Hi! I'm wondering what types of health and wellness challenges you may face as a result of your career or teaching lifestyle. Does school make anything physically or emotionally worse for you? Do you have a method to maintain health and wellness throughout the year? Also, what types of health and wellness challenges do you feel your student face often, are there any strategies that help them? Would you consider using a mindfulness practice or essential oils in your classroom or for personal use? Thank You to those of you that share!
Ahhh, I recognized the sales pitch from the first paragraph!! Most schools that I know of do not allow essential oils in the classroom.
I exercise- cardio and weightlifting, and I pay attention to my diet. That's it. There's not secret really. I think students face the problem of eating what is in the home, which may not be healthy. And since they don't have options, they are forced to eat unhealthy food.
I walk or run several days per week. I'm not sedentary on my classroom and I love my job. School doesn't stress me out. I'm a vegetarian and live a healthy lifestyle. I would not use oils in my class in case of student allergies.
I have enough allergies and sensitivities to respectfully avoid scented oils, and I also respectfully decline the sincere request for "mandatory" mindfulness every morning. I have an hour drive in alone, with my thoughts, I am there at least 45 minutes before contract time, more than enough time for me to let down and appreciate whatever my body and mind are trying to tell me. What works for some does not work for all.
Since retiring from the classroom to tutoring, I notice that my arthritis has improved and I am better able to control my diet. Scented things are too risky in the classroom. We weren't even allowed to wear perfume.
I have to go to to the gym early in the morning now, and I can't eat my meals at the times I'd like. I also got about 97 colds in the fall last year. That was a challenge.
I like to take morning walks before school starts, to heave in the fresh morning air and collect my thoughts "mindfully" to get ready for the day. The gasp of morning air really helps .. it can get so hectic in the day that i forget that i am breathing..
