I have always wanted to help kids grow but becoming a teacher was still emotionally overwhelming. I was bringing home the dark stories of their home lives or sad facts about their lives that they would so innocently tell me. Their darkness became my darkness. I already had plenty of my own before gaining theirs so I became depressed and withdrawn.

After some time and some therapy, I began to leave work earlier, keep the computer at work, journal in my car and then go into my home as Mia instead of Ms. Stuart. I had to create a new happiness to out weigh their darkness.

I didn't realize you could get "burnout" as quickly as I did. My self-care was so much more than a day on the couch in my pajamas, as many think it is. I work every day to take care of myself as a person and as a teacher.

I have found the most clarity when I journal. Similar to a brain dump, I place each thing I am thinking on to a page and now it is not on my mind. I journal in different ways for different feelings.

• When I am anxious about the amount I have to do, I make a to do list.

• When I become uncertain about a situation, I write affirmations.

• When I have self doubt, I write about the good things I have or do.

It has created a routine for my brain to trust and lean on.

Me Time:

The next one isn't as fancy or tailored. Each night, I take a shower. It is the beginning of my wind down time. I have to separate myself from my professional life and my personal life. I stand in the heat before I get out and take a deep breathe. It is the end of the day and the beginning of my night. I also use this time to reflect on my day and decide what

References

The Importance of Self Care