The Importance of Self-Care During a Pandemic

A lot of crisis leadership texts that have recently been published focus on the role of company executives and CEOs and how they are navigating our current crisis. Why I don't dispel the stress that these high company executives face, I believe that the texts have left out some of our most essential workers - those we are calling back to the frontlines this fall across the nation to educate our kids. Through various social media forums and virtual personal conversations, I know that many of you are feeling angst about the decisions we are waiting to make or to be made. We feel uprooted and unsteady during a time of year that is already a transition in our educational worlds.

What remains true, however, is that in the realm of education, you each play an integral role in developing and caring for the life of a child, whether that be directly through your classroom environment and instruction, or indirectly through a service you provide the school. Thus, the same self-care protocols should be followed for all of us so that we can show up at our best and as our best, virtually or in person, for these kids, for each other, and for ourselves.

How have you been showing up lately?

If we don't take time to pause and care for ourselves, and without a rhythm or daily routine, our bodies cannot sustain themselves under constant exposure as "chief emergency operators" for months on end. The amygdala (the part of the brain that controls emotional reactions), malfunctions, causing a weaker attention span, irritability, decreased memory and lesser problem-solving capabilities. It can also lead to isolation and withdrawal. Need a reboot? Try one of the below:

1. Wake up and drink a big glass of water as fast as you can. Clear the brain fog and get ready to get ready for your day.
2. Commit to a routine. The Morning Miracle for Teachers is a GREAT book and you can download it for free right now on Prime Unlimited through Amazon Kindle.
3. Sleep. Just do it.
4. Monotask rather than multitask. Chunk or block your schedule and commit to just one focused task at a time. 

​What steps will you take to continue to show up for your students, for your team and for yourself?