Welcome to #NoVAedchat tonight! I'm proud of you for making a date to care for yourself tonight! Please introduce yourself and share a gif or image to show how you care for you!
Hey Virginia librarians! We could probably all use a moment of self-care & balance in the midst of our work to #opposeVASB261! Join #novaedchat tonight 8pm & take a breath (then head back to the phones). #vaslchat#vaasl
Hey all! Recovering from the flu so hoping I can stay up for the next hour, but I’m here for now! I’m a high school English teacher who loves getting into new books to decompress. #NoVAedchat
#novaedchat Karen mostly from Waverly VA and VSTE but tonight in a hotel in NYC. Took the day off to check out the Morgan Library and listen to a beautiful concert.
A1: To me, self-care is different than balance. I'm better at balance (work + taking care of my kids) than I am at anything "self." Basically, I run out of time for me. #NoVAedchat
A1: Finding time to pause from work and fill your own watering can so you can allow your students flourish. But also to make sure you are paying attention to the most important people in your life (your family). It's saying "Ok I'm down checking my email." #novaedchat
A1 The more I fly, the more I realize how “put your oxygen mask on first” isn’t just a directive for airplane emergencies. Self care means sometimes putting ourselves 1st & maintaining physical & emotional health. You can’t help others if you’re not functional. #NoVAedchat
A1 to me, it means realizing that I’m a human who is also a teacher. I always want to be the best teacher I can be, but not if I am not the best human I can be. Finding that time for myself! #NoVAedchat
A1 #novaedchat self care and balance are about being present in your roles and with the people around you AND to yourself. Continuous, partial attention doesn't do any good fro you or others.
A1 as a T it's hard to leave work @ work when we love our kids & what we do! For me, self care means more than indulging in treats/spending time on things I like. It's being reflective about daily healthy emotional, physical, and mental habits! #novaedchat
A1: For me it means constantly trying to figure out a way to give the time, attention, and effort that's needed and deserved for each of those pieces. I haven't figured out how to do this well yet. #novaedchat
A1 Balance means finding a healthy balance, but it doesn’t always mean 50/50. Sometimes my life requires more of my attention and that’s ok. Sometimes at the end of the quarter when I’m staring down 120 research papers, the balance is tipped in favor of work. #NoVAedchat
Oh not! Get better soon. It's been a wicked strand. So far I've had 3 students out over the last 3 weeks for different amounts of time with it. #novaedchat
A1: Having an awareness of your own personal needs and make sure to take the time needed to recharge. Striving to make sure that one of those lives, often work life, doesn't completely take over. #NoVAedchat
Unhealthy habits don't develop overnight. If we aren't careful day to day about out choices (mentally, physically, emotionally) we look back a year later and wonder how we got in the state we are in. #novaedchat
I think part of the reflection is thinking about how you are using your time and you may find some moments of time even if it's just a couple minutes to breathe. #novaedchat
I've been doing it for more than 15 years & I still struggle. Hard to do if you love your work and see all the things that need to be done. #novaedchat
In reply to
@acuteteacher, @witchyrichy, @TDucassoux
A1 The more I fly, the more I realize how “put your oxygen mask on first” isn’t just a directive for airplane emergencies. Self care means sometimes putting ourselves 1st & maintaining physical & emotional health. You can’t help others if you’re not functional. #NoVAedchat
A2 because we care so much about our students & feel like if we aren't on 24/7 for them then we aren't doing all that we can for them #guilt#novaedchat
A1 #novaedchat self care and balance are about being present in your roles and with the people around you AND to yourself. Continuous, partial attention doesn't do any good fro you or others.
@techinteaching I am big into timers. I'll set aside a certain amount of time to do a task so that I don't get too immersed. Helps with work/life boundaries. Sometimes. #novaedchat
In reply to
@witchyrichy, @TDucassoux, @techinteaching
I've been doing it for more than 15 years & I still struggle. Hard to do if you love your work and see all the things that need to be done. #novaedchat
A2 I think our job relies on caring for others... and often times we are taught to be selfless, putting others ahead of ourselves. I don't think caring for others and for self have to be exclusive #NoVAedchat
I think you also posted something a while ago about how there's always going to be work to do so at some point you just have to call it a day #novaedchat
In reply to
@coreythornblad, @witchyrichy, @TDucassoux, @techinteaching
A2: I think because it is impossible to do the job in the defined hours (and do it really well) so it just bleeds into everything. If you care, you work. #novaedchat
A2 Here is a sad article about this concept :( Ts are often so busy caring for others that they forget to care about themselves! You can't pour from an empty cup! #novaedchathttps://t.co/B24lnWq5VP via @usatoday
A2: Our profession is servanthood based. We want to help change the world, and you simply can't change the world from 9-5 and expect the future to be a better place. We all want to help our students be the best versions of themselves and that takes sacrifice from us. #novaedchat
A2: For one, we have too many rigorours requests made of us (i.e. committee member, meetings, professional development outside of school time). We also don't have adequate support at times. #NoVAedchat
A2: It's one of those jobs where it's almost impossible to leave work at work. I think there's a lot of reflection that happens in the hours after you leave the building, so it's like you're still working. And we're in the business of people... it's not just "work." #NoVAedchat
A2b: However we also need to make sure that we are taking time for ourselves, because we also are a part of the future. Balance is a difficult thing, even more challenging in our profession. #novaedchat
A2: I think it is hard for Ts to remember self-care because we care and want to help all of our Ss. No matter the cost to ourselves. As Ts we don't know how to do something less than 100%. #novaedchat
A2 There’s always more to be done - another student to talk with and check up on, another piece of feedback to write, another parent to contact, another meeting to attend. It’s so hard to say “I’ve done my best and I’ve done enough for today” when there’s always more. #NoVAedchat
Q2 I think as teachers we know how important our job is every day. Which means we always want to be on our A game, making it hard to turn off teacher brain.#NoVAedchat
A2: We dedicate all our time to ensuring others achieve success, that we care for them, and help them be great! Sometimes we forget we should help ourselves do the same #novaedchat
A2 Work/life balance is especially hard for educators because we are so passionate about what we do. We see there're so many gaps &spaces where things are needed. We're pros at filling those gaps. We're also painfully aware there aren't enough hrs in the day! #novaedchat
A2:I think most educators are nurturing by nature.We want to help and support Ss in any way. An educator's to-do list is NEVER completed, & walking away from something that is important for Ss in order to take time for self-care can be hard,& might even feel selfish. #NoVAedchat
I think a really important lesson to learn (and it can take years) is that you have to take care of yourself. This job, this passion, called teaching is a marathon not a sprint. We need teachers for the long haul and that means self-care is part of the job. #NoVAedchat
My goal is to only stay after work when I have to. I normally arrive about 45 min. before I have to due to traffic. I get as much as I can done during the school day. I rarely grade tests at home. #NoVAedchat
I remember her saying it was like a rollercoaster - just as something feels easy, something else gets hard but something else also gets easier and then it all falls to pieces but then it all comes back together and to just ride it out #novaedchat
In reply to
@FilsingerEDU, @techinteaching, @mkgderose
And this may sound cynical but I wonder if it allows the "powers that be" to take advantage of teachers by not giving them enough prep time during the day. They know you're going to do the work anyway. Self care is a blow against the empire! #novaedchat
A2 many have expectations of educaors that exceed the boundaries of a job but lean towards the qualites of a ministry. This expectation is exhausting for one to live up to. #NoVAedchat
Q3 I was recently asked “What will you let go of in your daily work to make space for this task?” Would identifying something to let go of be easy or challenging for you? Why? #NoVAedchat
A3: I don't really have anything to let go of at this time. I'm working on ISTE-T certification and that does take up some time so knowing that, I haven't taken on anything else. #NoVAedchat
A2 A mentor told me many years ago to rememeber that if for some reason disappear from work, my desk chair will be filled by another person in 1 week and to keep that in mind #NoVAedchat
A3 Truth time. I struggle with this greatly. I don't want to let anyone down or be seen as unable to follow through AND I struggle with saying no! #NoVAedchat
A3 I let go a long time ago of having a cute or pretty classroom. It's always (sometimes?) clean but never cute. No judgement whatsoever for those who do take the time - I just had to let it go #novaedchat
A3 this is a tricky question! Usually letting go of things is challenging for me. This gives me FOMO for powerful learning! At the same time, it's important not to say yes to every project! #novaedchat
Q3 I was recently asked “What will you let go of in your daily work to make space for this task?” Would identifying something to let go of be easy or challenging for you? Why? #NoVAedchat
A3 Honestly, sleep. My self care lately has been hitting the gym 6x a week, but the only chance I have to go is before school. To be able to go with my husband (also a teacher) 2x a week, that means getting up at 4:30 am. But I feel so energized when I just go! #NoVAedchat
Hey #NOVAedchat, I am hosting #waledchat this Thursday at 9pm and we will be reflecting on technology and education! I would love to have some fellow Northern Virginians join me!
A3:I tend to let go of things that only matter to me (if you're familiar w/ @gretchenrubin's 4 Tendencies, I'm an Obliger). I need external accoutability! #novaedchat
A3 I do have a tendency to volunteer for things that I see need doing...but that gives me more peace to back off of things I don't really feel energy to take on #novaedchat
A3: I could probably find something to give up, but then I wonder the whole time about how I could change that or fix that. It has led to my current situation where my task list keeps getting longer and I can't find time for other things which leads to unhappiness #novaedchat
A3: Both! Haha. It think it depends on the time of year. The busy times ebb & flow, so sometimes it's easier to let go of things than other times. I've been trying to make a conscious effort this year to take a deep breath and say no when my plate is already full. #novaedchat
A3 Challenging as I love everything I am doing. Until I realized that at least one of those thing wasn't as fulfilling as it used to be in relationship to the time it took and I wasn't giving it 100% which wasn't fair to me or the educators I was working with. #novaedchat
A3. I don't want to give up anything, but I have started saying "No." That has been pretty difficult. I like my full plate, but a sesame seed might take me over the edge right now! #novaedchat
My first couple of years, I was really concerned with having a cute & clean classroom. I think there are more important things to be focused on. Improving your craft and instructional knowledge > appearing to have a Pinterest ready classroom #novaedchat
A3 last year as a first year t I felt like everybody expected me to work insanely long hours, I finally let go of what I “should” be doing and made sure I was home each night in time for a run before it got dark #NoVAedchat
A3 I am learning to not allow negative judgement cloud my thinking. I’ve wasted so much time and mental energy worrying what others think of me! I’m surrounding myself with people who will fuel my fire, not douse it #novaedchat
Positive self talk does NOT come naturally to me. I’ve been setting a 3 min timer every night and writing a positive note to self—super helpful! #NoVAedchat
In reply to
@coreythornblad, @AbbeyFMiller, @acuteteacher, @libraryms, @TechyMargaret
A4: I just started a gratitude journal for 2018--one line, a few words each day. Simple, quick and I've felt a big impact that I wasn't expecting. #NoVAedchat
A4 I think we often confuse self care with self indulgence. AND the desire to do it for ourselves or to show others we are worth it is a real challenge #NoVAedchathttps://t.co/1RKSWbCuIQ
A4 knowing yourself is key- figuring out what types of activities recharge you. For me? exercising 6 morning a week. Sundays - get up early, stretch, face mask, & listen to classical music while eating before husband & kids wake up. Took me a while to figure this out. #novaedchat
A4: Get enough sleep, try to exercise when you can, be present, hug your family, and in the wonderful building called school -- find your people. They will give you balance when the going gets rough. #NoVAedchat
A4: I keep in mind that there are other things that I can do no work related. I recently started crocheting and my goal is to make newborn and premie caps and blankets for a hospital. #NoVAedchat
A4 I read @danbharris a couple years ago & his description of the voice in his head was me perfectly, never good enough, etc. But it was only this year that I took his advice & started meditating. For at least a nanosecond or two I turn it off and just breathe. #novaedchat
A4: I rarely take work/grading home- but I work really hard while at school in order to do that! Also, I try to check email just once a night- replacing that time with reading for pleasure! #novaedchat
A4: Well I used to be good at finding time to workout and play sports. Last few years I have found it harder and harder. Part of that was from working two jobs. I am realizing I need to find that time again which is easier said than done. #novaedchat
A4 Accountbility! Right now, I’m working with a coach who set up my training/workout schedule for January and February. Having someone else follow up to make sure I’m exercising makes me stick to it, which is really good for my mental health. #novaedchat
A4 Somewhere online I found this graphic while I was setting my new year goals. I have been trying to reflect on one or two of these questions every day. These questions are deep but really push me in how I think about myself. #novaedchat
A4 I have also started really using productivity tools to guide what I do each day: using the task features in Google calendar and mail & planning reasonable amount of work for each day. #novaedchat
A4: Oh, and listen to the Happier Podcast with @gretchenrubin and @elizabethcraft -- they are my work/life balance gurus and so much of their work applies to classrooms #novaedchat
A4: I try to look at each week and see where I can schedule time to work out. Athletics was a huge part of my life, so keeping time for exercise is a huge part of my self-care. #NoVAedchat
A4. I try to limit the nights I work at home after work (laughing as I type this). I will set a timer to stop...this is usually a close friend on the phone telling me to walk away from my laptop. #novaedchat
A4: For me physical activity is key. I feel much better balance when exercising regularly. Struggling now b/c I can’t seem to get healthy enough to exercise! Not a fun cycle #novaedchat
The breathe app on my apple watch really helps me relax! When I'm having trouble falling asleep, doing the breathing exercises helps me go right to sleep! #novaedchat
I like the 10% happier app. Harris and meditation leaders talk about meditating (they even went to VMI to talk to cadets) and then do meditations. Set it up to remind me every day at 9 AM but now that I'm into week 3, it is becoming a habit. #novaedchat
In reply to
@acuteteacher, @NoVAEdChat, @danbharris
A4 Also, make use of apps! The audible app helps me make use of my commute doing something I love, and the @calm app (something I use regularly with students, too) is great for a few minutes of mindfulness. #novaedchat
one tip I heard for starting a new habit was to pair it with something you already do habitually - brushing teeth was the example. So brush your teeth, then meditate. I just keep forgetting :). #novaedchat
In reply to
@mkgderose, @witchyrichy, @NoVAEdChat, @danbharris
A4 I resist the casusal dress code most of the week. I try to dress to reflect the reverence of being part of educating children. Loooking like I am about it , makes it easier to always be about it . #NoVAedchat
A4 Also just know what you need is diff from what others need. I have a condition called POTS. I need to do extra things to stay healthy, which I used to consider a weakness. Really, though, there’s strength in taking care of yourself #novaedchat
A4. In order to turn my brain off, I keep note. I use Google Notes and Evernote. When My brain is racing, I write out my thoughts, pick up a romance novel, poor a glass of wine, and move on. #novaedchat
A4: I exercise before work at 5am. If it doesn't happen then, it's not happening...at least not now with 3 kids and a full time job. Stick with a new routine for 2 weeks and it will become a habit. #NoVAedchat
Q4- Setting goals, both for school and outside is important and then making yourself accountable. Roping in a friend or two is a great way to encourage more balance and build in some fun! #NoVAedchat
A4 Some other things that are so simple: surrounding yourself with POSITIVE people! Listening to peppy music, exercising. Walking my dog with my husband create some of the best conversations #novaedchat
I find it helpful to craft the to do list for the next day the night before for same reason...I don't go to bed thinking about all the things I have to do. Tomorrow is planned and I sleep better. #novaedchat
We're looking forward to hosting #EdCampNoVA in April! @IrvingMiddle Anyone that participates in a #NoVAedchat AND attends #EdCampNoVA will receive VIP access! This access includes: FREE admittance, the chance to leave with exciting new ideas, and a great day of learning!
A5 I'm incredibly transparent w my students about what I'm working on to be happier and less stressed/grumpy & like @misshanrahan5th I share strategies I know about w them #novaedchat
A5 I think like most things, modeling and talking about balance with our students is important. If they us practicing (and struggling too) it makes it more real #honesty#NoVaedchat
A5 Talk with them about it! Almost every PLUS (our embedded remediation time), I do a mindfulness activity with them. We also do community building circles around holiday breaks or ends of quarters. Give them the tools to reflect, and they’ll surprise you. #novaedchat
A5- I’m super open w my kids about my own journey to mindfulness. We have a chime in the classroom we ring when we need a breath (and I’m honest about when I need it) #NoVAedchat
A5- I’m also open about the things I need. For instance, I need to hydrate more than the average person and my kids always remind me to keep drinking my gatorades #NoVAedchat
A5: Model and teach. As adults, we've spent an hour talking about how hard this is for us. We have to talk with students and teach them strategies for balancing their responsibilities and needs. Can't think that they will just pick this up. We didn't! #NoVAedchat
A5 A lot of my struggles with balance were really rooted in my self-esteem. When people have high self esteem, feel successful, they are more likely to have healthy mental habits. I think that Ss need something that they are successful in to boost their self esteem! #novaedchat
A5: Talking to them about it and modeling it. Showing them the positive and negatives. Allowing them to see you fall and then get up again. #novaedchat
A5. I think we can be mindful of the amount of work we expect from them at home. We can schedule brain breaks as well to help them decompress, or at least avoid reducing recess! #novaedchat
A5: By only assigning necessary work outside class. We have so much “seat” time with our Ss- if it’s important, make it happen during our time together #novaedchat
Hi #NoVAedchat, sorry I am late. Was trying to calm the nerves of my daughters’s first midterm 😳. I am Michele and I facilitate science learning at Chantilly HS.
Nikki, I do try to do this as well. This year I took something on that did demand out of school work. Family time is important time to carve away. #NoVAedchat
I know there are schools that are including mindfulness exercises for kids. And I think we need to send the message that every minute doesn't have to be filled with activity. #novaedchat
Q5- The biggest change maker I’ve seen with my Ss is incorporating mindfulness into our (almost) daily routine. Taking a few minutes to find focus, calm, kindness, or gratitude has helped our community feel more balanced #NoVAedchat
A5 Balance is tough for my AAP students! Some of my kiddos were stressed out, overworked, and rarely had downtime. To be honest, I don’t know the solution #NoVAedchat
A6 Over the next two weeks I will reflect on what I really need to spend my time on and practice letting go of some of the less important tasks #NoVAedchat
And don't forget about setting a reminder. After awhile you will feel the need for it. I like Harris because he says even one minute or ten good breaths can make a real difference. #novaedchat
In reply to
@TDucassoux, @acuteteacher, @NoVAEdChat, @danbharris
I remember this when I was in high school a hundred years ago! My mother would let me take a mental health day now and then to just stay home and read what I wanted to read! #novaedchat
Over the next two weeks, I will __live less out of habit and more out of intent__ to be kind to myself! Positive thoughts, positive vibes, positive life! #novaedchat
Maybe we need to have a check in as exercising is definitely what I want to do to be kind to myself. Move every day. Make the fitbit happy! #novaedchat
A6 Over the next two weeks, I will make time to be kind to myself. I may not be up to my 5am workouts while I get over the flu, but I will do something small for me everyday. #NoVAedchat
