Today we’re going to talk about how to overcome loneliness as a Teacher.
Some of you might be saying, “oh my gosh, Charlotte! We’re surrounded by people all of the time. How’s it even possible to feel lovely?”
But many of you know that it’s really possible to feel this way because for the most part, the people who we’re surrounded by are our little ones.
It’s so different talking to a child, even if they’re teenagers, versus an adult.
So we’re going to look at four ways that we can feel less lonely, because what we do as educators impacts so many lives. In order to impact all of those lives, we need to take care of our own life, most especially, our mental health.
If you’re looking for FREE reflection guides and self-care tips, visit my Free Resource Library.
Alright, let’s get started!
Actionable Steps:
#1. Lunching
If you’ve completed all of your work ahead of time, I’d love to see you enjoying your lunch in the staffroom with your colleagues.
If you can’t spare all of your recesses and lunches, I get it, because I’m in that boat with you. However, if you can eat there a couple of times a week, that’s awesome. If lunches are too long, go to the staffroom during your recess as it’s a shorter duration of time- about 15 minutes. This will allow you to connect with others, reflect together instead of on your own and learn from each other.
#2. Connecting
Connect socially with your teacher friends. Not just during class time, but outside of it as well by finding a common interest, such as bowling, having dinner together or watching a movie. Choose something you’ll all enjoy, get out there, laugh and have some fun with like-minded teachers. Doing this will help you fall in love with teaching all over again.
#3. Reconnecting
Reconnect with your current friends outside of your teacher friends.
I have a lot of teacher friends and those who are not teachers. Sometimes, the groups mix and sometimes, they don’t. It’s okay if they do but the focus here is not to indulge in all things teaching but to relax that part of your brain, to learn about other people’s lives and careers, and just let loose and enjoy yourself. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn and take into your own profession from the experience as well.
#4. Joining
Join an activity, like Zumba, playing soccer, or creating art, or volunteer to help a service in need.
Look at something that you enjoy doing and find a group that you can belong to, because now you’ll be in a space where you can connect with people who have similar interests to you outside of your profession. You’ll naturally want to talk to people about this similar interest. You can learn from each other and share ideas.
Recap:
Here are 4 steps to help you feel less lonely and enjoy your teaching profession:
- Lunching- Eat in the staffroom
- Connecting – Connect socially with other teachers
- Reconnecting- Reconnect with friends who are not teachers
- Joining- Engage in an activity or service group
Additional Thoughts:
Make it a point to do at least one of these steps so that you don’t feel lonely or burn out quickly. Enjoy being social.
If you’re introverted, do one thing. If nothing else, at least meet with a friend of yours. One can be in your teaching profession and one outside of it.
Remember, if you’re looking for FREE reflection guides and self-care tips, visit my Free Resource Library.
If you’d like additional resources for your classroom here are the three ways you can access them: 1) Free Resource Library; 2) At my store; or 3) The Creative Child Community.
Next Steps:
If you found this article beneficial, would you do me a favor? Share this with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers or someone who you think could benefit from this. Thank you!
Until I see you next time, remember to create, experience & teach from the heart.
Take care,
Charlotte
