Classroom Management

5 Ways to Cope With Feeling Overwhelmed

Talk to any educator and you often hear the word overwhelmed. Why? Put simply, we’re busy! When things get stressful at home and at work it can lead to a feeling of being extremely overwhelmed.

When I feel overwhelmed, such as when I’m figuring out the logistics of assembling over a thousand SWAG boxes for an AOE Online Conference I try to quickly turn it around and take action.

The following 5 tips keep me on track. 

I hope they help you, too!

 

swag boxes

1. Get organized.
Make a huge list of everything you need to do and organize it into categories.

2. Prioritize your list. 
Put your top 3 to-do items on a sticky note for each day. It’s great if you can do more, but aim for 3. Hide your master list to prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

3. Keep things in perspective.
Realize the world will keep turning if you don’t get everything done today.

4. Put technology away. 
Don’t check email or technology before breakfast or an hour before bed.

5. Look ahead.
Did you say YES two months ago to something and now regret it? Avoid this problem by carefully examining every opportunity before you say yes. Your future self will thank you!

Remember, we are human beings, not human doings. Just take one thing at a time and keep chipping away. Good luck!

How do you stay sane when things get busy in all areas of your life? 

Any other tips to prevent getting overwhelmed in the first place?

 

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Balsley

Jessica Balsley is AOEU’s Founder and a former AOEU Writer and elementary art educator. She is passionate about helping art teachers enhance their lives and careers through relevant professional development.

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