Taking a Break

 This school year, it has been a goal to set and keep boundaries. As I have focused not only on my own mental health and maintaining boundaries, I have found that I have more time for myself and my family at home. I am more present. I am also sleeping better than I ever have.

When I first started teaching, I would bring work home and often do it early in the morning before my kids got up. It was hard to turn my mind off. I am dedicated to my teaching and want to do the best I can for my students. But at times there was a personal cost. I was getting burned out and really wasn't able to show up for the students like I wanted to. I am finding taking a break recharges me more than I realized. It allows me to be present with my students.

Not doing work over the weekend is hard and at times I feel like I may be unprepared, but it is also life-giving. I can start my week with a to do list, but I'm not stressed over if it will get done like I used to be. 

Taking time to get away from our house and visit people and places is another way that I am finding rest and fun. Last weekend our family visited NYC and this weekend we took a day trip to visit friends a few hours away. I am also reading and listening to podcasts about rest and building a life outside of work. I am a person who teaches and loves what I do, but I am a person first.

How do you take a break? I think this can apply to any profession. Taking a break bring a richness to our work that I cannot possess without the space.