So true!! 100% on the inside makes ALL the difference on the outside. And yes, I’m still kickboxing! One of the best decisions I ever made. I started 2 years ago and it’s a refreshing change from my solo running hobby. There’s something special about getting together with a group of like-minded women & kicking some serious ass! You should try it Christy. You’d love it!
My husband and I typically get up at 4:15 a.m., and get to the gym by 5:00. We work out for 45 minutes to an hour, and then head home. Since I have a longer commute than he does (30 miles vs. his 11 miles), I almost always listen to a variety of podcasts on my phone. It’s a great way to pass the drive time. Routine is so important!
I love everything about your blog! I’m working on growing mine, and I was curious if you used any social networks to help spread awareness?
Keep it up! 🙂
I agree! Before I start my days, I head to the gym and work out! It gives me the mental clarity I need to start my day off right. This was a great read! Thank you for sharing. 😇
I have the same routine every week in the classroom and it gets the students ready for class and also lets them know the tone for example if they weren’t well behaved the previous lesson I’m a little tougher. I was sick last week and had no voice – my students were all very alarmed when I didn’t bound in chatting away until I croaked out a hello! I’m starting to do yoga before class so I’m awake, energised and ready to teach!
I loved reading your post. I’m retired. I was in the classroom for 15 years, and administration for 10. Prior to that was doing rehab counseling.
I loved to get up early, had time taking care myself before I went on the road. Since it was an hour driving, I listen to devotional station to nourish my spirit, then listen to classical music to lubricate my soul.
I got to work half an hour early, even though the preparation was done the previous day before leaving the classroom, I made sure that when the student walked in, my attention was in them, not in figuring out what to do. My students did well.
At the end of the year making next year’s class configuration, the next grade teachers always loved to inherit my students.
Each day when I was driving home, again I listened o classical music to ease whatever stress I had during the day, so that I could walk into my home with a refreshed mind to meet my family.
So many wonderful ideas for fostering student connection & success! I particularly loved how you wrote: “I made sure that when the student walked in, my attention was in them, not in figuring out what to do.” Thank you for sharing Miriam! I will definitely be taking my work preparation up a notch with your creative ideas. 🌟💫
Thank you, Andrea. When I got into administration, part of my work was parent education. I just prepare the powerpoint, and a lot of the rest was interaction. There was a County course, when done, we had graduation and certificates. Some parents said that was their ‘first’ graduation. That brought tears into my eyes.
I had cancer toward the end of my career. Took one year to have treatment and recuperation. But went back to work for one more year to get the maximum of retirement. Now I don’t have a strict routine due to the side effect of cancer, get enough sleep is my priority. Thank you for your comment!
How wonderful Debbie! I love how you pose a question of yourself as a guide to which preparation best fits each day.
So much gentleness in your answer.🌷🌿
This is so true! My students are always calm and relaxed when they know I’m not gonna fly off the handle over one little mistake. I always meditate and do my Affirmations before my day begins. Stretching always helps too! Flexible body = flexible mind.
What a great idea. Most people just get up and go to work each day, simply getting there and then reacting to what shows up. Interesting insight: I was pretty good about preparing for going home each day after work. On the drive home I would reflect on what went right that day and what I learned that day. This helped me decompress and be in a good mood for my family time. Never occurred to me to do something similar to prepare for work.
I love your strategies for decompressing after work. My pre-teaching strategies have been fine-tuned over the years. Mental / Intellectual preparation is important for sure. While Physical / Energetic preparation has become paramount.
So much so that I’m conscious of whom I interact with before class, what music I listen to en route to work, and the greeting I give to students as they arrive in the classroom. Sometimes I even give them a standing ovation! Anything & everything to get them into the “learning moment”.
Jerry, That’s so insightful that you thought to do that to be prepared to interact with your family. That is a rare man indeed! (as compared with the one who just comes home and wants to be left alone because he worked hard all day and feels he “deserves” to prop up his feet and ignore his family.) Kudos to you!!
Thanks Brad! I really love being in the classroom. And I am always grateful for each student I teach. Which is why I want to ensure they get the best of me. Good vibes & all. ☀️🎓
Thriving Under Pressure 
Very apt post. Healthy body and healthy mind.
Wishing you both on this beautiful sunny day!
When you’re feeling 100% then you can give 100%!! Loved the photo of you with the boxing gloves on – are you doing kickboxing?
So true!! 100% on the inside makes ALL the difference on the outside. And yes, I’m still kickboxing! One of the best decisions I ever made. I started 2 years ago and it’s a refreshing change from my solo running hobby. There’s something special about getting together with a group of like-minded women & kicking some serious ass! You should try it Christy. You’d love it!
A friend of mine explained a similar kickboxing atmosphere that she’s in. It sounds so empowering! HUGS
♥️🥊♥️
My husband and I typically get up at 4:15 a.m., and get to the gym by 5:00. We work out for 45 minutes to an hour, and then head home. Since I have a longer commute than he does (30 miles vs. his 11 miles), I almost always listen to a variety of podcasts on my phone. It’s a great way to pass the drive time. Routine is so important!
Sounds amazing! Good for you and your husband. Healthy minds. Healthy bodies. Healthy marriage. ♥️💯
I love everything about your blog! I’m working on growing mine, and I was curious if you used any social networks to help spread awareness?
Keep it up! 🙂
Thanks so much Brynn!
I built up my blog via WordPress itself. Interacting with and supporting fellow bloggers like you.
The only social media I use is Instagram and YouTube. But very minimally, and rarely with the intention of promoting my blog.
I’ve been on WordPress since 2012. Posting seriously since 2015. Hope that helps!
✏️💛
Thank you so much! It helps a lot! 🙂
I agree! Before I start my days, I head to the gym and work out! It gives me the mental clarity I need to start my day off right. This was a great read! Thank you for sharing. 😇
Good for you Karen! It takes dedication and commitment but the rewards are so worth it!
1 hour of fitness = 24 hours of positive energy. 🥊💥
I have the same routine every week in the classroom and it gets the students ready for class and also lets them know the tone for example if they weren’t well behaved the previous lesson I’m a little tougher. I was sick last week and had no voice – my students were all very alarmed when I didn’t bound in chatting away until I croaked out a hello! I’m starting to do yoga before class so I’m awake, energised and ready to teach!
Awesome routine! I love how connected you are to your students & your own energy. “When we rise – they rise.” 🙌
Wow Your blog is amazing!!! Please keep writing. It’s worth reading!
Thank you so much Shubham!
Your encouragement is very motivating! 🌟💫
This is such a thoughtful approach, looking at the bigger picture and balance in life as a whole! xx
Amen! I love how you summarized my post. Balance is key! 🔑
I loved reading your post. I’m retired. I was in the classroom for 15 years, and administration for 10. Prior to that was doing rehab counseling.
I loved to get up early, had time taking care myself before I went on the road. Since it was an hour driving, I listen to devotional station to nourish my spirit, then listen to classical music to lubricate my soul.
I got to work half an hour early, even though the preparation was done the previous day before leaving the classroom, I made sure that when the student walked in, my attention was in them, not in figuring out what to do. My students did well.
At the end of the year making next year’s class configuration, the next grade teachers always loved to inherit my students.
Each day when I was driving home, again I listened o classical music to ease whatever stress I had during the day, so that I could walk into my home with a refreshed mind to meet my family.
So many wonderful ideas for fostering student connection & success! I particularly loved how you wrote: “I made sure that when the student walked in, my attention was in them, not in figuring out what to do.” Thank you for sharing Miriam! I will definitely be taking my work preparation up a notch with your creative ideas. 🌟💫
Thank you, Andrea. When I got into administration, part of my work was parent education. I just prepare the powerpoint, and a lot of the rest was interaction. There was a County course, when done, we had graduation and certificates. Some parents said that was their ‘first’ graduation. That brought tears into my eyes.
Hi, what a great, and well-disciplined, routine that obviously served you very well!
I had cancer toward the end of my career. Took one year to have treatment and recuperation. But went back to work for one more year to get the maximum of retirement. Now I don’t have a strict routine due to the side effect of cancer, get enough sleep is my priority. Thank you for your comment!
This is SO IMPORTANT, Andrea. Thank you. You are an inspiration to me.
I prepare for work by exercising, doing forgiveness, and meditation. I also look to my heart and ask myself how I can nurture myself today. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. So glad you are here. Forgiving as preparation – I love it!
Blessings,
Debbie
How wonderful Debbie! I love how you pose a question of yourself as a guide to which preparation best fits each day.
So much gentleness in your answer.🌷🌿
This is so true! My students are always calm and relaxed when they know I’m not gonna fly off the handle over one little mistake. I always meditate and do my Affirmations before my day begins. Stretching always helps too! Flexible body = flexible mind.
Affirmations & meditations are a wonderful way to prepare for class! Stretching too. Love it Demby! And so do your students! 😊
Absolutely true! Teachers set the climate in their classroom.
When teachers have fun teaching, students have fun learning. Win Win! 🌟🌟
YES!!!!!!
What a great idea. Most people just get up and go to work each day, simply getting there and then reacting to what shows up. Interesting insight: I was pretty good about preparing for going home each day after work. On the drive home I would reflect on what went right that day and what I learned that day. This helped me decompress and be in a good mood for my family time. Never occurred to me to do something similar to prepare for work.
I love your strategies for decompressing after work. My pre-teaching strategies have been fine-tuned over the years. Mental / Intellectual preparation is important for sure. While Physical / Energetic preparation has become paramount.
Goal = Energizing + Educational + Entertaining lecture
So much so that I’m conscious of whom I interact with before class, what music I listen to en route to work, and the greeting I give to students as they arrive in the classroom. Sometimes I even give them a standing ovation! Anything & everything to get them into the “learning moment”.
Jerry, That’s so insightful that you thought to do that to be prepared to interact with your family. That is a rare man indeed! (as compared with the one who just comes home and wants to be left alone because he worked hard all day and feels he “deserves” to prop up his feet and ignore his family.) Kudos to you!!
This sounds like a fun and integrated approach. I bet you’re a great teacher Andrea.
Thanks Brad! I really love being in the classroom. And I am always grateful for each student I teach. Which is why I want to ensure they get the best of me. Good vibes & all. ☀️🎓
Your attitude and process for teaching inspire me. We could use more teachers with your passion and dedication. 💫