I am at the end of my first week, and for instance, today was not particularly stressful, the week has not been stressful really, but I come home and fall into a coma and sleep for 4 hours instantly. I think it may be the waking up at 5:30am, or my bimodal sleep pattern, but all the new teachers at my school say they are tired.
It’s a matter of getting into a routine. Teaching is difficult mentally and physically and if you aren’t used to it, it’s normal to feel tired. You should feel better once you find your feet and rhythm.
And also, every single other new teacher ever. Seriously though, it's a high stress position, you're in a new routine, and you're thinking about wanting to do the best for your kids. Even if it isn't physically taxing, it's very mentally and emotionally taxing. I'd like to say it gets easier. It doesn't... but you do get used to it all.
First week or so, you will be exhausted. Last day of school before break... you will sleep all weekend. I'd only be concerned if you weren't doing that!
I still get a sore throat at the end of the first week of school every year because I’m not used to all the extra talking and projecting my voice I have to do!
Totally normal. I passed out every day after school for the whole first year, too. I know it's hard to even think about, but try to get some gentle physical exercise in if at all possible -- even a 20 minute walk. It will actually help you feel better. Take good care of yourself, drink lots of water, eat well -- you need all the energy you can get!
Agree with everyone! A lot of your fatigue comes from doing everything for the first time. It will get easier, but it takes time. Best of luck! Have fun.
Yup sounds about right for the first week. It takes time to get used to the exercise. Teaching is a lot like running a marathon. You start training and it takes time to get your body used to it. Once you're running and you get into your stride, it's easy like Sunday morning. And yes others have said - light exercise, eat right drink plenty of fluids. I do yoga and meditation every morning then I go to the gym on Mondays. Because of my leg I like to do a lot of the balancing things. It helps a lot.
After 10 years of teaching, I still plan to nap a bit during the first 2 weeks as my body adjusts. I'll probably be coaching after school this year (first time) so that might not be happening. Drink lots of water, plan a snack for after school (apple, cheese - something with protein), and make sure you are taking a multi-vitamin (I might even suggest a Vitamin B complex pill too).
TERRIFYING. I am not even exaggerating when I say that I physically cannot get up any earlier than 5:30.
.... *more nervous laughter* probably at least the first month I'll be up at 2.30/3 and at school by 5.30.
Over 25+ years here, and I am still exhausted after the first week. Teaching is exhausting. I have found 5 things that are really important, but probably not surprising to most. 1. Vitamins each day--especially a multi-vitamin 2. Exercise 3 to 5 times a week for 20+/min day 3. A power nap--25-30 minutes is my preference. Often do this shortly after I get home or after dinner. Even if you don't fall asleep, the resting really helps. I don't recommend naps over an hour each day. 4. A good night sleep. With no nap-7 1/2 hours+/ night. With a power nap, 6 1/2 hours+/night. 5. Always have breakfast with either some protein (even if it is just milk) or fruit. The nice thing about how tiring teaching is it makes it easier to fall asleep at night. Hope your year is a great one!
It's exhausting and full of stress even when it seems it's not. You are making hundreds of decisions. Answering hundreds of questions. Trying to stay organized. Trying to stay happy. Trying to stay healthy. Balancing home and school routine. You think you have it all...but your body recognizes the change. Nap is the best solution.
Teaching is exhausting! My legs and feet are always super sore after the first week and I'm on my 7th year. It gets better!
I honestly think it's because we do ~nothing~ for two months or so and then we go from that activity level to, well, teaching. It's like starting a new job all over again, takes time to get used to it again. I've figured out if I keep up with my exercise over the summer it's not AS BAD... But let's be honest here...I get lazy on the summer.
This makes me remember my first year teaching (1978). I was teaching middle school math and 6th grade was giving me a fit. I would go home to our small apt. lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling wondering what has God wrought. Then I would go run five miles. That along with chatting with my AP helped me greatly. After about 7 weeks I had them figured out and loved it. Loved it enough to teach for 39 more years.
We don't go back until Sept 6. I am so glad the first day this year is on a Thursday. Having the first week start on a Monday or Tuesday is always rough----at least with Thursday it's a super short week to ease us into things. With my classes it's particularly easy. Day #1=intro and review of summer work, Day #2=quiz on summer work. Then we start the new material fresh the following Monday.
I just finished the first week of school. I got nine hours of sleep last night, and I'm still unable to move without pain or do anything productive. Both the beginning and ending of the school year are truly exhausting, no matter how long you've been doing it.
Get a facial and massage. Also, go see a good chiropractor. I’m telling you, your life will be forever changed. I now make sure to do these things at least once a week now. I’m a new man after these self-indulgences. It’s funny, my P has always said he loves getting facials and we always laughed it off, but once I got one I became frustrated that I’ve been missing out for so long.
I actually had scheduled a massage for yesterday, thinking that it would be the perfect way to end the first week of school. Unfortunately, my regular masseuse had car trouble and had to cancel. So, I'll reschedule for another day soon.
Okay y'all I'm going to admit I didn't sleep Friday night hardly at all. Then it was all day yesterday (my mum was in town and we went shopping). I slept so good last night. I think I may have flat lined for a bit. I woke up this morning had like four missed calls which usually my phone will wake me up. Now waiting for the husband figure to get here so we can get some breakfast.
