7 Ways to Thrive During Overload

Regardless of where you are in the school calendar, the feeling of distress can be overwhelming!

Don’t fret there’s relief ahead, and it just may keep you sane!

Remember that stress is your brain and body’s reaction to any demand. There is good stress (healthy levels) and bad stress (chronic and acute like a trauma). Stress affects everyone in different ways and to different degrees.

Successful stress management is a mindset (I am in charge of my own response) and a group of skills, that when utilized, can create more energy, and increased enjoyment.

Here are YOUR TOP 7 strategies of support:

  • Count to 10. While you are counting, take SLOW deep breaths… BREATH IN SERENITY and EXHALE DISTRESS.
  • Name the stress, write it down – just free write what it is, how it shows up for you, and what affect it has on you – physically and emotionally. Then brainstorm solutions to combat future challenges.
  • Mindfulness. Incorporate a 5 minute daily practice. Try freemindfulness.org and marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations. Want to practice on the go – Headspace and Calm are two apps you can download. You may need to try different options to find the style and length of practice that returns you to a calm centered state.
  • Take a walk. Being in nature really is good for the soul. If you can’t get to green, a walk around the block is beneficial too. Park in the farthest space in the parking lot and use that time to set your intentions for the day.
  • Exercise, anything from yoga to cross fit. Find what works for your body’s ability and build in as many practices as you can in a week.
  • Self-care, eat well, stay hydrated, create good sleep habits, build positive connections with family/friends, ditch technology one night per week.
  • Set NEW goals and priorities. Be completely realistic with your own expectations. Use micro goals along the way to keep on track and celebrate successes along the way.

Challenge yourself over the next 30 days to incorporate 1-2 of these strategies or recommit if you have gotten out of practice. Imagine how freeing it will be when you are able to act in stressful situation vs. reacting out of stress.

There are multiple sources of stressors, but the bottom line is this; when you feel less in control, your body responds with the stress response. How can you feel MORE in control? Each of our summer events is PACKED with actionable strategies that help you manage, influence, and orchestrate learning the want you want it to happen. This renewed sense of control over your workday life is…well, priceless!

Refine, renew, and refresh your skills with the inside, easy to understand, science on how your student’s brain works so learning HAPPENS FASTER in Teaching with the Brain in Mind.

Dig deep into how students from poverty can blow by ALL expectations and how you can build amazing educational equity at Teaching and Engaging with Poverty and Equity in Mind.

Jack up your own instructional and equity leadership skills with our life-changing Game Changers program, ideal for fostering focused, high student achieving administrators, more effective lead teachers, and highly capable instructional coaches.

Make this summer the one where you dive deep into learning and implementing the best evidenced-based strategies that will have the biggest impact on your student’s success (and yours) for years to come. REGISTER NOW!

Bring a team of 5 or more and receive 10% off each registration. When you bring a team, implementation is easier and the results are almost guaranteed. It’s easy to remember, “Bring a team or your chances are lean!”

With Gratitude,

Eric Jensen

SPECIAL NOTE: Taking care of yourself or a loved one requires truth-telling. This is not a subject that most want to hear about or take action on. But listen, there are more adult suicides every year than there are from automobile deaths. If you think you or a loved one may be overwhelmed or depressed, get help. Seek help immediately if there are suicidal thoughts, you feel you cannot cope, or are using drugs or alcohol to cope. Your doctor may be able to provide a recommendation. You can find resources and help to find a mental health provider by visiting www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.