Where would we be without our teachers? Our teachers care for and coach us from a young age all the way into adulthood. There are many teachers that go out of their way to care for their students like their very own children. I personally know many that have helped students with meals when they needed it, listened to them, taught them concepts of life far beyond what textbooks ever could, gifting cars and items they needed, and ultimately setting them up for success outside of school. I am blessed to have had many teachers do many of these things for me in my lifetime.
Teachers, Educators, Professors, Friends, Mentors… So many different hats our teachers wear. Having family members and clients who are teachers, I can confidently say this is a very trying and new time for them. Beyond their usual responsibilities, they are learning new technologies, working through action plans and policies that have never been instituted before, and must instruct from afar. Some teachers are even teaching their very own children at home while teaching others! Now more than ever, our teachers need your patience, love, compassion, and kindness.
ESPECIALLY during this pandemic, let’s show our teachers some love.
There have been many teachers/professors that have heavily impacted the man I am today.
One in particular, Dr. Graham. Dr. Graham exposed me to so many different schools of thought. He spent many hours outside of class, which he did not have to, helping me with class, mentoring me, checking in on me, expanding my perspectives, and pushing me beyond my limits. He taught me to reflect on where I’ve come from and where I’m going. Teaching me to take responsibility for myself, my thoughts, my actions, and my community.
One thing I will carry with me for the rest of my life is how Dr. Graham taught me to love unconditionally. We don’t know someone else’s experiences, their traumas, their lives. Take the time to get to know them. Take the time to listen. Take the time to extend a hand. I will forever have an open mind and heart to help someone else prosper. Dr. Graham, thank you.
The Current Education Climate:
With COVID changing everything as we know it, our children and teachers are going through one of the most challenging school years yet. Stress, confusion, and the unknown. With virtual learning making up most, if not all, of the curriculum, teachers and students are hunkered down behind their computers for longer than they are used to. From my friends and clients, I hear about their new aches, pains, and tensions that have developed from spending more time sitting in front of a screen. Not to mention their heightened levels of stress! With stress, comes an increase of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that not only triggers our “fight or flight” response when under “stress,” but also helps our body lower blood pressure, lower blood sugars, and reduce inflammation. Sounds great, but when high cortisol levels are left unchecked, we can experience the opposite of those benefits.
Long-term High Cortisol Symptoms:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugars
- Excessive weight gain/loss
- Unintentional Outbursts
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Increased levels of inflammation
To combat chronic/high stress levels, add some of these low impact, low intensity forms of exercise to your routine:
- Stretching
- Foam Rolling
- Walking
- Yoga/Meditation
To any educators out there, please reach out to me with any questions you may have regarding your current exercise routine or even how to get started via email: ssarge@ampersandintegrative.com
Thank you for all that you do and for your prevenance during these trying and challenging times!
I/We admire you!
Stefano Sarge
Personal Fitness Trainer
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