Mindfulness in it's simplest definition is being present and aware. How can you be present and aware if you aren't taking mindful moments to take care of yourself?
You can be mindful when you are getting ready for school. Breathing deeply, slowing down your thinking, taking the time to truly experience your morning routines.
Am I brushing my teeth for two minutes?
Am I truly tasting my coffee?
Am I enjoying every bite of my breakfast?
Do I experience my morning hugs to my family or is it routine?
How can we promote mindfulness to our students when we can't seem to figure out our own mindful lives?
Have we taken time to check in with our thoughts and feelings?
Studies have shown that those in a service field (that's us) experience more burn out when they give, give and keep giving of themselves. Those same studies also teach us that those who practice a mindful daily gratitude toward their job, those they help, and themselves feel better and experience less burn out.
Our emotions at work can have a impact on how we view ourselves, our students, and our jobs. Adam Grant, an Organizational Psychologist and professor at Wharton has a Podcast called Work Life TED. In one episode he spoke with Alicia Grandey an I/O Psychologist and professor at Penn State. Alicia talked about the concept of "Fake it 'till you make it". She calls this surface acting and it can be the road to burn out. Alicia implores us to go beyond the surface and engage in deep acting and "Feel it so you don't have to fake it."
Really engage in feeling the welcome you give to your students every morning. Truly embody the kindness you want them see and feel.
Mindfulness can help you dig deeper and feel it. Self-care mindfulness can help you want to dig deep and feel it.
This week I challenge you to find time for self-care mindfulness. Whatever it may be...
-slowly drink your coffee
-have a cup of tea
-experience a piece of chocolate
-smell a candle/essential oil/anything that smells good
-taste every bite of your breakfast
-buy yourself lunch
-have something "bad" for you like a doughnut
-play calming music in your classroom as you get ready for the day
-meditate
-stretch/yoga... feel free to use the hallway display :)
-have a non-school related conversation with a co-worker
-do a random act of kindness
-journal, write a gratitude list
The more you take care of yourself, the better you will be able to take care of others.
After you have taken some time for your own self-care, explore self-care with your students. Many of our students are raised to be resilient and do what needs to be done. Many of our students look after younger siblings, makes meals, do laundry, and work to meet their basic needs. Our students likely do not even know that it is alright to take a few minutes every day to reflect on how they feel and what would make them feel better. The mindfulness you practice in class might be the only time they feel is just for them.
I would love to see us take time for our own self-care and then set up self-care times in class.
Studies have shown when companies put employees first, not customers first, the customers feel they are treated better and the employees are happier. In one study doctors were given a bag of chocolate before seeing a patient. The doctors took a closer look at symptoms and were better able to made a timely and through diagnosis. The doctors didn't even have to open the chocolate to perform better, just the simple act of the random gift made them feel more appreciated and they performed more effectively.
Let me help you perform more effectively. If you have read this blog please come see me Monday morning for a self-care treat. Sometimes self-care starts with a little help. Let me help you in the hopes it inspires you to help yourself and your students.
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