Hi again! Now I promised that I would write more, so here I am, getting my thoughts out there. Anyhow, as my backstory, I started returning to the classroom this week, as students are scheduled to return next week. As if this setting isn’t anxiety ridden enough, I found out on Friday that my class schedule will change effective tomorrow. So, this got me in a mental block. And as many of my mental blocks, it gets me to a point of paralyzing actions. Being angry, disappointed, frustrated and underappreciated leads me to have a lethargic, mental fog and anxious feeling. In fact, these are signs of anxiety.

Now, I am just a teacher and a mom, so I am not a mental health professional. But I have been treating myself for Adjustment Disorder for the past 3 years, specifically in the education setting. I have found that not having a clear plan, path or structure triggers me. But this time, contrary to what I would do three years ago, I decided to find a way to stabilize my thoughts (at least until my next appointment with my mental health professional). So here is what I did to minimize my overthinking:

1. Dedicating time for myself – Instead of constantly ruminating the situation, and how of an unreasonable idea I believe it is, I decided to dedicate a bit of time to give myself some “self care”, within my means, of course. From having a foot soak, to washing and conditioning my hair, I took the time to focus on myself and my body, to rid myself of other thoughts. Other ways can be having a massage, or watching your favorite show; just find something that can make you content, and dedicate that time for you.
2. Meditating and breathing exercises – I never believed in the power of meditation, since just recently when I went through the “rabbit hole” of YouTube. And although skeptical of the process, I started doing this. I found that I can perceive sounds and feelings that I would otherwise unperceived. Additionally, once finishing the meditation, I feel in a more heighten state, I can think more clearly and I can refocus on my purpose.
3. Talking to a friend that offers positive/real solutions – Although I have colleagues in various stages in their career, not everyone has the mindset of “taking the bull by its horns”. This can either give you the stamina you need to look beyond the situation and thrive, or continue to have a negative, complaining attitude. When in a difficult situation, listen to the colleague/friend that offers solutions, with a positive mindset, and that serves as a mentor. It is true that everything is about perspective.
4. Be active – I am personally started to walk early in the morning, not only for health reasons, but also for the way it makes me feel throughout the day. It may sound cliché, but getting in at least 20 minutes of physical activity, really influences your stamina, your feelings and your mindset throughout the day.
5. Focusing on what is important – Now, I am a constant ruminator, so I tend to focus on all the ways something is wrong, difficult or complicated. So what did I do? Well, even though I disagree completely with the situation at hand, I asked myself two questions: (1) If the plan doesn’t work, what are the consequences? My answer, well, the school (not me) would have to make another plan, and respond to the DOE. and (2) Will this matter next week, month or year? And to be honest, probably by the time the protocols take place, it won’t matter much. So, if I am not neither directly involved, nor will it matter, so the easiest solution is to just follow the plan, regardless if it isn’t of my mental approval.

So, this is what I did to minimize my mental block. I planned and programmed my classes as they were instructed, and let’s see what happens. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t, but reality is that the only way we are going to find out is if we try. I am trying to improve my mindset in order to help my family, which at the end of the day, they are what matter most.

Have a wonderful and blessed week everyone! Take care and be safe!