MAY - The Month of No Negativity

The month of May is upon us in schools. For most, that means that the joy of summer vacation is right around the corner, but that also means that stress levels for students, parents, teachers, and administrators is at an all time high. The question is, how will it affect you?

Teachers and administrators, as you approach the end of the school year, please keep this in mind. As a school, we are a team and we need to hold it together for our kids. We need to identify our stress triggers and deal with them appropriately. We need to understand that we choose our own attitude and our choices manifest themselves in the classroom, no matter how good of an actor/actress you are. This time of year is tough on EVERYONE, but you hold the power to determine how it is going to affect you. Let's make good choices. You can start by doing these three things:

EXERCISE & SLEEP

It is never too late to start exercising. As soon as recognize that stress is mounting, go take a walk and do some cleansing breaths. It's amazing what a little exercise can do for your mind. Put the work you have to do on the back burner and take care of yourself. While you're at it, go to bed a little earlier and get some good sleep. You and your students will appreciate it.

FILL OTHER PEOPLE'S BUCKETS

A compliment can go a long way. If you recognize that other people are stressed, give them a compliment and help them get back on track. According to Gallup, "Each of us has an invisible bucket. It is constantly emptied or filled, depending on what others say or do to us. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it's empty, we feel awful." Be a bucket filler for your colleagues and tell them they are doing a good job. You never know the impact it might have on someone. 

NO WHAMMIES

I loved the show Press Your Luck growing up and the idea fits perfectly when it comes to the idea of negativity. If you recognize a colleague getting negative, politely tell them that you don't need any Whammies right now and explain how it impacts you. Some people don't even know they are being Whammies or how they are affecting you. Step up and let them know. Don't expect others to do it for you. It takes courage to do this, but you will feel better about calling it out and your school will certainly feel the impact of your courage.

We all run the risk of falling victim to the month of May, but we don't have to let it get the best of us. Let's end the school year on a POSITIVE note.