Help winding down

[Bakingwithmyboys]

I have the luck of an extremely challenging class this year both in behaviour and ability (who doesn't). They are year 4 but even for year 4 very immature and low.

They cannot follow instructions being one of the problems. I'm a parent to younger ones so often do my marking in the evening.

I've just got so wound up after marking a set of books at their inability to listen and follow instructions. I'm going to be asking for help with this class and probably really need to lower my expectations.

Having got so wound up finishing marking at 10:15, how can I calm down and go to bed? I need to separate myself from this so I can sleep but I'm not sure how?

Wondering about a mindfulness app or something.

You can buy mindfulness cards online.

Headspace is free for educators and Calm offer a discount for educators. I like to listen to their sleep stories to help me relax and unwind. I am now falling asleep within minutes of putting a story in.

Also, look up compartmentslisation online. There are lots of CBT/NLP type tips to help you put up professional boundaries. But i have to admit, i am still working on this too. It's because you care.
I am no expert but have learnt for every 'transaction' (moment when you have given something of yourself so could be during a lesson, advising a pupil, marking, behaviour management etc...), you should do something for you after so if you have to mark so late, set aside half an hour before bed for calm app etc...but for me i am trying to practise this in school day between classes so it has to be very quick...sounds weird but just closing a book after finishing marking, i use that as a symbol to move on in my mind to next class/ issue. It's simple but works quite powerfully for me. I will deal with any learning gaps with the class but at that moment, don't dwell. You can do this with shutting a door after a class leaves, symbolically cleaning your desk/hands (useful now too!) Allowing the problems of that day to fade too. In the evening, your transition moment, could be a cup of herbal tea or whatever before bed, looking at a beautiful picture, your sleeping children, whatever brings you back to a relaxed state.

Sounds strange but works for me - most of time! 🙂

Looks like i killed the thread

I can understand this investment but I have to say, tell yourself it’s only a job and go and look at your sleeping kids and that might help it pale into insignificance. ITS ONLY A JOB.

Re: your year 4s, definitely lower your expectations and work on their listening skills. I’m in special Ed now and it’s been a while since I’ve been subjected to the pressures of mainstream so I know it’s easy for me to say, but the groundwork needs to be done in order for them to progress. Also, it’s still early days in the term. Good luck!

I play two games called ‘toon blast’ and ‘toy blast’ on my phone! 🤣 sounds daft but it is mindful and helps me to destress. It’s also very satisfying popping the blocks. Have a look!

I am trying to force myself to read something light until I get really sleepy. It means I'm not getting to bed until nearly midnight then up by 6, but at least I am sleeping for that time. If I go to bed earlier my head is still buzzing with work and I barely sleep a wink. And of course it's a vicious circle as the less I sleep the more I panic about work! I hope you find something that works for you.