Teacher life is so rewarding and so exhausting. Couple that with being a student and it can sometimes feel crippling. We’ve got mountains of deadlines, readings, and assignments to do, all while trying to live a balanced lifestyle. Honestly, the days just aren’t long enough!
If you’re tired, anxious, and stressed – I can deeply empathize with where you’re at. I’m over here trying to balance my current seven classes with numerous part-time jobs (tuition doesn’t pay itself, you know…), never-mind trying to stay physically active and maintain some semblance of a social life.
So, how can you seek a work-study-life balance when your schedule is already (more than) full?
Seek Balance
Part of living a balanced lifestyle is believing that you can. It’s easy to get caught up in your hectic schedule and push aside things like self-care.
To start: Set the intention. Remind yourself each morning that you deserve to feel happy, healthy, and successful. Rather than immediately saying “I don’t have time for (a walk, my hobbies, coffee with a friend)”, try saying “Is there anywhere this week I can schedule in self-care?”
Never will I forget my second year of university. I tried my best to do all the things that I thought I had to in order to be a “successful” student: I studied hard, I volunteered often, and I was working 3 jobs to make sure I never missed a tuition payment. Was my life balanced? No. I seldom saw family or friends and I slept in three hour increments between studying/working on assignments.
Then I burned out. The weight of my responsibilities hit me like a ton of bricks – And because I was so tired and my body wasn’t being nourished with healthy food or proper sleep, I couldn’t physically handle it.
I don’t want that for anyone else.
Now, I already wrote about some of these things in an earlier post, Student Life During A Pandemic: 6 Ways to Succeed. My goal here is to help fellow students and new educators thrive, even when their workload feels too heavy to carry.
Remember: You have to balance your work, school, and life responsibilities! If you don’t care for yourself, then how will you show up to work or get all of your assignments done?
Access Mental Health Supports
As educators, we are (or will be for those of us not yet in the workforce) lucky to have access to a ton of resources. Take advantage of these before you have to. If you’re feeling overwhelmed there is no shame in seeking help. After all, we wouldn’t refrain from going to the Doctor for a broken leg, would we? So why hesitate when it comes to your mental health?
For example, this website, Teach.com, lists 50 supports for teachers. From apps to books to support groups, I’m almost positive there’s something there for you. Honestly, my wish list of books grew exponentially after reading their post.
Respect Your Limitations
Sometimes, as hard as it can be, you have to say “No.” Saying no doesn’t mean you’re bad at your job, or that you’re a bad friend or family member when someone asks for help and you decline. Saying no means you understand your limitations.
This is all a part of avoiding burnout in the first place! For example, say you’ve just started at a new school and you’re asked to take on an extra role like coaching. Will doing so impact your ability to maintain your work-study-life balance? If you said yes, or even maybe, I would challenge you to reconsider jumping at the opportunity.
When you turn something down, be authentic in your reasons why and transparent with your needs! There is nothing wrong with saying “Thank you for the opportunity, but I’m actually quite overwhelmed in my work and personal life right now.” If you were considering the option, then you can always add that you’d like to be thought of for future opportunities! Actually, saying these things might make it a bit easier.
Practice Mindfulness
This piece of advice is dual-purpose, serving both ourselves and our kiddos. Just like we’ve all been grinding away the last few years during the pandemic, the little ones we teach have been working exceptionally hard, too!
Wondering why mindfulness is important as a teacher? Consider this quote from Mindful Schools:
“Research shows that stressed teachers impact students’ stress levels and student stress impacts learning outcomes. Students learn better in a climate that is more emotionally positive. Studies have demonstrated a link between positive emotional classroom climates and academic achievement.”
Mindful Schools, n.d.
So, if you find it hard to do it for yourself, take on this practice for your students. Since I’ve started implementing mindfulness tactics into my daily life I have noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels, self-awareness, and productivity. Before, I would push through no matter how upset or tired I was. Now, I recognize that within myself and take appropriate action, and you should too. You deserve it.
But, where to start? In the book Hearts and Minds Matter, Jackie Eldridge and Denise McLafferty suggest that even 5 minutes of mindfulness a day can be impactful. They also say that starting with 1 or 2 minutes is good if you’re just starting out.
In the classroom, this can be implemented in so many ways. Whether you are doing breathing exercises with the children, create a quiet corner where children can seek self-regulation, or you play a mindfulness-based game together, there’s tons of options. Eldridge and McLafferty suggest lots in that book, and I’ll share a few more below.
Education First lists lots in their post here, my favourite of which being the five senses activity. By inviting your students to seek five things they see, four things they can touch, three things they hear, two things they smell, and one thing they taste, you can help provide physical grounding.
Mindful Up also lists lots of great activities for your classroom if you’re still looking for resources.
Recognize Your Self Worth
Another thing I want to challenge you to try: Celebrate yourself. You’re out there chasing your goals and living your life! Whatever little successes you experience along the way – Give yourself due gratitude.
Finally took the time to read a book (for fun)? High-five, friend! Went for a walk? Look at you go! Delivered your first lesson? Yeah, you did! Landed an interview at your dream school? I am so proud!
Because no matter what you’ve accomplished in life, and how many goals you’re still chasing, you’re doing great. And I hope you recognize that for yourself.
After reading this, I also hope that you’re feeling ready to live the balanced lifestyle that you deserve.
Thank you for reading. ♡
