Every day we wake up the world has moved a little more off centre. The news is flooded with reports from all over Australia about the changing landscape. Scott Morrison must be on 2 hours of rest per day considering the amount of information he is delivering.
All of this spells – change. The brain likes to protect us from change. It sees change as a threat to our survival.
In this case we can commit to the mind’s request and utilise a known factor that will allow us to stay productive.
The reason why you have a favourite pair of jeans is because you know how you will feel when wearing them. Having a known factor in our life makes us feel confident and creative - like a ROUTINE.
Routines are a known sequence of actions or events that get us to our purpose.
Our purpose has not changed so neither should our routines. Yes, there are restrictions, but with some creative thinking we can still fulfill our purpose.
We are creatures of habit. And currently, the habit is being threatened. Where to work, when to work, who to work with is all up for grabs. This threat is sucking up energy and quality thinking time.
So how do we maintain a routine if the goals posts have been changed or are changing?
1. Win the morning, win the day
How you start the morning, sets you up for the day.
Keep the alarm set for the usual time. All the usual activities can still be incorporated. Adapt any areas that required outside locations like the gym, pool or bike group. Exercise is about movement. No need to change the diet if it works for you.
No need to change your dress standards.
Arrive at work at the usual time.
2. Stick to your timetable
Teachers run to a timetable. Blocks of productivity with breaks in between. Where possible, maintain this structure regardless of student numbers. This mindset would incorporate a certain flexibility to adapt to the numbers, but the time frame remains the same. Young people love boundaries. Sameness. Predictability.
3. Maintain a positive social distance
Rather than using the staff room for your breaks, organise with one or two colleagues to meet in the open air at a safe distance.
Remain in your room and have a Zoom meeting with colleagues.
Any informal conversation is a good opportunity to support others with positive affirmations. Talk about positive lessons, students or people.
4. Keep the students safe
I know this sounds obvious; however, it should not be overlooked. Students are looking to teachers for guidance. Reiterate washing hands, social distancing and the importance this has on loved ones remaining safe.
This is teaching 101 and is part of a natural routine.
5. Maintain your purpose
In times of change, it can be tempting to let the standards drop and blame it on the unstable climate. This is when we waver from our purpose. This is when our wellbeing takes a hit. When we compromise our commitment to our purpose a small piece of our integrity is lost. Until the directive comes that teachers are to disengage from students, then we remain focused via a known routine.
If schools shut, there is always online learning, ZOOM conferencing and other alternatives to keep us on track.
We love our favourite jeans. They make us feel good, like a known routine.
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