Will you last the distance?

You can only burn the candle at both ends for a short period of time until the inevitable happens – you crash, and burn. Its not rocket science, you can’t keep giving out to your students if you are not taking the time to fill up your own tank. I’ve recently finished reading the exceptional, and confronting book, ‘Leading on Empty’ by Wayne Cordeiro. I highly recommend it. In it, Cordeiro describes the stages of his own severe burnout, and the painful consequences.  For me it was an eye opening experience, the book made me really pay attention to the signs of burn out in my own life.

As a recent graduate you will most likely go through times when you feel you’re losing your grip (and your mind). The responsibilities and pressures of teaching mean that at times you will feel overworked, stressed and under-prepared for the task at hand.

If you feel like you are starting to lose it, here are some tips to keep sane even when things get tough at work:

Review your calendar – block in time for yourself, your hobbies, your family and make time for a life outside the classroom.

Eat well – spend a few minutes each day planning your meals. Make sure they are nutritious and healthy.

Exercise – it doesn’t have to be rigorous and you don’t need lots of time. You can start with a ten minute walk each morning or a walk during your release time

Get plenty of sleep – try and get to bed at the same time each night. Develop some night time habits or rituals that help you to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Spend a whole weekend with your family or friends – when you are home, be home, be present and forget school. For some of you that might mean that you stop talking about your frustrations from school as soon as you walk in the door of your home.

Remember, you can’t give the best to your class if you’re feeling tired, burnt out or stressed.

 

Posted by Mathew Green on August 17, 2015  /   Posted in Uncategorized
Whether you’re a casual teacher, permanently employed, working as a support teacher or on a temporary contract with your school, you are directly involved in educating, training and shaping some of the greatest minds that this world is yet to see.
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