I’m in a funk.
A stressed-out, down-in-the-dumps funk.
I have a precious few days left before the intensity and insanity of the school year returns.
And I feel like I’m wasting them.
I feel pressured to make the most of this time while also also allowing anxiety to build from the other direction as I start to think about what needs to happen for this school year (the local paper constantly reporting on the changes to testing/teacher evaluation doesn’t help!).
It’s not unlike the mad dash of an Alaskan summer to get everything done before the harsh winter sets in.
But I’m letting the upcoming winter cool my summer.
I’m allowing August to seep into my July.
It’s like a steroided-out version of the Sunday night blues – when you mourn the loss of the freedoms of the weekend while berating yourself for not accomplishing every goal and allow thoughts of Monday’s tasks to intrude.
Ugh.
It doesn’t help that the intense humidity and near-constant storms have kept me from my usual cure for anxiety and too much thinking – a long run. I managed to get in four (very sweaty) miles yesterday, but that wasn’t quite enough. I still feel the pent-up energy building in anticipation along with the frustration that my days will no longer be mine to schedule.
I’m giving myself a series of goals and intentions for the last few days and I’m sharing them so that I am held accountable:
– Embrace rest. Time resting is not wasted. Give yourself permission to just read or nap or chill by the pool. It’s okay.
– Don’t waste time thinking about the changes and new pressures coming at school. You’ll have plenty of time to think about them when you’re there. And, really, they matter less than you think.
– Do something special each day you have left (favorite lunch buffet. hike, yoga class, paddleboard rental, etc.). Mark each day with a smile.
– Don’t add to your pressure. If you want to write, write. But don’t force it. The blogs will be there.
– Rather than focus on what didn’t get accomplished this summer, be happy about what did get done and, even more importantly, what did get enjoyed.
– Prioritize sleep.
– When thoughts of school come up, shift them to thinking about how good it will be to see your teacher friends again.
– Run in the rain and try not to get struck by lightening:)
I always try to make my last week before school begins my “do nothing or do fun’ week. It helps some 🙂
As much as possible, that’s my plan! Thanks:)
As a fellow teacher, I’m going to add to your list: “enjoy going to the bathroom whenever you feel like it”.
And taking more than 10 minutes to eat my lunch!!
Our school year doesn’t start until September, but I hear you. Once that year starts, it’s definitely on.
You list, I need to adopt some of it. Though not a teacher I think some of it is appropriate for all of us.