How to manage your thoughts
When do you let your mind rest?
Isn't that wonderful April! Many instructors have had similar experiences. When we take a step back, it's so much easier to take a fresh perspective and arrive at the best solution.
I agree that, for me, the best time to let my mind rest is while driving to and from school. I find that I think of other things, stop thinking about work and it's THEN that AHA! moments come to me about how to tackle a school-related issue.
I am a single father of a 19 month old little girl so I am always in teach mode. Teaching has become part of my daily process so I rarely see the need to take a break from it. My work enhances to time with my daughter as well as vice versa.
I let my mind rest early in the morning before starting my day. After that its on for the rest of the day.
Diane
This is an interesting question, and my immediate response was, "Ha! Maybe when I'm sleeping!" But the real answer would be that I try to let my mind rest when I am with my children. I am a work-from-home mom, so I spend my days with my two toddlers. I try not to grade papers or respond to emails while my kids are with me; I do much of my grading while my son is napping on the two days my daughter is in preschool. The rest of the day, I choose to spend my time- and devote my mind- to my kids.
That's a great strategy Jamie. Exercise helps a lot of instructors to rest their bodies and their minds. If it's easier to fall asleep at night because of what you do during the day, you really can let your mind rest.
It is difficult for me to rest my mind. I have priortized task professionally and personal. However, one way that works for me is to excerise high intense to wear me out. This helps me to rest my mind and sleep better.
Great approach Chuck. Your institution may not schedule breaks for online teaching but you really should. Doing so allows you to refocus and re-energize.
I think it's a great question, too, and one that more and more online instructor's will face in the future. I started teaching a number of online courses about a year ago and found that I felt "on duty" 24/7. Part of this was due to the school's requirements for responding to students and admin emails, grading papers, and giving online lectures. I have set aside blocks of time to give myself a break, particularly on the weekends. That helps. In addition, I try to be thorough when I am working online so that when I am offline, I do not feel that I am neglecting "something". That helps, too.
Chuck
Great question! I too have a hard time letting my mind "go". I am learing to find time in my drive or a mindless tv show for a small time.
Great question Deana, You've got to pick a time of day or night that's going to work with your schedule. There is no best time for instructors, only the best time for you. Many instructors let their minds rest a little on their commutes to and from their institutions. While we must still focus on the road, we can try to disengage in thoughts of work responsibilities.
