Learning To Unwind

“Finding ways to unwind and switch off is just as important as working very hard.”

-Francesca Hayward

Is there anyone out there, like me who struggles to unwind after they get off work? I feel like when I was in my twenties, it was so much easier to just switch off my brain but as I have gotten older that is not the case. You see, I am a teacher which you can imagine doesn’t have a clock out time. Technically, I totally clock out but I’m speaking mentally. When a teacher leaves their classroom for the day, their students are constantly on their mind. It doesn’t just stop when the bell rings, it is an all-day occurrence. We are constantly going over our days with a fine-tooth comb, thinking of ways we can better help our student’s succeed. It’s never-ending but I truly love what I do. Sure, I have some really craptastic days but those are always washed away by the good ones. In the last year, with COVID that worry that I am not doing a good job as a teacher has been constant. So much so it is probably hindering my progress rather that propelling me forward. This all came to a head when I went to the doctors and she mentioned I may have high blood pressure as a result of stress or eating too much salt (which I will get into a later blog). OH HELL NO….. this was a big eye opener because now it was affecting my health. So here I am trying to find different ways to destress when I leave work for the day!

Here are some ways that have helped me!

• 1.    Be honest with how you are feeling. 

• 2.    Silence. As a teacher I spend my whole day talking, it comes with the territory. So when I get home, my husband knows not to take it personally and understands I need that break to reset. 

• 3.    Read a book!

• 4.    Go and workout

• 5.    Write it down. Sometimes if my brain won’t stop, I try to write it down on a piece of paper.

• 6.    Do something with my hands! I love to cook and draw.

• 7.    Playing a mindless games on my switch.

• 8.    A hot shower! I call this my “mermaid time” where I can relax in the steam. 

 What are somethings that you do to unwind? Comment below. That’s all for now! See you in the next blog. 

Toodles Noodles- Caitie