5 Ways To Get Rid Of A Teacher Funk

"Why am I in such a funk?"

This is the question and sentiment all teachers have around this time of year.  

YOU ARE NOT ALONE IF YOU FEEL 

FUNKY

October and November bring on that dreaded feeling of disillusionment.  
You are 
        tired
          worn out 
             and ready for a vacation.

What are some easy ways to banish the Teacher BLAHS away for good? 

Let’s do a reset and bring on some happiness.

Tip #1: Close the Books:  
Time to slow down and have some enjoyable, relaxing time with your students.  Step away from the text books, projects, worksheets, and Teachers Pay Teachers.  We are always caught up in the 'Get Done' mode. Relax with your students.  Ask students questions about life, have some free choice time, play a game with them, participate in the Go Noodle Brain Break with your students.  Have fun with them! 

Tip #2:  Basque in the Sunlight: 
Let your students put some sunshine into your life with a thank you note or letter written to you. They describe some learning highlights and shower you with appreciation.  If you don't want to toot your own horn let your students do it for you!   

Tip #3:  Start up the Band:  
Bring on the music.  Turn the volume up.  Sing along.  Drum the steering wheel.  Let the music rev you up. Use music in your classroom to spark imagination.  Ask students what their favorite songs are.  As long as they are appropriate make a DJ list and play these songs during the day when students are good.  I have had times when a student has better musical taste then me, and I learn what is hip in the music world.   

Tip #4:  Call in the Troops:  
Reach out to a friend or family member with a simple request.  Come to my classroom and help me spruce up my room for the holidays. You know they are going to love helping you, and you’ll definitely feel happier when the bulletin board or decorations look spectacular.  Recently, I stopped by a friends new classroom before we went out to dinner.  She was hired late in the summer and barely had time to put her room together.  I pulled out the bright pink bulletin board paper and soon her bulletin board was beautiful. It was on her to do list, but had no time.  She said just looking at the cheery pink andjust knowing I put it up for her, put a pep in her step. 

Tip #5:  Get Real with Yourself:  
Maybe you have developed some bad habits since August. Are you snacking on sweets, drinking too many sodas, eating tons of carbs, or going on a coffee binge in the morning?  Stop.  Change your routine.  Your body and mind will thank you.

5 MORE tips to beat the Teacher Funk Blues:

   

Bonus Tip:  

Embrace your inner student.  Up until this point you have had to run a tight ship.  Keeping your students in line and setting the rules and procedures.  You are in total adult teacher mode.  Don't forget that you need to be a kid sometimes too.  Cry, pout, whine, belly laugh, say silly things... You need someone to take care of you.  You need to eat a cupcake and get it all over your face. Roll in the grass, splash in the rain, do some jazz hands and get ridiculous.  Let you inner kid out with glee and take off your serious pants for awhile.  

When you get a dose of happy, your body has a chance to bolster its immune system.  The goal is to stay healthy, so you can really enjoy your upcoming vacation.  

Got any holiday plans?  Leave a comment below!