It took years for me to learn but it does not mean all teachers have to learn that way. With 15 years teaching ESE and many other classes in Middle School, halfway in that time frame it hit me. I accepted my situation. I accepted the fact of who were my principals, grade chair leaders, and team leaders. I accepted my challenging students and parents. I accepted the workload whether I was teaching several classes of social skills, credit retrieval, or math classes. I accepted what was thrown at me and changed my attitude about the situation. After all, I was a pro, I was trained and I knew how to adapt and make the best of the things I could not change. As for the things that were in my power to change, I did. This means after accepting all variables mentally, I worked to be at optimum health. Physically I always “made” time to exercise not “find time”. No matter how tired I was, I would put down the fast food orders and cook healthy meals. And for mental, which is just as important— I learned how to take personal time for myself. Make teaching “absent” from your thoughts sometime during the day and have a life of personal time. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and it is no different when teaching is absent from your thoughts even for a few hours a day. I always say it. Take time for yourself. Take a nap, visit family, call a friend, read a book for fun and not professional development, walk your dog, go shopping. Here are some popular Teacher Mental health books and Tools on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Take Time for yourself! Feel free to leave comments or contact me for anything at all especially if you need more help. Appreciate your support and Remember, You are a 24/7 Teacher- J. Harrod
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