Last week, I received the nastiest parent email in my career. I was called a bully and a liar and told that my content does not matter. I cried for a few minutes while I forwarded the email to my principal. But I didn’t fall apart.
At a different point in my career, this email would have ruined my week, maybe even my month. But I’m long past my teacher martyr days. And instead of trying to find a logical reason why someone lashes out, I put the email aside. Certainly, I haven’t forgotten it. But I refuse to dwell on it.
Instead, I’m looking for some peace of mind. The world around us is a mess. Coronavirus, distance learning, and quarantine are a kind of perfect storm. But my word for the year is sustainable. So instead of dwelling in the craziness around me and instead of letting an unkind email ruin my day, I’ve focused on finding peace of mind. Here are some strategies that have been essential.
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Scheduling for Peace of Mind
Routine is comforting. In the classroom, procedures provide stability. Their predictability makes students feel safe. The same is also true in the digital classroom and in life beyond the classroom.
While we’re all working from home, a schedule can be a way to find peace of mind. The schedule doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, it should be something you can stick to and maintain. Happily, my school district decided teachers would work 9-2 during our closure. So that’s provided me with a built-in schedule. And I can build other routines (when to eat, exercise, binge watch) around that core.
Prioritize for Peace of Mind
In addition to keeping a schedule, maintaining a to-do list is also helpful for finding inner peace. At the beginning of the work day, you have a list of activities to complete. And at the end of the day, any items that remain unchecked provide a starting place for the next day.
At a different time in my life and career, I viewed an incomplete to-do list as a sign of failure. However, now I prioritize my to-do list. Any must-do or time sensitive items happen at the beginning of the day. And if some items remain for tomorrow, I’m working to be okay with that now.
In the past, unfinished tasks would keep me awake at night. But the simple act of writing those tasks down provides peace. It’s almost like those unfinished tasks are “put away” or that they have a place on the to-do list. While I know they will be waiting for me, they are also no longer hanging over me.
Make a Positive Choice for Peace of Mind
My favorite way to find peace of mind is to do something positive! Making a positive impact on the world can provide a sense of calm and joy. Here are some ways teachers can make a positive impact even in the digital classroom:
- Share a positive on Twitter or Instagram
- Send a positive email to a student or parent
- Leave a positive note in the online gradebook
- Write a thank-you note for a helpful colleague
- Post a link to a wholesome quarantine activity for students
How are you finding peace of mind right now? Let us know in the comments!
