Healthy Teacher, Healthy Classroom - the Launch

What if you sensed that the teaching you did made a big difference in the lives of your students not only because you are really good at what you do but also because you have set yourself up to be as successful as possible?! I am an orchestra director at a big high school and I work hard to make sure not only that I am the best musician and pedagogue that I can be for my students but also that I'm emotionally and physically present and healthy in the classroom. I started full time high school teaching 13 years ago and learned the hard way that if I didn't work hard to keep myself healthy that my teaching day would become compromised. Paying attention to and nurturing my body, mind and spirit has helped me be even more proud of my teaching and life successes. With this blog I hope to give tips, inspiration and reminders to educators to help you remember to take care of yourself so that you can give your best to your classroom.

Today's tip is simple. Breathe. Yup, that's it! Have you considered where you are breathing from? Have you stepped back to contemplate what you do with your breath when you're stressed out (think of that email you just got, that look a student just gave you, that crisis that just appeared out of the blue)? I realized a few years ago that one of my stress responses was to breathe shallow and in a jumpy manner, not smooth, not deep. I have worked on a lot of breathing techniques (which I'll get into later) and meditation practices, but the simple breathing technique I use most frequently at school now is to simply breathe deep for 2 breath cycles... stop what I'm doing, relax my belly, allow a full belly and chest expansive inhale - about 4 seconds long - followed by a slow exhale. Often, on the first breath cycle I feel the flow catch or be jumpy, but by the 2nd cycle it has smoothed out and I can sense that my blood pressure has slowed. This simple, less than a minute, pause allows me to refocus, regain a sense of control that helps me take care of whatever the crisis or situation is with renewed vigor and calm.

So, whether it's between classes or activities or even in class in the middle of whatever is going on, give this breathing thing a try. See if you don't feel a quick sense of calm and control, then go forth and be that inspiration for your young charges. Namaste, friend.