The Daily Grind & Grit

 The Daily Grind & Grit

Strategies or tips for protecting our best interest today — our mental environment. 

It is the 21st century and America is trying to get back to normal.  But is it for teachers?  Here are some strategies or tips for protecting our best interest today, which is our mental health and the environment. 

America teachers, educators, instructors, or heroes aren’t strangers to circumstances or challenges.  Some of these hero’s had to overcome struggles of their own throughout the plan-demeic and after the ordeal.  These beautiful people had to creating online learning for their first-time.  They had to create online content/material for their Google Classes, Google Hangout, Zoom Classes, and more.  

	I know teaching means different things to different people but think about your own schooling experience.  Which teacher(s) stands out for you?  I am almost certain it was the once’s that displayed love, kindness, gratitude, and a sense of reciprocity.  Teachers, educators, instructors, and coach in America are the biggest impact on the future.

Yes, teaching or instructing is tough.

No one who has actually worked in a classroom would disagree with that short statement.  You need to have great to extraordinary   subject knowledge, wisdom, and skills needed to be prepared.  You need to be flexible and excited, enthusiastic, compassionate, passionate, open-minded but also tough.  These hero’s have felt more pressure than ever before as many juggle extra responsibilities, unexpected interruptions, educational gaps, and behaviors unlike before the pandemic.   

Teachers and Coaches are our everyday heroes.  I never forget Billy Graham saying: “A coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime.”  Of course, it isn’t about teacher vs coach because teachers are coaches.  They help get students/scholars from point A - Z.  Again, think of at least one or more teachers that impacted us and maybe even inspired us to be and do the things that we are doing as our passion today.  Teachers, educators, instructors, or coaches do so much more than plan fun educational activities that keep our children occupied each day.  They do more than babysitting children each day.  They do more than parent their own kids.  They do more than care for their own homes.  They do more than teach them what they need to know to pass tests.  They actually have the God given power to inspire, empower, and change the course of the lives they impact for so much good!  So, you want to inspire the educators in your life or community?  Ask them if they need anything for their rooms.  Ask them if they need assistance in anything.  Buy them a cup of coffee.  Send them a thank you card.  Send them a gift card for lunch.  The list goes on, but what about their mental health? 

The Reality 

 One of the hardest things today is to talk about our mental health.  As I mentioned above.  These hero’s have had to juggle many competing demands from home life to the demands on campus.  As a result, it has affected some of our hero’s in Americas mental health and wellbeing. 

As a husband, father, and educational leaders.  It is important that ALL teachers take the time to prioritize their own mental health and wellbeing, for their benefit and the benefit of the whole school community. So, now what?  I have added my own strategies and tips.  Of course, I have also taken the liberty of adding some extra resources for you all because without you I wouldn’t be the person I am today. 

1)    Carve out time for Self-Care:  Carving out some time to prioritize exercise.  Carving out time for reading, journaling, meditation, or spending time doing a hobby.

2)    Be Unapologetic:  I am not sorry, but we live in an “I’m sorry” culture.  During this time, consider how often you apologize, or you see others apologies?  Of course, don’t take this out of context.  Be unapologetic about taking time for yourself is just as important as breathing.  Be unapologetic about setting boundaries, and being clear and transparent about what you are capable of and what you need.  I know this is one of the hardest things to do for many, but oh so important for maintaining mental health and wellness.

3)    Reaching OUT:  If you feel like you are having a tough time or day, and are struggling in anyway with enjoying things you love.  Reach out to a co-worker, friend, counselor.  All of the resources that we shared for students/scholars can also be utilized by teachers, educators, instructors, and coaches. 

4)   Mindful Teacher:  If you really want to overcome mental meltdown.  It isn’t about self-indulgence.  It is about staying healthy, grounded, or centered so we can keep helping others on the journey learning.  Practicing yoga, or taking walks is essential and truly important at improving your mental health.  

5)    Remove the Elephant:  Despite what most will tell you.  If you don’t remove the elephant in the room, nothing improves or gets better for anyone.  A wonderful book I totally recommend is “How To Train A Wild Elephant.”  I won’t give out details…just read it.  Most of the practices have a physical component. 

 

I truly hope what I have shared with you today.  Will resonates with you or someone you know in the field of education.  

Resources: 

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/19/12/safeguarding-mental-health-teachers

 

https://teach.com/resources/mental-health-resources-teachers-school-staff/

 

Books:  

The Laws of Power by Robert Greene 

The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon 

Limitless by Jim Kwik 

10 - Minute Focus by Daniel Walter 

Positive Psychology by Dr. Carl Bene