This is when it gets hard

Last week, I was listening to teachers chat in the teacher workroom, and I noticed several teachers were hoarse, coughing, and sniffling. I also noticed that many of my colleagues were looking tired and stressed, including me. Then, it dawned on me after 16 years of teaching, this is when it gets hard.

October. When summer is officially over. This is when it gets hard. When the excitement of a new school year and a new group of students has waned. This is when it gets hard. When the paperwork, emails, and meetings have become overwhelming. This is when it gets hard. When our homes and families start to feel the strain of our long days. This is when it gets hard.

All of this adds up to rundown teachers who end up sick and tired and dragging through the month trying to stay afloat. I'd like to say that eventually things settle down, and we all become re-energized. But, what really happens is we adjust to this new level of stress and activity. I wish I could offer some wonderful, innovative ideas to combat the October rundown, but I think you probably already know what you need to do. Here are things to keep in mind when you're running on empty:

Accept imperfection 
That's right. I know that is hard to hear, because a lot of educators are Type A perfectionist kind of people (I know I am!). However, perfection creates A LOT of pressure. So, pick one area of your life that you can live with imperfection when things get rough. For me, it's my house. It is messy and chaotic which I don't like, but I can live with it when I have to.

Surround yourself with good people
Friends, co-workers, and family can make or break you. If you're struggling, try to distance yourself from the ones adding to your stress. Make time to have fun and laugh with those that love you and understand how hard you're working at life. I am VERY lucky to have great, supportive friends, co-workers, and family.

Prioritize
I don't just mean your to-do list (although that helps too), but also what's most important to you. My own children are at the top of my list. I'm about to have 3 college age daughters, and I make a point to spend as much time with them as I can. So, instead of working on the mountain of laundry that is growing by the day, I make it a priority to sit on the couch with them and talk and laugh and enjoy a show or movie together. Laundry can wait. Moments like that cannot.

It might sound weird after all of that, but October is actually my favorite month of the year. The weather is beautiful, and the trees are so pretty. Volleyball, hockey and football seasons start, and this year the Cubs are doing great in the post season! So, even though this is when it gets hard, try to carve out some time to enjoy what's happening around you.