Tips for Teachers Travelling Through This Tumultuous Time

 As we are in the throes of report writing and we're coming towards the end of the year with a pile full of end-of-year functions, it is natural to reflect on the year that has been and ask ourselves questions. For example,

• Did little Monica learn how to write narratives?
• How is David's spelling - did he improve any?
• What was it about my class that aided learning?
• Did I provide the best learning environment for my students? 
• Did I help them all reach their academic goals? 
• What could/should I have done differently?

Then perhaps we stir that in with our thoughts about next year. For example,

• What will I do differently in my teaching next year?
• What PDs do I need to do next year to help me teach more effectively?
• What areas do I need to improve in my professional practice?

After blending the end of year reflections in with next year's to-improve list, it is likely we are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. We remind ourselves that holidays are coming up, and we just need to get through the next few weeks before we crash. We know that we are tired but we get up, get through the day, get some sleep (hopefully) then repeat again the next day.

I was reading an email from a wellbeing coach today and was reminded how important it is to practise gratitude. The author said that when she first practiced her gratitude walks, she could only find 2 minutes worth of what she was thankful for so then she started thinking about things to be thankful for in the future. She reminded me that gratitude is not a trend, it is a life-changing practice.

Today, after church, we stopped at the local market and as I walked towards the food vans, I heard a young voice call out my name and I saw one of my past students running towards me. Her mum decided to imitate her and do the same. It made me laugh but it also reminded me how thankful I am for the many students I have had the privilege of teaching. Not only this year, but past years too. 

Another thing that is important to do at this time of year is to set boundaries. As Christmas and other end of year functions fill up your diary, people clamour for your attention and your time and if you don't have boundaries in place, it is harder to prioritise and say no. Recently the education department in Queensland, put in place "the right to disconnect" which gives teachers the right to not check their emails out of school hours. You have the right to set boundaries and the responsibility to yourself to stay healthy. Hurting yourself to help others doesn't help - either you or them.

Tips for getting through this (possibly) tumultuous time:

1. Take the time to go on a gratitude walk, regularly.
2. Take care of yourself.
3. Set boundaries.
4. Rest and enjoy yourself away from your workplace.

Yesterday, I went on a horse ride with my friend through the bush. There were swarms of butterflies flitting around us, kookaburras laughed and magpies sang. Our horses plodded along and I felt content. It was like being on a mini-holiday. We went for another ride today - shorter but still as relaxing. It gave me time to dis-connect and not even think about what tomorrow... this coming week, is going to throw at me. It gave me time to rest and refresh. 

Please look after yourself - yes, it is busy and there's a lot of things to be done, but you're only going to get it done if you are well enough.