Avoiding Teacher Burnout

"Our very lives are fashioned by choice.
First we make choices. Then our choices make us." - Anne Frank

It's that time of year when teacher burnout is becoming a reality for some of us. Balancing school, work, home, and all other outside activities can become daunting, and making time for it all may seem impossible somedays. Our plates are starting to overflow, and our minds are starting to take on the toll. We all go through this at some point in the year, but edutopia.org gives 12 choices we can make to help ease the burden of burnout and keep us on track through the trying parts of the year. 

According to article author Vicki Davis, making some or all of these 12 choices can help even the most tired and burnt out teacher recover and continue on strong. Making these choices may not be an easy thing to do, as we become accustomed to our day to day routines and choices, but these simple changes can help us avoid the crash that can occur when we are overwhelmed and overloaded by life. The first three choices given are: 

"Choice #1: Choose to Be Happy
First, happiness is a choice. Choose to be the first one to smile at everybody you meet. Choose to greet your students by name.

Use happy triggers to boost your mood when you get upset. I have a Pinterest Board called Happy Thoughts and another called Things That Make Me Laugh. The "Atta Girl" folder in my desk holds nice notes.

Choice #2: Choose to Disconnect
We are making a dumb use of our smartphones. Instead of freeing us up to go anywhere anytime, they've tethered us to a hamster wheel. Usually, I check email twice a day. I deleted my school email off my smartphone after several evenings because of an angry email. (We all get them.) Unplug once a week. Be a human being, not a human doing.

Choice #3: Choose to Be Mindful
Mindfulness is being called society’s next wonder drug. Some meditate or practice yoga -- I pray every morning at 5 AM for at least 20 minutes. I find a sense of peace that centers me upon what is important."

This blog post includes 12 choices that can help us stay strong through the trying times. whether you make one choice, 4 choices, or take on all 12 choices, any change in routine may be able to help refresh and recharge your batteries. No matter which decisions you make, be sure to give yourself time to relax, find a way to reduce your stress that works for you, and don't worry - every little thing is gonna be alright! 

- AB