December is a busy month and let’s face it, being an educator can be tough year-round!  I want to share 5 things to try when stuff gets tough in this bonus mini episode.  These are strategies that have been helpful for me, and I hope you find something helpful here as well.  If you have a strategy you’d like to share, email us at [email protected] and we will share out your ideas in our Educators Facebook Group. 

1. Change your password or passphrase 

• Make it inspirational, encouraging, or funny! 
• This helps sends a positive message every time you log into your device 

 2. Write self-affirmations  

• Handwrite self-affirmations and read them aloud! 
• Counteract the negative narrative in your brain 
• Use a journal, stickies on a mirror or bath crayons in the shower! 
• Consider the stories you are telling yourself, about yourself  

 3. Say Yes! 

• Prioritize the people in front of you 
• Rachel’s example: Emergency class meeting!  
• Don’t forget about the fun 
• Rachel’s example: Dance party! 
• Pay attention to the needs of others and yourself  

 4. Say no. 

• Set boundaries, and know your limits 
• Create a culture where it’s ok for other people to say no 
• Everyone has a different capacity level; don’t compare! 

 5. Use a visual to prioritize your needs 

• List everything that is stressing you out from the big to the little 
• Create a target with a center and two outer rings 
• In the center: people and relationship (don’t forget about yourself!) 
• In the middle ring: important tasks that need a plan 
• In the outer ring: not urgent, what can I let go of? 

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

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