The one word I hear repeatedly from students this time of year is drowning.
Drowning in bills. Drowning in midterms. Drowning in research.
Not a pleasant thought. And definitely not energizing.
A sinking feeling that takes student motivation from 100 to 0 in an instant.
By thought alone.
Empowering Lessons.
How can we help students to feel more empowered in the midst of winter weather, too many midterms, and not enough time.
Transforming Stressors.
We meet students where they’re at. By embracing that stressful, drowning thought and transforming it into a peaceful, floating feeling. By helping students feel safe and supported. In and out of the classroom.
Trusting the Flow.
We remind students of their resilience. We show them how far they’ve come. We encourage them to flow with the moment instead of fighting against the current. Then and only then can the focused learning begin.
‘Going with the flow’ seems to be a term I often use but wonder if that is really what I am doing. The older I get being able to practice what I preach is easier some times than others.
Journaling, blogging, down time away from people and walking in nature helps.
As I am yet again learning to swim in the near future to help overcome my fear of water and hence drowning I found your swimming metaphor for life’s struggles very Interesting.
Such wonderful strategies, especially to go with the flow. That sinking and drowning feeling is never a good place to be. Thank you for sharing your wise words.
Yes, I do agree with all of the feedback. This is one of the best articles that I’ve read so far today. Thank you for sharing. May I please, if you don’t mind, reblog this?
Laughing is a great stress reliever. I love to laugh to myself sometimes. Laugh makes you feel good and stay young, you know. But, I love your strategies! Keep on moving!
Dr. Dinardo,
Flow with the current instead of fighting against it. Live in the moment. I love all of these words. I never saw stress as a fight against the now. That’s an excellent way to think about things. I will definitely consider that when I feel stress coming on 😬. ❤️
Ipuna
It sounds like you had an “Aha Moment” Ipuna. I love that! Letting the present moment flow is a critical stress management technique for busy, Type A individuals. (I speak from experience.) Yet a challenging one for overschedulers to commit to. That said, once you let go and imagine yourself floating & flowing (instead of resisting what is), you will start to feel the cortisol slowly drifting away..
Thriving Under Pressure 
‘Going with the flow’ seems to be a term I often use but wonder if that is really what I am doing. The older I get being able to practice what I preach is easier some times than others.
Journaling, blogging, down time away from people and walking in nature helps.
As I am yet again learning to swim in the near future to help overcome my fear of water and hence drowning I found your swimming metaphor for life’s struggles very Interesting.
There is no doubt that you are going with the flow with all you’ve shared here. May your fear of water fall as your courage continues to rise. 🙏
Thank you Andrea,
Your words of encouragement have helped me particularly today
So good to hear! I am with you on your journey from fear to faith and from stress to strength. xoxo
Such wonderful strategies, especially to go with the flow. That sinking and drowning feeling is never a good place to be. Thank you for sharing your wise words.
Love knowing my post struck a chord with you.
Thank you for your kind words Miriam. 🌷
You’re most welcome.
Reblogged this on Keep On Moving .
Yes, I do agree with all of the feedback. This is one of the best articles that I’ve read so far today. Thank you for sharing. May I please, if you don’t mind, reblog this?
Thanks so much Oristel! I would be honoured if you reblogged it on your site for your readers.
Great! Awesome! Thank you very much! 🙂😏
Very helpful, thank you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your feedback!
I love knowing my post was helpful.
Have a wonderful Friday Marina! 😊
Beautiful. Let’s see …
Breathing
Taking a break / doing something different
Moving my body
Laughing with a good friend 🙂
Blessings, Andrea. Love your blog, it’s so inspiring and uplifting. ~Debbie
I feel more at peace just reading your strategies! Thanks for sharing Debbie. Your ideas always bring me to a higher place.
As do your posts, Andrea ❤ Have a great week, my friend. Smiles to you from CA!
Laughing is a great stress reliever. I love to laugh to myself sometimes. Laugh makes you feel good and stay young, you know. But, I love your strategies! Keep on moving!
Laughing is the best! Like an instant vacation without the travel bills.😎
LOLLL 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
That is very funny! So true 🙂 Blessings to you both, Andrea and Oristel
Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
You are very welcome! 🙂🙈
Great refocusing thought. Blessings!
Happy you found it helpful! 😊
Dr. Dinardo,
Flow with the current instead of fighting against it. Live in the moment. I love all of these words. I never saw stress as a fight against the now. That’s an excellent way to think about things. I will definitely consider that when I feel stress coming on 😬. ❤️
Ipuna
It sounds like you had an “Aha Moment” Ipuna. I love that! Letting the present moment flow is a critical stress management technique for busy, Type A individuals. (I speak from experience.) Yet a challenging one for overschedulers to commit to. That said, once you let go and imagine yourself floating & flowing (instead of resisting what is), you will start to feel the cortisol slowly drifting away..
I like the further explanation. Thank you for that. I’m definitely Type A 😬.