The last couple of years may have been the hardest for most of us. The education profession is hard but if done right, it is extremely rewarding. I have been reading and reflecting a lot and continue to see the repeated theme of self-care.
There have been many posts on social media stressing that the industry should create space and schedules that allow for educators to invoke self-care. While I couldn’t agree more, I often wonder if it we need to have the courage or maybe intention of setting boundaries. It’s tough. I know. The education environment makes it hard to say no to things. But others are not going to do it for us.
Self-Compassion
I wonder if it is an attitude adjustment (for lack of a better word). While participating in a Yale School of Management course, I sat in conversations based on research showing that a positive learning environment and a positive working environment needs to insert more compassion.
My professor, Dr. Emma Seppälä, defines compassion “as the emotional response when perceiving suffering and involves an authentic desire to help” (Psychology Today). By nature, educators are compassionate people especially when it comes to students. Have you thought about how to leverage that compassion for your benefit?
Engage in Helpful Behavior
No more suffering in silence. Begin engaging in helpful behavior starting with self-compassion because there are scientific benefits when using self-compassion including buffering stress and increasing well-being. The so-called attitude adjustment that I mentioned above is about this. Start saying no when you know you can’t add one more thing to your schedule. Find even 5 minutes for yourself on a workday to just take a breath or talk to your teacher friend. Continue to make connections with students and that includes sharing your passion.
If this sounds difficult to you or you are getting angry because you can’t imagine this self-compassion will be accepted at work, please seek out a trusted colleague. The two of you can agree to hold each other accountable even if it is to try and do one thing to make your life and time at work better or more enjoyable.
This year, I am working on a mindset of joy. I want to remember the things that I love about being in education. I want to celebrate the big and small things with students and colleagues. Most importantly, I am going to use the same compassion that I do with everyone else with myself. Here’s to a great year!
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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