The faint echo of a bell rings, marking the end of another school day. As students pour out of classrooms, their laughter and chatter fill the corridors. But a different story unfolds in the quiet sanctum of our empty classrooms. Here, amidst mugs of coffee and scattered lesson plans, we, the teachers, catch our breaths, bearing the unseen weight of our profession.
Navigating the complex world of student emotions, administrative tasks, and evolving curriculums, the fatigue we often feel is more than physical tiredness. It's mental. There's a certain heaviness, a silent exhaustion, known all too well by many in the teaching community. The unending cycle of planning, grading, and managing diverse learning styles can slowly chip away at our once-burning passion for teaching.
For the longest time, I carried the weight of mental stress on my shoulders. As a dedicated teacher, a loving mom, a supportive wife, and someone constantly striving to learn and grow, there were nights when the weight of my roles rendered me sleepless, mornings when a cloud of overwhelm loomed overhead, and days that felt like an eternal maze of stress. Perhaps you can relate? I'm sure many of you have experienced similar feelings in your educator roles.
But recently, I decided that stress and overwhelm would no longer define my life. I wholeheartedly committed to saying yes to rest. One night, instead of diving into work, I took an hour just for me — a calming bath with my bath salts, soft music, soft lighting with candles, and deep reflection. The clarity and renewed energy I felt afterward were profound.
In my quest to embrace a restful lifestyle, I realized the importance of being intentional about the practices, routines, and individuals I invited into my life. Creating an environment that aligns with my goal of being free from stress and overwhelm has been transformative. And at the core of this journey lies the essential aspect of prioritizing mental rest. This quote by Anne Lamott sums it up perfectly:
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." — Anne Lamott
Lamott's wisdom strikes a chord. True rest isn't just about sleep; it's about unplugging, recharging, and renewing our mental energies. The cost of overlooking our mental rest is steep. The vibrant energy of classroom discussions may feel more like challenging uphill battles. The collaborative projects with colleagues, once a source of inspiration, might now seem like another task to tick off. The essence of teaching, rooted in passion and connection, can begin to wane, affecting us and our students, schools, and the broader community.
So, how do we navigate this? By integrating simple yet impactful restful practices into our daily routines:
Mindful Mornings: Begin your day with a 5-minute meditation or deep breathing exercise. During these Mindful Mornings, I'd find a quiet space--sometimes in my car while I sat in the parking lot, classroom closet, or the corridor in the back of the school parking lot--close my eyes and focus solely on my breathing. With each inhale, I'd visualize something positive or joyful, like the sun cascading over the ocean in Jamaica or my daughter's contagious laughter; with each exhale, I'd let go of anxieties and apprehensions. Beyond the calming effect, this practice genuinely grounded me. Walking into the classroom, my approach was more centered, setting a positive, reassuring tone for the day.
The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes during grading, planning, or working, take a moment to gaze at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The time I spent reading, grading, and planning on paper and the computer was quite taxing on the eyes and mind. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule was a reset I needed. It wasn't just about eye relaxation but a holistic mental break. These micro-breaks did wonders for my productivity and well-being and reminded me that while dedication is essential, so is self-care.
Technology Time-Out: Designate 10 minutes at the day's end to distance yourself from all screens—no emails, grading software, or planning tools. I shared a love-hate relationship with my screens, so the Technology Time-Out was a balance I did not know I needed. The reset from screen time felt rejuvenating; it felt like I was reclaiming time I did not realize was necessary for my mental health. So I used that time to drink my mint tea, play with my dogs, listen to soothing music, or chat with my husband or daughter. This well-deserved break from the digital world underscored the need for boundaries, emphasizing that while technology is a valuable tool, it's essential to delineate its role in our lives.
Nurturing our minds is as crucial as nurturing those of our students. Here are some ways to extend mental rest to students:
Literary Circles: Facilitate small group discussions on specific literary themes, characters, or plots. Literary Circles have been a game-changer in my classrooms. Witnessing students take the lead, passionately debating a character's intentions or a plot twist, is truly heartwarming. It eases the cognitive load and fosters leadership skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Gratitude Graffiti Wall: Reserve a space in your classroom where students can write down what they're thankful for. Provide sticky notes or markers, urging students to jot down things they're thankful for, be it big or small. The Gratitude Graffiti Wall has been a reservoir of positivity. It offers students a moment to reflect amidst their hectic schedules. Over time, this wall becomes a testament to shared experiences, joys, and simple classroom moments. Having a constant visual reminder can elevate the mood and relieve stress.
Body-Brain Breaks: Implement short, physical exercises to rejuvenate the body and mind. Every hour or so, especially during prolonged sessions, initiate a 5-minute body-brain break. This could be simple stretches, desk yoga poses, dance to a Go-Noodle video, a TikTok trend, or even a quick walk around the classroom. Body-Brain Breaks are the unsung heroes of classroom management. These short, invigorating breaks dispel restlessness and re-energize students for the lessons ahead. From personal experience, students are more alert, engaged, and receptive after these breaks.
Time to Take Action
In closing, it is essential to recognize the world of education is slowly awakening to the importance of mental well-being. Schools are integrating mindfulness practices, while teachers are encouraged to prioritize self-care. And it's about time. By championing mental rest, we not only elevate our teaching quality or nurture ourselves, but we are also planting seeds of empathy, compassion, and resilience in our students. Mental rest is the thread that strengthens and beautifies our work. So embrace it, not as a luxury but as an essential ingredient to a fulfilling teaching journey.