Teaching Through a SLUMP

 Hello, friends! My name is Jenna, and I like to learn, make, connect, and share things. 

Before spring break, I was drowning. I had a student teacher who was relying on me to show them how to teach. I create the details of my lesson plans the day before so that I can use data from that day to inform the next day's instruction. I send messages every day to families with a daily breakdown of how many minutes their 2nd-grader completed each required program. 

I was facing the comparison monster, and I was feeling like I was a complete failure. Despite those feelings, I pushed on. I was able to make it through because I have a clear self-care emergency plan for when I'm feeling this way. Here are a few ways I took care of myself and made it through a tough week.

1. Bubble baths

I like essential oils, (lavender is my favorite.) I also throw some coconut oil in the water. My skin gets very dry, so dry brushing and putting oil in a bubble helps. I also really like lots of bubbles and Epsom salt. Then, I light a candle, put on some spa-inspired music, or nature sounds. 

2. Meditation

I use the HeadSpace app, and have for the last year or so. Meditation has been transformative for my self-love journey. I have come to value the space in my head, and I find it easier to self-regulate when my emotions or anxieties are going high-wire.

3. Legos

David and I have several sets around the house. We just finished a 2,000 piece NASA shuttle, which was our couple set. Then, we have a set each. Playing with Lego bricks is so satisfying and relaxing. The bonus is that each set comes with several Lego people, and my students are always asking for more Lego people.

4. Cross stitch

My current project is a hoop with roses and leaves at the top, bottom, and both sides of the hoop. Inside are the words "I can't adult today." I'm about 40% of the way done, and I've been working on it for months, if not years. I like to sit in my hammock outside, or put on junk TV while I take my time with each pull of the thread.

5. Crochet

Just like cross-stitching, I like to put on junk TV or a podcast, when I crochet. Sometimes I crochet in silence and try to focus on the physical sensation of the yarn in my hands. I bounce back and forth between projects. I just finished a baby blanket for a colleague. I like to watch YouTube's TikTok crochet compilations. I'm thinking about tackling a granny-square cardigan sweater next.

6. Quilting

Quilting is a fun way to unwind. Progress is quick and easy to see, even if it's just one hem. Seeing something I work on transform under my hands reminds me to appreciate the process. The end result doesn't matter, it's not about the success, it's about the stitching.

7. Reading

I love reading. My YouTube Channel started out as a BookTube Channel. I love Lee Child, Amanada Hocking, Kiera Cass, Sarah J Maas, to name a few. Although, recently, I've gotten into Harlan Coben.

8. Go to bed early

Willpower is a lot like gasoline. It runs out. One way to ensure that the tank is full is to sleep more than 9 hours a night. I know that sounds crazy, and you don't have to do it for weeks and weeks at a time. I can feel the difference from day to day if I don't get enough sleep. Sleep is restorative and literally heals the brain.

9. Gratitude

I can get into a "woe-is-me" mentality pretty fast. When I hear about functioning families, or pregnant friends, it is easy to start the pile on. I'm not as close with my family as I'd like, I don't have many close friends, the close friends I've had somehow always turning their backs on me, everyone's opinionated, but it seems like I make people uncomfortable with my opinions, and on and on and on. I used to walk around with a chip on my shoulder. Now, when I feel low, I write down what I am grateful for. I start with the basics, David, my home, my career. Then, I try to get down to things I usually take for granted; a clean bill of health, unlimited hot water, a locked door, and a warm bed, and so on.

10. Being Present

The best way I engage with the slump, is to be very present. I get curious and I spend a lot of time alone. I spend hours doing intentionally little and try to notice when my thoughts or feelings take over the moment. 


I am not an expert, these are just the ways that I manage the inevitable slump most teachers go through.


How do you handle your slump?





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