Feel better, teach or lead better
As the pandemic rolls on, here’s what educators can do to lessen the negative effects
We’re coming up on the two-year mark since the COVID-19 pandemic turned our professional and personal lives upside down.
If you’re like most educators, you’re probably stressed and feeling a lot of anxiety from the constant change in schedules, health requirements, and responsibilities.
Want some advice to manage the madness? Try these strategies to relieve negative feelings.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Science has proven time and time again that exercise is a fantastic way to relieve stress. If you can devote 90 minutes per week, you’re going to notice a reduction in blood pressure and increased ability to focus.
Connect with your colleagues. “Hey, how are you doing?” That question goes a long way when connecting with others in your department, your PLC, or your school—encourage each other so you can get through the pandemic together.
Breathe slowly and intentionally. Stress is a holdover from our hunter-gatherer ancestry, and stressful situations trigger adrenaline to begin pumping and cause other physiological changes.
How do you stop your adrenaline from causing adverse reactions? Specifically, inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. Doing this forces you to refocus your energy from stress, and you'll instantly feel better.
Bonus: Try out this 3-minute mindfulness exercise from our friends at CalmClassroom.com.
What are you doing to get through this pandemic? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.