 680 article review.
- Plan ahead. Sounds lame and obvious, but it will save you from mindlessly popping ibuprofen as you fight to crank out a last minute assignment. I keep a day planner where I write down every thing that I must do and when it must be done by. This keeps my mind focused on what must be done and it actually makes me feel more secure because I feel like I have a clear agenda.
- Take time to reconnect with yourself. I have moments spaced throughout the week when I get to just enjoy myself. A quick episode of a favorite television show, sneaking in a few chapters of recreational reading, ten minutes of peace with my journal, etc. Let's just say that these moments of solitude are what I live for most days and they are more meaningful because they are limited.
- Turn on the radio! I am always rushing all around town to get to all the places where I have to be [i.g, baby's daycare, my PST placement, school, and work]. Music fills that mundane time with joy. I actually look forward to my commute because I know that it will be uninterrupted jam time. The music leaves me feeling rejuvenated when I reach my destination.
- Detox your life. If you are in a stressful relationship or environment, leave. Get rid of the poisonous aspects of your life and you will feel lighter and happier. I realized this after two and a half years in an abusive romantic relationship. When I finally realized that my partner was the source of about 80% of the stress in my life, I got out quick and I never looked back; my life is much happier and my stress is more manageable as a result.
- Keep a reasonably clean house. It has been scientifically proven that cluttered/dirty homes cause mental chaos. If you walk into a messy environment, your brain immediately feels stressed. I am not saying that your home needs to look like a museum; it just needs to be tidy enough for you to walk in and feel a surge of joy to be home. No one wants to come home to heaps of laundry and sandy carpet.
- Smile. A. Lot. : ) Smiling releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel GOOD. Think of smiles as Mother Nature's crack.... Only without the astronomical cost, the hideous side effects, and the illicit status. I smile so much on stressful days that my face actually hurts.
- Be passionate about what you are doing. I would not be able to do all that I do if I did not want it so badly. You can't fake your way to success. You have to really love what you are striving for. In my case, I feel strongly about being a good parent, a good worker, a good teacher, and a good friend. As a result, I am successful because I put so much of myself into all that I do.
I hope that my stress tips are helpful. Feel free to share your own tips with me.
Thank you for your honest sharing, Ms. Spears! So many of these tips resonated with me, but I'm particularly impressed by your second to last tip: smile a lot. You have always struck me as a very pleasant, enthusiastic person -- and as I reflect on this, I think some of it has to do with your non-verbal communication in your facial expressions. So, not only do our smiles help our brains get happy, they also put a positive spin on how others view us. :-)
ReplyDeleteI liked this list. I would also like to add that you shouldn't stress about letting the conversation wander off topic and away from the lesson plan too much. I know that's something that bugs me and I've slowly begun to realize that I should stop watching the clock and worrying about my schedule so much when I should be listening to my ENGAGED AND INTERACTIVE STUDENTS!
ReplyDeleteKids take things in really cool directions and I'm beginning to realize just how much fun it is to listen to them and try to adapt lessons and bellwork to things they bring up and discuss that I hadn't even planned for.
I like your logic, Mr. Smith. Teaching is suppose to be fun! Our students should be engaged and We, the teachers, should ALSO be engaged. :D
ReplyDelete