Has anyone found a way to switch off from thinking about work?

[saadia]

I have been reading the threads lately about how awful the teaching workload is at the mpment, and like others I feel really overwhelmed by it all and seem to be working through far too much of my own time.

I can deal with that but I am finding it hard to switch off generally and to limit the time when I am thinking about work. Has anyone found a strategy to just stop worrying/ thinking and to focus on their own life, a least for some of the time?

I try to stop work a couple of hours before I go to bed, which obviously isn't always possible, going running or to yoga is good too. I always try a work free day in the weekend. But I know lots of teachers have a bigger workload than me, it's hard.

rum

ninah beat me to it, I was going to flippantly say gin! However, in reality is more likely to be a long dog walk when I get home and a glass or two of wine. I try really hard not to work on Sunday even if it means working all day and evening Saturday. Sunday night worries always start creeping in by about 4pm though!

Read a book, learn to meditate, run or walk but get out doors. Fill your brain with something so there is no room for work matters. It takes practice, though, so keep trying (and even then the latest data collection waiting to be analysed may butt in...).

Reading is about the only thing that does it for me. Even if I'm not actively worrying, I still seem to be thinking about work most of the time. Singing along to favourite songs can help to - basically something that takes over the head space, as it were.

Is there anything see to think about?! Teaching has actually taken over my life.

Glad I came across this thread, or I might not have realised. I'm going to dig out a book before bed!

Thanks all!