At any given moment, I have about four different problems I'm pondering/solving, at least two vital tasks needing to get done, and about five appointments I'm forgetting to set or go to or both. Throw in the end of my first first semester as a teacher coming to a close, Christmas preparations, and having just gone on an epic journey across the Great State of Texas, and you get one completely overwhelmed, overstimulated, over scheduled, over all the complaining, whining, fighting, throwing clothes and trash on the floor by children mother.
I'm just done. The other day, I was driving home from an errand, and I stopped on the side of the road near my house, and I sat and listened to Christmas music for about twenty minutes instead of going straight home. I needed a break! And I took it that minute.
While we are on the topic of breaks, I want to say that I have become pretty good at taking breaks when I sense a need. Sometimes though, I don't get to do the break I know would give me the most benefit/happiness. It's tough when those sorts of things happen, yet even getting a second choice break is better than no break at all. I've found that having a nice warm cup of fresh mint tea or a buble bath can turn a bad day around. There are many little things I've learned to do just for me when stress is high, making all the difference in my level of happiness. And I'm sure my sanity thanks me too.
I love how you found ways to take breaks. It's important. We need it, for sure. Teachers feel stress at this time of year, more than any other time, I think. Take care! Enjoy your breaks. Jennifer Sniadecki
ReplyDeleteSometimes I open my classroom door for a few minutes and look up at the trees and breathe. You are so right about breaks. Brain breaks. Rest. Reset. Refresh. Remember to be human.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me think about how I might make my breaks better. And to notice quicker when I need them.