Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
Prepare everything the night before: Pack your teacher bag, lunch and big tumbler of whatever refreshing drink you enjoy throughout the day the night before school. Bonus points for planning your wardrobe the night (or even the week!) before. With your teaching bag in your car, all you have to do is grab your lunch and drink out of the refrigerator and go the next day! 2 Build a Support Network Find the support of trusted colleagues: Having a teacher bestie is one of the greatest gifts in our profession. Sometimes, teachers just need to vent so they can release stress, refocus and jump back into the game. For me, this was a game changer — talking to others in the profession who are going through the same thing truly helps. Seek out professional development opportunities: While attending more professional development is not always at the top of an educator 's list of to-do items, it does provide you the chance to connect with like-minded profes- sionals who have the same goals in mind. This also provides you with a broader network of educators, which can really help you build a great network of people to call upon when you need deeper expertise. 3 Find Ways to Decompress at School Play music: Play soft music in the background as students come in to begin their morning routines and during indepen- dent work time. Listening to music during your break time can also help you shift your mood. Don't forget to eat your lunch: My first year, I allowed the responsibilities to my class overwhelm my physical needs. I would skip lunch to grade an extra set of papers or copy things in the teacher workroom, thinking I was getting ahead. But doing this sets you up for failure and hunger. Always take time to sit, eat your lunch in peace, and get some quality time with your colleagues. Build in mindful brain breaks: This is one of my favorite suggestions because not only does it refresh me, but it is a fantastic tool for students! After lunch and recess, students can become unfocused. Begin a tradition of mindful brain breaks. To do this, I would turn off the overhead lights but keep my desk light and other smaller lights on. Then I would project images on the whiteboard like beta fish swimming, ocean waves crashing onto a calm beach, or nature scenes. 4 Save Positive Resources Write a letter: At the beginning of the year, write yourself a letter expressing why you chose this profession. Be spe- cific. On days that are particularly tough, get it out and read it to encourage yourself that things will get better. You can keep this going throughout the year by journaling to record the sweet and simple moments of the day that made you giggle or smile. Keep student and parent letters of encouragement: Whether it is a handmade card, picture, email or letter, keep these items and browse through them to remind yourself of the powerful and positive impact you have made already. These mementos have meant so much to me, as they are reminders of the positive work that we as teachers do every day. Take lots of photos: Looking back on the special proj- ects, field trips, fun assignments and other things that are personally special and memorable to you will be an essential way to keep your spirits up and your motivation high. It is rewarding to glance through old photos of students who now have families and careers of their own, thanks to the work teachers do. Finally, when you're home for the day, take a break. If you enjoy binge-watching your favorite show, spend a little bit of time doing that. If reading is your happy place, get lost in another time and setting. If exercising helps you release tension, be sure to schedule it into your day. These things are most important to staying mentally and physically healthy. Christie Rodgers is an educator, adjunct professor and author. This article originally appeared in Edutopia. 50 cta.org Teaching & Learning