Search results matching tags 'education', 'educator wellness', 'personal wellness', and 'professional well-being'

Supporting Teachers My Way

welleducator — Sat, 07 May 2011 17:03:00 GMT

The Institute for Educator Wellness has added a new division - Teachable Moments Transition Coaching.

I will be offering wellness classes and coaching just for educators, because, let's face it, we have a tough job!

Avoiding Burnout: Anxiety Assessment

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:49:34 GMT

One of the people I began my teaching career with began to have severe, debilitating and bizarre anxiety attacks about five years into her career. It had been a stressful career to begin with – we were part of a large group of people hired to replace others our first year, and the staff went on strike our second year. I moved on after that, but she stayed, and I can’t imagine what else must have gone on in that setting. When I caught up with her, she was in a mental health facility, under strict supervision, and I could only bring her things that she could not possibly harm herself with. She did progress out of the facility, by the way, but I’m not certain she was successful at handling her anxieties. She unfortunately went on to have a whole host of health and mental health issues later in life.

Anxiety is a very real concern for educators. We work in one of the highest stress environments out there – right up there with nurses and police officers among others. I think it’s simply the nature of working with large numbers of people. How do you handle anxiety?

First of all, step back and assess your anxiety levels. Some people are comfortable simply being reflective of their state of being. Others like a more focused approach. Axis-One provides a free online anxiety assessment. There are others out there, but I like this one because it is ‘quick and dirty.’ (No comments from the peanut gallery, thank you.)

Start with that. Where are your anxiety levels?

Why Change is So Difficult: Overcoming Beliefs

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:40:02 GMT

Examining your inherent beliefs is critical when you find yourself needing to make a change in your life. When something isn’t working well for you – say you aren’t feeling satisfied in your career, in the status of your health, or maybe in your relationships.

Teachers know how difficult it is to get students to critically think about their own thinking, to evaluate their own assumptions and beliefs. It’s just as difficult for adults. Maybe more so because we have lived with our beliefs longer.

When was the last time you took the time to examine your own beliefs? I’m not talking about your spirituality. I’m talking about your inherent beliefs about your self, your job, your role as an educator, your beliefs about education.

I recently read an interesting journal article regarding the need to examine one’s own beliefs before one can effect change in his/her life. I’m citing the article below so you can access it yourself if you so desire.

The author discusses, among many other topics, belief perseverance.

Belief Perseverance is this tendency to reject convincing proof and become even more tenaciously held when the belief has been publicly announced to others. -AlleyDog.com

One of the greatest stumbling blocks to effecting change is overcoming beliefs. First, you have to be aware of what your deeply held beliefs are. This is so ingrained in us, that it is at times difficult to identify. Once you are able to identify you core beliefs about the world, then you really have to take a good hard look at those beliefs and try to determine if they are valid.

This is really difficult, sometimes emotional work. Have you ever caught yourself clinging to a belief even when you are being presented with conflicting information that is pretty credible? I have done this. I have seen others do this.

I think it all goes back to that concept we educators understand all too well – it’s easier to teach something correctly the first time than to un-teach something that was learned and practiced incorrectly. Our beliefs have been with us all our lives, and we have been ‘practicing’ them for all these years.

Only by taking the time to examine our beliefs can we lead ourselves to effect change in our lives.

*Enemies of Critical Thinking: Lessons From Social Psychology Research Nancy L. Douglas , Reading Psychology 21: 129-144, 2000

Avoid Burnout: Practice Kindness

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:29:29 GMT

Earlier today I was perusing blogs related to “burnout.” I wanted to see what other bloggers were saying, suggesting, and maybe make some connections.

I stumbled upon this one blog – the author IS burned out in her job. She has applied for a different job, and has totally checked out of the current one, showing up in body only. From her own description she has one crappy attitude. Then she has the audacity to complain that nobody pays attention to her.

Frankly, I can’t blame them. I wanted to put my eye out with a sharp stick rather than read any more of her whining. Being the problem solver that I am though, it got me thinking.

I have been in situations where I hated my job. We all have. One of the things you can do to make a horrid work situation more tolerable for yourself, others, and the situation is to stop looking inward, and start looking outward.

Observe

The people with whom you work
The boss
The tone of the work environment and how it changes throughout the day

Reach Out

Initiate conversations
Listen to others, and let them know you heard in some way (paraphrasing can be a bit overkill, so get creative about this. Asking more questions about what was said shows your interest.)
Remember some detail about what you were told, use it in conversation with that person to let them know you remember

Practice Kindness

Show interest in other people
Do something nice for the group or more quietly for an individual
Do something nice anonymously for someone who needs a little boost

When you practice kindness,

you take your attention off of your own ‘misery.’ (As one of my friends frequently says “Get over yourself!“)
you can watch the atmosphere of your work environment change for the better.
perhaps the job will not improve, but there will be at least something enjoyable to look forward to, making it a little easier to endure.
you will develop a strong, positive reputation amongst your peers and your employer – making you a desirable employee.

My daughter shared this with me, and I think it is an appropriate sentiment.

Give it a try. See how acting with kindness changes your world.

Resilience: Remember to Self-Actualize

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:46:22 GMT

Abraham Maslow - Developmental Psychologist

Self-actualization was introduced to we educators through Abraham Maslow’s heirarchy of needs.

As educators this is our goal for our students – for them to be self-actualized people who are secure enough in themselves to be contributing members of society. You have an important job in working toward that goal. It’s important to remember, however, that you are not only an educator, but also a role model.

There. I just gave you permission to work at your own development!

Many are able to self-direct their development toward self-actualization. Some have no idea how to get there. Fortunately, Maslow not only defined self-actualization for us, he also had some suggestions as to how to achieve it.

Here are Maslow’s suggestions:

1	*Experience things fully, vividly, selflessly*. Throw yourself into the experiencing of something: concentrate on it fully, let it totally absorb you
2	Life is an ongoing process of choosing between safety (out of fear and need for defense) and risk (for the sake of progress and growth): *Make the growth choice a dozen times a day.*
3	*Let the self emerge*. Try to shut out the external clues as to what you should think, feel, say, and so on, and let your experience enable you to say what you truly feel.
4	When in doubt, *be honest. If you look into yourself and are honest, you will also take responsibility. Taking responsibility* is self-actualizing.
5	*Listen to your own tastes. Be prepared to be unpopular*.
6	Use your intelligence, *work to do well the things you want to do*, no matter how insignificant they seem to be.
7	Make peak experiencing more likely: get rid of illusions and false notions. *Learn what you are good at and what your potentialities are not.*
8	Find out who you are, what you are, what you like and don’t like, what is good and what is bad for you, where you are going, what your mission is. Opening yourself up to yourself in this way means identifying defenses–and then finding the courage to give them up.

The best place to start is simply to start thinking about it.

Another self-care reminder

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:46:45 GMT

Some of you have already begun the school year, and many of you will begin next week. Are you spending the weekend working your hind end off getting ready for the new school year?

I hope not. Of course you have to be ready for that first day. We all know that being well-prepared is the best prevention for other problems in the classroom. Although, I hope you will take this weekend to prepare your self for being your best self this year. All you really have to be ready with is a general plan for how your year will proceed, and your first week’s lesson plans. That’s all.

This is a reminder to take care of yourself this holiday weekend – either pamper yourself, or reinvigorate yourself by doing something fun. Spend time with people you care about. Treat yourself to something that will de-stress you.

Then show up for the first day of classes relaxed, renewed, and the best you that you have to offer your students. That’s really what you have to give to others – your best self.

Exercise – Yes You

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:59:22 GMT

In my Inbox yesterday was another study on weight loss and women. I can’t help but think this must apply to men as well.

According to Harvard Medical School, middle-aged women need to exercise moderately (a good paced walk) an hour per day just to prevent weight gain. If you exercise vigorously (like jogging,) you can get by with 1/2 hour per day. That’s just to break even, not to lose weight.

Weight isn’t the only reason for exercising, as we all know. Exercise improves your mood, your overall health, and just plain prevents all kinds of future health problems.

The thing about these studies, is the results are general. You have to know these researchers are talking about us – talking about you. These aren’t just some people somewhere – they are talking about all people everywhere, of which you are one.

So, educators, while you are assembling your schedule for the coming year, getting your routines in place, remember to put an exercise routine in place for yourself. Consider it an investment in your SELF.

Resilience: Accepting What You Cannot Change – 4 tips

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:55:32 GMT

One of the causes of distress (leading to stress) is what goes on in our own minds. Your reactions or thoughts – essentially your self-talk can make all the difference as to whether you become stressed-out about something or whether you sail through unruffled.

Practicing acceptance is easier said than done, but it IS doable.Acceptance does not necessarily mean you will be automatically happy with the situation.

One can be having a miserable experience and still be at the core “at peace.” You can be suffering through the loss of a loved one, career, belief or be in a health crisis an still have an inner peace. -Dennis Deihl, author” The Power of Now“

However, letting yourself be resentful about a situation, and letting yourself be angry for a long time about it is not useful. While it is important to acknowledge your emotions about an event, it is also important not to get stuck there.

So this year, as you enter a new school year, you will undoubtedly be faced with some situations that create distress for you.

Here are some tips:

Remember that change is a natural part of our existence – it happens whether you accept it or not. This is not something you have control over, so let it go. Put your energy into being resilient and coming through the change creatively.
See this as an opportunity. Think about it – change may be uncomfortable, but on the other hand, it also changes the parameters in which we operate. You have been given an opportunity for growth!
Know that it’s entirely normal to be resistant to change. The stages of grief are also important emotional stages when facing any kind of change. (Denial, Resistence, Exploration, Acceptance/Commitment)
Pay attention to your attitude. Fighting some changes is like beating your head against a brick wall. Don’t waste your energy on it! Find ways to channel your energy in a positive direction. This will increase your sense of empowerment, and help you feel more resilient in the face of such change.

Most importantly, form a support network. This might be people who are also undergoing the change, or might have to be people who are NOT experiencing the change you are undergoing. The call is yours.

You may not have control over the changes that come at you, but you DO have control over your responses. That, in itself, is pretty empowering.

If you would like to read more about this topic, Livestrong.com has a marvelous article on processing and accepting change.

Avoid Burnout – Two Critical Back to School Self-Care Tips

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:49:41 GMT

Staying calm in the face of the busy season can be a real trick. The beginning of the school year can be insanely busy with meetings and planning and getting the room all set up for the coming students.

First, organization will save you.Take a little time to organize yourself. Make lists so you don’t have to worry about forgetting things. Keep the list with you. (If you have a cell phone with voice capability, then you’re really rolling. If not, a good old-fashioned notepad will do just fine.)

Think about ways you can streamline the way you run your classroom so that you are not creating more work for yourself. For example, doing regular parent communication can save you a lot of time. When parents receive a regular weekly email from you, for example about what to expect in the coming school week, you save yourself a ton of time having to answer questions later on. Send the email out on the same day each week, so parents know when to watch for it, and set aside a regular time each day to respond to parent emails so you are not seen as not caring about parent involvement. This will save you loads and loads of headaches later on.

Second, and perhaps most important, take a little time to breathe.

When you find yourself running at an insane pace, invigorating though that might be, remember, that’s your adrenalin kicking in. You really do want to save that adrenalin rush for emergency situations.

Try this. When you notice your heart is beating faster, and you are going 100 mph, remind yourself to slow down. You can pull this off if you start practicing right now.

Here’s how I do it. You may have another way that works for you.

1. visualize a peaceful place

2. pay attention to breathing

3. will your pulse to slow down

4. feel a sense of calm within yourself

Now approach your tasks. When you find yourself ramping up again, go back to that visualization. You will the ability to relax will come easier and easier the more you practice. You will be able to pull it off without anyone even noticing you are taking a moment to breathe.

Remember to take care of yourself this school year. Nobody can do that but you.

Avoid Burnout – Knowing Yourself Well

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:19:14 GMT

A teacher has to be secure in who he/she is. In order to be secure in who you are, you have to know yourself, and know yourself well. That takes years, and there are no shortcuts.

However, there are tools out there.

Recently, I tried out Clifton’s strengthsfinder 2.0. This is an assessment that can help you hone in on your particular strengths. The authors contend that rather than spend loads of time on fixing the things that are ‘wrong’ with us, we should instead look at our strengths, and build upon those. That is not to say you should totally ignore your weaknesses – in fact you should truly be aware of those aspects of your personality.

The reality is that a person who has always struggled with numbers is likely to be a great accountant or statistician. Even the legendary Michael Jordan who embodied the power of raw talent on a basketball court, could not become, well, Michael Jordan of golf or baseball no matter how hard he tried.

Yet it’s clear from Gallup’s research that each person has greater potential for specific success in specific areas, and the key to human development is building on who you already are. - Tom Rath, Strengthsfinder 2.0

Strengthsfinder 2.0 is available via many bookstores, or online through sites like Amazon

I found the online assessment to be a slightly frustrating to take, but trusted in it’s ability to do what it purports to do. The questions are set up with two traits on opposite ends of a scale, and you are to choose a rating closest to the one that describes you. On some of them, I found the items listed were not necessarily opposites of each other, and often had to choose a neutral position as either neither description fit, or both did. Oh yes, and you are limited to 20 seconds per question to choose your response.

Despite that quality to the assessment, I was able to choose enough items on one end or the other for the assessment to come up with some findings. I will say, I found the assessment to be very accurate. For my part, I had not realized that some traits I knew I possessed were something that could be considered valuable in the work place.

I received my list of five top strengths, and those were followed by a list of suggested career directions that might best fit.

I wish this assessment had been available to me at an earlier point in my life. I have chosen a career path that very much fits me according to this assessment, however, it took me 46 years on my own to figure that out. Taking this assessment, say, in my 20′s or 30′s might have saved me a lot of angst and a lot of money while I tried to find my path.

Now, the downside to this particular assessment. You can only get an access code by purchasing a copy of the book. The access code can only be used once by one person, so whatever you do, don’t buy a used copy!

Gallup additionally publishes similar books/assessments on leadership strengths, personal strenghths, and wellbeing. All worthwhile.