Sunday, August 23, 2015

#30Goals: Enjoy a zen moment!



What I have learned in the past 20 years I have been teaching is that there is at least one time in our lives that we teachers will suffer from burnout. There will be a time when we will realize that we have worn ourselves out, taking care of our students' needs but we have forgotten to take care of ourselves first.
Don't worry! It happens to everybody!!
So you should find ways to unwind! You need to stop being a teacher and be there for yourself!

  • Watch what you eat: I know that some of you will not consider this as a zen moment, but actually it is. If you take the proper amount of nutrients, you will feel better, happier and have more energy. Most of us teachers do not eat at all, drink a lot of coffee and then come back late at night and consume large quantities of junk food. Toxin, toxins and more toxins! Treat your body right and gain the energy you need!
  • Yoga / breathing: It doesn't have to be a yoga class. Just devote a few minutes to yourself. close your eyes and try out some breathing / meditation techniques. It works! It clears your head, it releases you from stress and negative thoughts.      

 
  • Running/ walking: I know that some of you will say that they don't have time to devote because of work. I know. I work 13 hours a day. You have to make time though. 30 minutes, three times a week. If you don't consider yourself fit to run, walk. Get up half an hour earlier in the morning or get back from work on foot. It helps, it makes the blood flow, it gives you the chance to change scenery, to stop thinking about work, to listen to your favourite song. I am lucky enough to live in a city with a wonderful seafront - it is a fantastic place all year round to walk or run!




  • My ultimate zen moment is exercise: It's the time I leave everything behind, concentrate, focus on my goal and have a feeling of achievement at the end of the session.
What I have realized all these years is that in order not to suffer from burnout in every profession, the rule is one: You don't live to work, you work for a living.
It doesn't matter if you love your job, you have to take care of you so as to be there for others.
Do one thing that you love. For me is movement, for you it can be reading, solving crosswords, knitting. Being with other people who are not teachers is also crucial.
Don't forget!  #Selfcompassion #Selfcare
 

3 comments:

Fabiana Casella said...

You are SO right, Theodora!! No excuses No more! :) Perfect reminder!! Brilliant post, as usual!

Unknown said...

I have always admired the way you keep in shape and use your Zumba for Zen! Thank you so much for your participation in The 30 Goals! I can't wait to give you a hug in person some day!

Theodora Papapanagiotou said...

A girl's gotta dance my dear Shelly!!!!
Fabiana thank you so much for your kind words!!
Love you both!

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