Pace Yourself

Feb 11, 2024

Ever run a marathon? It is my understanding you are supposed to pace yourself so you don’t run out of steam before crossing the finish line. I can’t speak from direct experience, though. (Personally, I believe running should be reserved for when being chased by a bear – as God intended.) Whatever the case, pacing is very important – which is something educators need to keep in mind as we make our way towards spring.

Teachers, by nature, I believe you are caregivers – which means you tend to obsess on the well-being of your students. Although this is normal to some degree, continuous obsession raises stress levels. Lord knows there are never-ending behaviors, problems, and other school issues on which to focus, but if you don’t step away from the concerns, they will consume you, and your well-being will suffer.

So, at the end of each school day and on weekends, find ways to leave work at work. Obviously, issues need to be addressed, but by routinely taking small breaks, you will be better able to pace yourself and deal well with stressors. Additionally, resting from time-to-time as you are running your daily rat race will increase the likelihood you will best be able to complete the journey in good emotional and physical health.

I, for one, will be stepping away from my work this evening to root for the Chiefs while watching the Super Bowl. Although I also like the 49ers, I’m currently Kansas City-bound to work with a district full of Missouri educators. And I feel certain a win for their home team today will have a direct and positive impact on the climate of our session tomorrow.

Start of School Goals

Welcome to the new school year. Consider kicking it off by working with your students on setting behavior and/or academic goals. I tell younger students, “One goal makes our heart happier, and the other makes our brain smarter.” Frame the discussion in terms of...

School’s About to Start! Woo Hoo! …or not

While at a restaurant earlier this week, I really enjoyed a conversation coming from the booth next to me. Two brothers were talking about the start of school. The soon-to-be first grader told the waitress he couldn't wait! The soon-to-be eighth grader...not so much....

A New Year

As we said goodbye to 2025 earlier this week, I was thinking about one of my favorite animated children’s specials, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. In it, Father Time tells Rudolph that if the horrible vulture, Eon the Terrible, takes Happy, the Baby New Year, time stops...

Enjoy the Journey

Perspective and attitude carry a great deal of weight when it comes to behavior. Accordingly, I need to slow down during this hectic month. Of course, my tendency is to speed up. I make a list of all the tasks needing completion before the year’s end and check it...

Homeostasis

You might have noticed I stepped away from technology over the past few months. It wasn’t a choice at first. 2025 has been a challenging year - and one that has reminded me of the importance of homeostasis. A simple definition of homeostasis is “any...

Using Our Time Wisely

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry – this was not my intent. As I mentioned in a prior blog, my wife and I spent a great deal of time over the summer in Ohio with a lifelong friend who is now in hospice care. We’ve felt fortunate to be able to do this. ...

Unseen Challenges

We don’t know what we don’t know – this is the mantra that’s circled through my brain on several occasions this summer. People have all kinds of challenges that are not always visible to outsiders. And when we don’t know the full story behind people’s behaviors,...

Acknowledge, Defer, Step Away

So parents, are you enjoying time with your kids while school is out? Though summer can be great for families, it can also present challenges. Close quarters, combined with high amounts of together time, can become a breeding ground for conflict. Keep in mind that...

Blooming Challenges

II’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Parents, you are going to get frustrated with your kids. But when that happens, find an activity you enjoy and step away. This strategy help you avoid a power struggle, and more importantly, adjusts your perspective....

Time to Refuel

Educators, this is just a reminder that It’s called summer break for a reason. Your work August through May is draining, which takes a toll on your physical, emotional and mental health. You might not be consciously aware of this now because when your brain and body...

Mother’s Day – A Collective Effort

It’s Mother’s Day - and the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. This seems appropriate since most teachers play the role of surrogate mom about 180 days per year. Teachers nurture, support, encourage, provide boundaries, model, listen, and teach. These...