Five Tips for Decreasing Stress this Spring
It is certainly that time of the year. We’re back from spring break and time is going to fly! No matter how well you’ve planned that calendar, and how serious you are about self-care, the end of the school year can be intense! Here are five quick and easy ways to destress and, dare I say, add joy in tough moments.
Make a playlist
It doesn’t matter if you listen to Luciano Pavorati or Blackpink, or both. Listening to music can help center you. Maybe it’s the 80s kid in me, and my love of mixed tapes, but I find even the act of creating a playlist brings me joy. Make that list and then crank it up on your way into school, on your way home, or even in the classroom. In fact, having your students help you create a joyful playlist is a great community building activity. They can help you decide on the when (we play this during lunch, during transitions, when we all need to destress), and maybe introduce you to your future favorite artist. Word to the wise, do a lyric check before hitting play!
2. Go outside, go outside, go outside
As an administrator, I love recess duty. Let me rephrase that, I love recess duty when it’s warm and sunny out. I’ll raise my hand so high to help with coverage during these spring days. There’s something to be said for going outside even for five minutes. Just a few minutes outside can regulate your thinking, boost your mood, and provide much needed perspective. I’d even say this works on rainy days, but I might be fibbing.
3. Tag out
As an educator, you know this is a tool we all need sometimes. So are you using it? Whether you are a classroom teacher, an administrator, or support staff, it really doesn’t matter. It’s okay to raise your hand and ask for help. We’ve all done it, we’ve all needed it, and guess what, it’s ultimately best for everyone. Tagging out helps you catch your breath, think more clearly, and be your better self. And isn’t that who we always want to be?
4. Move your body
You know that moving your body is imperative for physical and mental health. You probably tend to this in the form of structured exercise. However, you can (and should) be moving your body all the time. Stand up, do a lap around your classroom or office. Pace, twist, stretch, jog in place, it doesn’t really matter. Moving is regulating. You know this, now do it!
5. Phone a friend
I have a list of people in my network who I can call with a specific question or if I just need to whine. I also have friends outside of work who I can lean on when things feel stressful. A great hack for me is to call someone who makes me laugh. I don’t even need to discuss why I’m down, just hearing their voice and having a moment of laughter is a great distraction. If you have a longer commute and need a break from that great playlist you created, you have the perfect opportunity to phone a friend. Can’t think of anyone to call? You can call me!
What do you do to de-stress during the harried days of spring? Comment below!
This is a photo of me in spring of 2020. Talk about a stressful time in education! I obviously forgot to practice the five tips in this post!