Last week we looked at the benefits of taking time off from teaching English as a Second Language.
However, for those of you who feel the pressures of work building up on a daily basis, waiting for a week off or taking a month off at the end of your contract is not always feasible. Indeed, even those precious weekends may be going too quickly, not allowing you to relax the way you need too in order to face the next work week ahead.
Everyone needs a chance to step back and partying hard during your weekends, although one way of relieving stress, certainly won't help clear your mind on Monday morning when you are nursing a hang over. Here are a few ideas that work:
- Try setting aside at least 15 minutes a day at work to relax.
- Find a quiet spot in between classes or better yet, during your lunch break.
- Put work related issues aside, in fact, put everything aside.
This moment is about you and you only. Past coworkers use to return home to their apartment and take a nap. Others went to a local park and sat down on a park bench to just watch children play. Others still went to coffee shops just a few blocks away and had some traditional herbal tea whilst watching people walk by.
Personally, I use to find just switching my mind off altogether was often the best way to handle things when they were getting too stressful at work. I would often just return home after going to the local bakery to buy some pastries and than I would watch a movie. Something that still helps me takes my mind off things when I am feeling overwhelmed.
Another tactic is also to simply close your eyes between each class. Go up to your office and sit at your desk. Cross your arms and place your head on them and take a five minute cat nap. You may be surprised at how these little things will help you get through sometimes grueling schedules.
Whatever your thing is, make sure that you do something that allows you just to enjoy the moment. These little moments in time will help you start your next class feeling fresh and ready. After all, if you don't take care of yourself who will?
Next week we will be looking at taking steps towards helping you get the most out of your body and mind by undertaking extra curricular activities.
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