Keeping our sanity

I think it's safe to say that October and November are difficult months. While I can say that my second year of teaching has been easier than my first year, I can also say that it is far from easy. At this time last year I had yet to use a mental health day, but this year it was necessary to take one. I remember how lonely I felt as a teacher last year. While I still have my moments of feeling isolated I think that I have made a greater attempt this year to do things that remind me that I am human and that we are not to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. I think about how important our mental health is in relation to our teaching. I truly am a better teacher when I feel more rested and able to separate my personal life and work. I think it is so important for teachers to find activities that bring them joy and truly being in the moment and experiencing joy in order to be able to take that into our classrooms (in schools which can often feel so void of joy). For me, I've discovered running, trapeze-ing, as well as having my faith that is crucial in getting me through difficult days. For me praying through out the day helps me be a better and more loving teacher to my students. For you it might be something else. I know teachers at my school that use lunch to go for a walk outside. In addition to finding non-school related activities that bring us joy, I believe that it is important that we reach out to other people (TFA and non-TFA) to help walk with us through these difficult moments. Speaking from personal experience, I know that in the past in my feelings of isolation I isolated myself even more from people. It's easy to get caught up in our to-do lists, but surrounding yourself with people that care about you and that can encourage you is important in our staying healthy. I can't say enough how important I think our emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and any other kind of health is in helping us be better teachers for our students. The healthier we are the more we will be able to do and work for our students. I hope that everyone took time to relax this Thanksgiving break! Here's to another week!