Embracing a more simplistic lifestyle for new teachers means balancing the time between work and more quiet domains of life. Bringing back simplicity means reconnecting with extended family and friends and rediscovering the pleasure in the small things you used to do for yourself. Teachers are constantly wound up by so many little yet important areas of planning, teaching and assessing that by the time they reach home, they are still thinking about school and find it difficult to disengage from school mentally because planning takes so much time and effort.

How can teachers adapt a more simplistic lifestyle?

Simplicity is a state of mind and a state of being. It is a concept embedded in the here and now. Teachers can easily take advantage of this state of being in terms of connecting with those small moments that allow them to give more of themselves to their families without feeling restricted and bound to a schedule. New teachers who are especially (new) mothers, often feel guilty of not being enough with their children when they’re with their students and not spending enough time with their students when they’re with their children.

So with that said, here are a few new teacher tips:

• take a walk with your child on a nature trail. Breathe deeply.
• invigorate the five senses
• reflect and relive memories with an old friend or family member
• practice gratefulness for living: a wholesome attitude that comes from within.
• meditate, find your own serenity prayer
• sit and write in your journal.
• make a special time out for family and friends.

Experiment but Enjoy Your Time

Give yourself a week to two to experiment with your new activities. Are you noticing any changes? Are you expending your energy well? Do you have time to pursue old pastimes and still nurture your family on a level that is satisfying to everyone involved?

Time with your family cannot be measured on a chart. Make those moments count!

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