How are essential workers, like teachers, finding peace during the pandemic?
What makes a teacher? Simply put, a teacher is defined as someone who teaches and instructs others. However, we all know there is a lot more when it comes to being a great teacher. For example, a teacher is someone who dedicates their lives to making ours better. Teachers educate, protect, guide, listen, comfort, encourage, and inspire…they do it all! They are skillful masters of many trades that have learned how to quickly adapt to their students’ needs. With each passing school year more is added to their plate. This year they were given something no one could prepare for, a pandemic.
It’s safe to say that 2020 isn’t the year we thought it would be. It has taken a physical and emotional toll on us all, especially teachers. How do you take a job that requires so much dedication and attention and make it virtual? It’s something that gives me stress just thinking about it. Teachers have stepped up to this challenge and are making it everyday despite the never ending list of obstacles. They are teaching their children and our children, in a whole new way and trying to make it an easy transition. Everyone involved knows how hard it has been and teachers need our help now more than ever to keep doing what they do best.
This year has brought on a whole new level of stress to teachers and parents alike. In these unknown times there are steps you can take to gain back control and peace of mind. In my profession I have been able to explore and find various therapeutic practices that you can use in the comfort of your home. The easiest is creating a welcoming environment. Using diffusers lets you create the ideal workspace and helps you feel tranquil and relaxed. There are many essential oils you can choose from with endless combinations. Some of my favorites are vanilla, rose and lemongrass. Below is a list to help you get started.
- Peppermint: boosts energy
- Tea Tree: improves mood and relaxation
- Lavender: calms and relieves stress
- Sandalwood: calms nerves and helps with focus
- Bergamot: reduces stress
- Rose: improves mood and reduces anxiety
- Chamomile: improves mood and relaxation
- Frankincense: helps with focus
- Ylang Ylang: reduces stress and promotes feelings of comfort
- Eucalyptus: boots energy and clears the mind
- Lemon: uplifts and reduces stress
With a relaxing atmosphere you can move on to calming your mind and body. Two great ways to do that are through breathwork and guided meditation. Breathwork consists of different breathing techniques and exercises in which you are intentionally changing your breath pattern. Breathing in a conscious and structured way can help promote deep relaxation and decrease levels of stress. Types of breathwork include: transformational, holotropic, rebirthing, pranayama and shamanic. Meditation is a practice of training your mind to redirect your thoughts and focus. Guided meditation is a type of meditation in which one follows the direction of a narrator or teacher to meditate. Like breathwork, it is a way to reduce stress and helps improve concentration. Breathwork and meditation can also help with anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and other health related issues. There are apps and videos you can use to help you get started with both of these practices.
Elizabeth Brunner
Licensed Massage and Cupping Therapist
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