Surviving the Days before the Holiday

Surviving the Days before the Holidays

Part 1

Yep. It’s that time of the year. It is almost Thanksgiving, and some of you may or may not have had a Fall Break. (My school does not have one. Bummer!) Whether you have had a break are not, chances are good that you are plum wore out at this point. As teachers, we tend to let school become our center focus. We put our own families and lives on the backburner. We have too many things to do, too many papers to file out, and not enough time in the day. And, some of us sell products on TpT. Some of us have a second job. So, what can you do?  This is my first installment of teacher survival tips.

Just Walk Away

So, they want you to be the PTO secretary or they need you to help run the school newspaper on top of everything else you have to do. And, you hate to say “no”. Teachers are often guilty of trying to do too much. After teaching for 8 hours, we often come home and continue to work. Instead of spending this time with our families, we spend it doing lesson plans and grading papers. However, if we are to survive…if we are to be successful at our jobs and at being a “person” outside of work, we are going to have to learn how to just say “no”. That’s it. Just say “no” and walk away. Don’t feel guilty. Don’t wonder who they found to replace you. Don’t worry, and don’t wonder. You deserve to have some time to yourself.

I once had a principal who told me that he and his wife made it a rule to never bring work home. They don’t bring papers home. They don’t talk about unruly students. They don’t discuss school work at all. Their time at home is designated for time for their family.

Sounds it possible doesn’t it? But, it is doable. You just have to make a conscious effort to leave work at work.

Go to bed on time

Next, go to bed. That’s right. Go to bed, and go on time. A lack of sleep can make you feel both physically and mental exhausted. It can lower your immune system and lead to colds and other illnesses. Remember most people need 7-8 hours of sleep each night in order to perform at their best. So, no, those quick catnaps you take on the couch of 2-4 hours doesn’t count. Put those papers down, and go to sleep.

Teaching is a demanding job. In order to stay on top of your game, you have to take time for yourself. Stop taking piles of papers home. Stop taking on extra work. Go to bed on time.