When the reality of adulting hit me in college it was the Sunday night before my first week as a student teacher. I had meal prepped, picked out five outfits for the week, packed my bags, and gotten my hair done. I was technically ready for the week and a great start to my internship. Yet, at 8 pm when I tried to fall asleep I couldn’t. I had a knot in my stomach, a headache, and felt so on edge.
Fast forward 6 years and here I am again. There is officially two weeks until I’m back in the classroom with 3 feet covid distancing (for now) and all the other normal craziness that comes with teaching and the knot in my stomach, headache, and feeling of being on the edge are back.
Sunday blues, summer ending blues, whatever you label it as, this feeling is REAL. You would think by year 6 I would have figured this whole adult with a job thing out but it’s more than work. The mental toll of this cycle is real. Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
I find that the hardest part of work life is being mentally prepared to go through the ringer again and again.
What do YOU do to be mentally ready to work each week? Leave your go to’s in the comments!
With my two weeks left I’ve already gotten into my classroom and began the long process of cleaning, setting up, and prepping for the year. My biggest prep is my mental space.
The few things that work for me so far include:
1. Schedule – I can plan and prep and control so much more when I know what’s coming. So having a home schedule and work schedule written out is a huge help.
2. New Things – a new planner, journal, pens, book bag, and clothes of course! Bring little pockets of joy to the start of a new school year.
3. Positive Affirmations/Devotionals – After doing a master program virtually while teaching during 2020 I have truly found the need of a positive center. At the beginning of the year I find at least 5 positive things I can read and repeat throughout the day to ground me when things inevitably hit the fan! I also start my morning with a short devotional to bring peace to my start and give me something to focus on through the day!
4. YOU (me) Time – I am more then intentional about finding time for me. I love to journal and binge a good show. So once I know my schedule is about to go insane. I make sure sometime through out the week I can schedule these moments where I feel myself at peace. What do you do for YOU time?
Back to School blues are real!!! I am trying to remember all the growth that has come from reflecting especially in 2020. My goal is to sticks to pockets of joy and structure to help me glide into year 6 and beyond!
XX AndeMari
Being AB 