What do you do if your confidence wavers when setting boundaries and balancing work and life as an educator?

é útil buscar apoio de colegas, amigos ou familiares para discutir as preocupa??es e obter perspectivas externas. Lembrar que n?o está sozinho e que é normal enfrentar desafios ao equilibrar trabalho e vida pessoal. Considerar também estabelecer limites claros entre o tempo de trabalho e o tempo pessoal, definindo horários específicos para cada atividade e se comprometendo a respeitar os limites. Praticar o autocuidado regularmente, como exercícios físicos, medita??o ou hobbies relaxantes, também pode ajudar a recarregar suas energias e fortalecer sua confian?a.

Self awareness is such a huge piece of well-being. It’s really hard to set boundaries and stay strong without it. Getting to know yourself, what balance is to you, and practice sticking to your boundaries takes practice. Be reflective when things waiver and know that this too will pass. My amazing friend Abby Medcalf, says “Boundaries are love!” Stick to them as much as you can.

Definitely weed the garden and prioritize. Some things will have to wait. Evaluate how you manage your time and resources. Set the boundary at all costs.

A great place to start is by identifying non-negotiables for personal well-being, such as dedicated family time or hobbies. Establish clear boundaries with colleagues and administrators regarding workload and availability outside of work hours. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, delegating or postponing less critical responsibilities when necessary. Seek support from mentors, peers, or counseling services to address feelings of doubt or overwhelm. Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and focused on priorities. Regularly reassess and adjust boundaries as needed to maintain balance and boost confidence in managing work and life demands effectively.

You have to start here before you begin with any other steps. Decide what you’re ok with and what you’re not ok with. Then, implement those boundaries and do not flounder from them. For example, if you have a busy home life, make a promise to yourself to never bring work home. Delete email from your phone and don’t take any calls after you leave school. There are ways to enjoy a good work-life balance but it starts with establishing boundaries first.

Learning to practice self-care was my biggest learning from the pandemic. At 45 years old, I finally learned to prioritize myself and realized that I could make a bigger impact on my students because of it. When I showed up in the classroom after an incredible morning routine focused on me, I showed up as a present teacher, and my students benefitted twofold. Well-being is dynamic and needs to be attended to daily. Let's do this, educators; our students depend on it.

Know what balance looks like to you. Don't take a version based on what someone else says or does. Know when and how you like to work, be intentional with the time you have, Know what builds and depends energy and you non-negotiables for self-care and functioning well. Start with how you want to feel and plan for that, rather than focusing on what to do.

Firstly consider whether your confidence wavering based on the perception of others or your understanding of yourself. Know your rhythm and what works for you. Be self aware of how your workload translates into interactions with others and when it is time to protect your wellbeing.