What should I do when I have too much to do? Is this a rhetorical question? I think not. There has to be a plan - a critical response. Everyone feels overwhelmed now and then. So... what should you do? My first thought is DON'T GET SICK. My second thought is DON'T SWEAT IT IF SOMETHING DOESN'T GET DONE. After all, we can only do so much, right?
So, here's the drill.
1. Keep an agenda and REALLY USE IT. Add every assignment, appointment, practice time and place, dates with boyfriend, lunch with girlfriends, etc- - everything! Don't forget to add it, and don't forget to look at it EVERY DAY!
2. Prioritize - if you have an assignment due in two days and a birthday present to buy before the party tomorrow - prioritize. Personally, I'd have a lot more fun looking for a birthday present if I didn't have that little inner self saying, "hey, you're assignment is still not done!" So, get hopping! Get out the books, sit before the computer, and get it done. THEN you can shop till you drop.
3. Don't forget some "me" time. Even if it's just sitting in front of your favorite t.v. show - do it. Remember, "all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy," right? So, don't be dull.
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I have been feeling that overloaded pressure just recently (which is why I have not been an active participant in this week's discussion). Over the summer I must have lost my organizational pattern as before the summer began and need to refamiliarize myself on how I was able to wear multiple hats and balance my time more efficiently. A "To Do" list is where I normally start. I jot down everything that I have to get done and categorize it by chores, class lesson planning and grading, and my own class work. Unfortunately, my own class work has been at the bottom of the list and needs to be placed at the top of the list. I love it when I can cross off things and see a light at the end of the tunnel. Yet I know that I can not expect to get everything done at once or in one day. Hey if our Provider could not do it, why do I think I can? Pacing is very important and once I have reached a check point (not a completion of the list mind you), I reward myself in little ways--ice cream, a good magazine or leisure book, a movie, jogging, shopping--something to get my mind off the load of tasks still left to finish before me. And when it is all said and done, I really want to just hang around family and friends and enjoy myself, but we all know that the work of a teacher is never done;it's recursive. :)
ReplyDeleteI think all of these overbearing tasks can contribute to teacher burn out. This was a post on my blog in a previous class. Sometimes we need an outlet or a network of teachers in the same boat to find out how to cope with the pressures of teaching. It can be truly therapeutic. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteMarisa - I agree that finding a network of teachers to discuss the ongoing pressures of work (and life) is important. I feel your pain. My own kids are 18, 15, and 12. They are very independent, but I feel like I miss out on so much with them - and husband, that guy, that man I see hit or miss - because of the demands of school. Last week in particular I was feeling a sense of dread - 135 essays to grade, a blog to create, and a dinner to prepare for the football team. I think we are all in the same boat. My outlet? To be honest - prayer. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I pray for sustenance and discernment. I pray for guidance. I pray that we all stay healthy. This helps me tremendously! What works for you?
ReplyDeleteLori