This weekend, I read an article at mindful.org about a journaling practice and overcoming things that are holding me back. As a teacher and coach, it is so easy for my nervous system to be completely overstimulated, and I have made a commitment to myself this year to work on staying present. When we become overstimulated, our minds literally go everywhere, so using strategies like intentional breathing, meditation, and journaling can help us focus on the present.
For those of us who have been here a while, we know that March is a rough one. The phrase "in like a lion, out like a lamb" can refer to so much more than the weather. As the weather ramps up, so do student behaviors. Some days, it is so overwhelming to manage, and over time, we develop "survival strategies" to just get us through the days.
I think the PD quote that aggravates me more than any is: "Remember your 'why'." I literally roll my eyes out loud when a presenter says that to me. While that thought probably comes from a place of empathy, teachers have been beat over the head with it so much that it's lost effectiveness. I can remember my 'why' and want to scream at the same time, so I know that I need to do more. Journaling is a wonderful way to get your express our emotions and manage our mental health. Because just getting the words out of our head and on to paper can help us feel better, journaling is a proven method to manage anxiety, reduce stress, and prioritize issues. It also can help us track problems, so that we can see if there are recurring issues that we need to face, analyze, and problem-solve.
So get a cute notebook, some fun pens, and set it on your desk. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, take just a minute to write it down. Put your thoughts to paper and feel the pressure lighten up.
For journaling prompts, check out the Peaceful Prompts page. I will be updating it regularly, so check back often for more ideas!
