During my first year teaching I struggled a lot with finding time for myself. I didn't use my weekends as break, but extra time to plan for the week and update my grades. I scheduled in one "me-time" activity a week but I usually kept my mind preoccupied by seating charts and exit ticket ideas even during those. I often felt guilty taking time for myself when I knew I hadn't perfected a lesson or had something to do for class. A lot of teachers burn out this way. It took me a while to realize that, and to realize that if I want to make this a profession I would have to spend some time on myself. I struggle prioritizing what had to be done that day and what could wait until tomorrow. In my mind, it all had to be done right away. This combined with my embarrassing lack of quick grading skills led to many long nights and refilled cups of coffee. My body basically crashed from it all and I had to rethink what I was doing. Could I be effective in the classroom if I was overwhelmed and exhausted? Probably not. Things would probably go better with a happier teacher and maybe one less planned MRS strategy. I am struggling with this everyday. Trying to find more time for myself. I am doing much better than a year ago but I still have that guilt in my stomach when I'm not working. Maybe a more organized schedule in the evening will help. Maybe a PD on organization and time management. What about a PD just on stress relief. Teachers need support. We need happy hours, I'm serious. We need time to hang out, decompress, and shake off our teaching problems. Forget happy wife, happy life. Happy teachers is what we need. No wonder we all count down to breaks, we are just praying we stay afloat until then.
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