Stay Positive and Prepared as We Transition Back to School

As therapists and educators, we want to be strong, positive role models for our students. But how do we manage this when life is so uncertain and difficult?

For many of us, things have never been so challenging, both at home and at work. We’re coping with many demands, from trying to stay healthy during the pandemic to understanding new technologies and ways of working with students online.

To make the transition back to school as smooth as possible, here are ten steps you can take. Some are actions to do on a daily basis, while others are longer-term plans to consider:

1. First, try to keep the big picture in mind! Although this is a painful and stressful time, things will eventually change and improve.

2. Many of us will likely be working from home this fall, which comes with some advantages. For example, having no commute gives you more time at home to be with family, cook good food, or do other things you enjoy. Be sure to spend some time each day on an activity you like, whether it’s walking, yoga, painting, or anything else that nourishes you.

3. Create a gratitude journal and note three things that go well each day. Take time to appreciate the good things you experience, from a bit of positive news in the world to a delicious dessert after dinner.

4. Know that there will be unexpected bumps in the road and try to take these in stride. Be gentle with yourself and others as we all cope with anxiety, situations, and/or technologies.

5. Take breaks, including a lunch break, during each workday. Set alarms to remind yourself if needed. Once your workday is over, stop checking email and (if possible) let your phone go to voicemail. If you do this routinely, people will start to understand when you are and are not available.

6. Before school starts, take time to review online-based materials that you’ll need to use. Come up with ways to adapt materials not designed for online learning.

7. Talk to colleagues (both your coworkers and people you meet in online groups) to share ideas, questions, and curriculum. Lend support to your colleagues when they’re struggling and ask them to support you as well.

8. Model coping strategies, such as deep breathing or looking outside at something in nature, for the students you work with. This can be helpful in the middle of a class or session when you or your students are feeling stressed.

9. Maintain a daily routine comparable to your regular work routine. Get dressed, eat breakfast, take control of those things that are actually in your control.

10. Plan ahead, so that once schools open, you’ll have some strategies already in place. This will ease the stress of that upcoming change.

Another great resource you may want to try is this webinar on educator self-care, which focuses on social and emotional health for educators. It shows every 15 minutes here: https://www.constantloveandlearning.com/educator-self-care-webinar

There’s also the option to join the Constant Love and Learning Inward Circle program, which runs for ten weeks beginning July 26: www.constantloveandlearning.com/inward-circle

I will be joining and can’t wait!

Article by Elizabeth Sautter, M.A., CCC-SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist & Executive Director of Communication Works

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