Stressed out and strung out doesn't do anyone any good. But we've all been there. (or are still there.)
What can we do about it?
We've got to first identify the need to not be depleted. Next, be intentional. Purposefully plan time to rest and revive. Doing this is proactive instead of reactive.
Being proactive begins with making decisions based on prioritizing inner peace. When you know what you need and want, it is easy to say yes to what brings rest and rejuvenation and saying no to what doesn't. (Without guilt.)
It's not selfish to fill and refill your own cup so you can pour into others. It's not a luxury. It's essential.
Imagine a day at the beach sitting in sparkling sand sifting through your toes as your skin soaks sun. You hear waves hit the shore and recede taunting you to jump in and chase. White foam sizzles on the sand as the waves flow back into the ocean.
You packed and prepared for this day. You proactively planned so you wouldn't have to react to a problem or struggling situation. You've packed. Sun hat, check. Sunscreen, check. Beach chair, check. Book, check. Cooler with snacks, check. Beach toys, check. Water and drinks, check.
You wouldn't dream of a day at the beach without water or a drink. Why? You know the importance of hydration and rehydrating. You're proactive avoiding dehydration. You're proactive for your health.
Rest is hydration for your soul.
It's essential to be whole and healthy instead of filled with holes of stress and an overcrowded schedule depleting your energy. Rest restores and revives you. Being intentional about planning rest is proactive leaving you filled and full of energy.
Being proactive for daily and weekly restoration means you may have to rethink your schedule and say no to some things so you can say yes to your health and well being.
Right now, make a list of what fills your cup. Then be sure to plan one or two of those activities a week so you are fully restored and revived. We fill our cups so we can continue to pour into others.
Additionally, plan for proper sleep. Some nights my mind races with ideas or correcting all the wrongs from the day when I lie my head on my pillow. (Leaving me restless and sleepless.) Knowing this means I've got to silence all electronic devices at least 2 hours before bed. (So those images don't continue to dance in my head.) I've got to purposefully plan a nighttime routine that sets me up for peaceful sleep. Many adults don't get enough sleep which leads to stress and feeling overwhelmed.
Proactively plan for 8 hours. You'll be happier and more productive with a proper amount of sleep.
When you make rest and revive a habit, you will see your passion and energy ignite and stress melt.
This is part 4 of a 7 part series: STRONG Educators
Read the others here:
Part 4- STRONG Educators Rest & Revive
Part 5- STRONG Educators Omit Negative
Part 6- STRONG Educators Never Give UP
Part 7- STRONG Educators Go Deeper
It takes 30 days to establish a habit pattern. (It actually takes longer to solidify the habit, but we'll save that for another time.) So just for you, we're going to do a 30 day challenge to stay STRONG and help you re-enter school STRONG. (Whenever it re-opens.)
Join us.
Here's how it works:
It's for you and like-minded educators. Connection for students is key but also for you. Educators need connections too. It's a community.
It's totally free.
Each week, I'll write a post reminding you to stay STRONG focusing on one of the letters in the word STRONG.
Get tips right to your inbox by joining the 30 Day #STRONGedu Challenge. Click here: 30 Days STRONG. (No spam. Promise. )
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Share and cheer each other on by sharing your STRONG stories. Share a picture or some words each day of how you are staying STRONG for yourself, your family, and your students. What you do will inspire others to do it too. :)
Share this with a friend so they are connected too.
Have fun and belong to a community of STRONG educators. (#STRONGedu)
You are STRONG educators! We are stronger together. Come along. We want you with us.
Remember to share pictures on Instagram and Twitter telling us how you were STRONG for the day.
Looking forward to seeing you being STRONG and staying STRONG.
We're #STRONGedu!
You make a difference.
Pamela
P.S. Sign up for tips by going to the home page and adding email to the "Inspire Me" box. Don't want email tips coming to your inbox. No problem.
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