I don't feel like it's a word we use all that often, but it's the only way I can find to describe how I've been feeling these past few weeks.
August and September begin the academic year. By October, everything is in full swing. Then November hits, and it seems that chaos reigns. After a summer of brain storming, learning, and preparing, it is exciting to begin the year with a new class. By the time we reach the weariness, frustration and complacency start to creep in. It's this way every year, we may be powerless to stop it. How do we combat the weariness that accompanies these days and continue to be our best selves?
I've had an Apple Watch for about two months now. With the release of watchOS, a Breathe app was added. In these days of weariness, I notice that Breathe app is buzzing more frequently. We have those days when these isn't time for lunch or to go to the bathroom, but I always have time to breathe. As simple as it sounds, a deep breathe can do wonders to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and chaos that threaten to take over my classroom.
This week alone, I've had: a STEM meeting, mission trip pot luck and info session, drug abuse prevention session, faculty meeting, campus ministry meeting, drop by visit from our math software program rep, faculty social, soccer game, basketball game, mission trip make up meeting, freshmen retreat, AND it's the last week before a vacation. Add to that list that my best friend suffered a tragic loss in her family and I found out with two days notice that the funeral was happening in Chicago and booked my travel plans.
I feel like I haven't seen my house all week. My routine is totally out of whack. How can I hold together a classroom when I can barely hold together my life? How do people do this with a spouse or children?
Despite the internal chaos, I try to be steady for my students and create an environment where they know what to expect, even if I am not present. However, I've also made a conscious decision to be real with my students, to tell them when I am struggling and ask for their patience. When we get to this time of weariness, I tell them that I need two minutes to breathe before I can returning to putting out all of the fires. This honesty has also given me the opportunity to expect complete honesty from them. If you're struggling, let me know, we'll make a plan; but don't make up nonsense because you've been lazy.
Having a long term plan is really helpful because I don't have think about the day-to-day. I simply follow my plan. When I don't have time during my planning to plan ahead, it's okay because it's not for that day or the next day. I can recover that planning time.
