It's okay to have a bad day . . .

Do you ever have one of those days where you think to yourself I am done!

Like that’s it I am done! I am going to go join the circus or start working at the local supermarket because I am done with this!!!  

You are convinced you are walking out of that classroom and never coming back!

Someone once said do something you love and you will never work a day in your life.

Well the reality is even if you love what you do there are going to be days where it does feel like a job rather than a vocation.

I think everyone has those days every now and then and you know what THAT IS OKAY!!

Just because you have those days does NOT make you a bad teacher, it does NOT mean you don’t love your job and it does NOT mean you are not good enough.

It just means you are human.

Teachers are wonderful people but we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect.

We feel if we have a bad day in the classroom it is because we have failed or are inadequate.

We put so much time, effort and love into our classroom that often we forget to dedicate this same time to ourselves.

So these are just a few of my own rules I am (trying) to follow!

They are nothing new but they may just remind you to take that time for yourself!!

      At least once a week do something you love!

Read a book, go to the movies, swim at the beach, create something or even blog!! 

As long as YOU love it that is all that counts. Try to make sure there is NO school work involved!

If you are watching TV put that laptop away!

Personally I love to take a bath but that is more a monthly thing! ;)

Drink Water

Seems basic but the truth is we are on the go so often throughout the day we rarely stop to eat let alone drink! Keeping up your fluids keeps up your energy levels so make sure you are drinking water each day!

Strap a bottle to classroom keys or apron! Assign designated drinking breaks with the students and role model by drinking your own water!!

Exercise

In many ways this can be the hardest. School can be is exhausting! We love it but it sure does wipe the energy!! You have to have your mind on 100 000 000 things ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

So it’s not a surprise when we get home we just want to slump on top of our beds and not move!

Even if you are not into going to the gym just try and take a 30min walk. It just clears your head and helps you think straight. 

You will actually be MORE proactive after than if you just went straight home.

Sleep

When I first started teaching it was all I did. I stayed up late, got up early, went to work and repeated this routine again. I also would go into school on the weekends (both days) and work there all day!

I was literally burning the candle at both ends!

 A good sleep is so important – it can set up the mood for the next day. IF you are tired your students will sense it. You will be on edge and less patient and they will mimic this mood.

Set that alarm for bed time not just waking up and stick to it!

Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can!

You are one person. You have one brain, two eyes and two arms.

You cannot do EVERYTHING!

And you know what!? Teaching is the type of job where you will NEVER be content. There is always something you could be doing. The trick is reminding yourself to prioritise.

Our job is hard enough without having you put unrealistic and harsh expectations on yourself.

You are doing the best job that you can. Just take it one thing at a time.

Do the few things you do well rather than doing lots of things.

Teaching is one of the BEST jobs in the world (THE BEST in my humble opinion) so take care of yourself because it would be a shame to lose a great teacher like you to our noble profession.