Need Help Re. Mental Exhaustion

[Daxx]

Let me start off by saying that I am not complaining about my circumstances. I am a Kdg. teacher w/a lot on my plate. Aside from work stresses and issues, I am the liason between school/faculty and the HSA (Home School Association -- think PTA/PTO). B/c of this, I field a lot of complaints and concerns from parents re. the school and do my best to handle them. Often, I just tell them to take it up w/the principal but many are hesitant to go to the principal b/c he's new and doesn't "know the ropes" or the ongoings of the school like I do. Having "been around the block" at the school, I have been fielding a lot of complaints/concerns about the school and the principal himself. Gossip is everywhere and I am often called up on rumors (ie: is it true that ..., I heard that ....) so I am just used to it. I love my job, don't mind being the HSA liason and really love my school (issues and all).

Here's the problem ... I have been feeling mentally exhausted the past few weeks and am wondering what everyone else does when they feel the same way. I come home from work and my head spins until I go to bed. Of course, it spins then, too ... but I am able to fall asleep. So, sleeping isn't the problem. I'm not "burned out" b/c I look forward to going to school every day. I am just so mentally tired when I get home.

Any suggestions on how to get a grip on this?! I don't want to quit HSA b/c there really aren't any other teachers willing to help out. I just want to know what you all do to keep the mental exhaustion at bay. I am tired of coming home and just sitting in the chair like a zombie. What can I do to "snap out of it"?????

 

[JunieJay]

Spa day?

 

[Disney Doll]

I think you need to ask the people who are bringing you problems to also bring a suggestion for a solution.

The people who are spreading gossip...don't engage in gossip. And I'd tell them that..."I don't engage in gossip".

As far as them going to you instead of the Principal...I'd be careful with that. He/she may think you are trying to usurp the power.

If you are a liaison between the school and the HSA, then you are dealing with adults, so make them conduct themselves like adults.

 

[drag n' fly]

Every once in a while we take a "mental health day"! We stay in our pjammas and eat cookies, hot wings etc!for breakfast and snooze and watch movies etc! I find going for walks going to quiet places and reading helps. We often drive out to Banff for r and r. Is their a nice place to drive to out there? Even getting away to a B and B for one night can make a huge difference. If I am mentally tired I increase my B vitamin to a time released 100 along with my regular vitamin and working out helps also.

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

Walk your mental stress away.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Meditation. It takes some practice but is a great stress-reliever.

 

[Daxx]

I think you need to ask the people who are bringing you problems to also bring a suggestion for a solution.

The people who are spreading gossip...don't engage in gossip. And I'd tell them that..."I don't engage in gossip".

As far as them going to you instead of the Principal...I'd be careful with that. He/she may think you are trying to usurp the power.

If you are a liaison between the school and the HSA, then you are dealing with adults, so make them conduct themselves like adults.

Just a FYI -- the parents know I won't stand for gossip/badmouthing of other parents/faculty/staff/admin. Their gossip is usually "So and so said that in gym class, the gym teacher did XYZ". I often say "Go discuss it w/the gym teacher b/c it doesn't involve me". However, they bring the problem to me like I'm going to be the one to solve it! Argh!!!!

Also, I discuss everything w/the principal. He is rapidly learning the ropes. Sadly, our old principal took another job the week before school started and they put this poor guy in cold. He's had to learn a lot quickly! However, I have an open rapport w/him and we discuss all issues brought to me. He totally understands that the parents come to me b/c I've "been around the block" w/regard to school matters. he is apprised of all that goes on w/regard to any parent issues/concerns. He knows I am not trying to undermine him. Actually, I think he's grateful that I'm able to help out a bit! He could use all the extra help he can get in trying to find his way along!

Boy -- I would love to take a "mental health day" ... but no can do. I'm a teacher and don't think it's good for me to ditch the kids. Plus, w/a sub, it usually sets me back in a day's work and that's no fun, either!!!!! I am taking one personal day as it is in Jan.!

 

[Daxx]

Spa day?

I'd love to but too much $$$$ and it would require the whole day. I need a quick daily fix when I come home!!!!

 

[Blondy876]

I do yoga. I have about 45 mins to an hour between the time I get home from school until when my children get picked up. I take that time to do some yoga and it really helps me shift gears and relax from the day.

 

[java]

Sounds like the liason job is the one that is really draining you mentally. How long is your drive home? Does it give you time to unwind? Can you put your favorite song in the cd player and Belt it out! Make a clear distinction between when work ends and home begins. That I know is easier said than done. I was able to transition to relaxation conversational mode after about a 50 minute commute spent listening to music and reading something light. Know that you are the star in the eyes of all your kindergarten children!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sounds like burn out. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm

When I'm burned out (whether it's from work or anything else) I have to step back a bit and lessen my stress load. Increase the time I spend relaxing and enjoying what I like to do, not what everyone else wants me to do.

Selfish? Yup.

Necessary? Absolutely.

Hope you feel better.

 

[Crankyshank]

I'm not a teacher but I have to deal with similar issues at work. Coupled with normal home stress and carrying 4 classes makes me want to on a regular basis.
I find doing something to treat myself once a week helps a lot. pedicure, facial, massage, trip to the bookstore - something. even if it's a piece of cheesecake. I also meditate and make sure I have at least 20min of quiet me time a day.

 

[vettechick99]

Burned out is right!

With different details, I could have written this post myself (and almost did a few days ago). I teach every elementary grade this year in SPED. That means in my resource room I have to do a separate lesson plan for 10 kids who I see sometimes up to three times a day. That's like 25 lessons a day. It's exhausting me and some days I'm thisclose to losing it. Not to mention I'm earning my certificate as I teach and just had a baby.

I don't have any solutions for you. Although I don't feel like I need regular medicine, some days I sure wouldn't turn away a Xanax. But I'm eager to hear what other people have to say.

But no, you are not alone.

 

[Daxx]

I like the yoga idea! The perfect excuse to get out of the house and take some me time!

 

[LindaM]

I know when I'm stressed, I enjoy a nice bubble bath (jacuzzi tub). My dh will fill the tub and make sure no one bothers me for at least an hour. After that hour I feel I can tackle the world.

 

[Daxx]

Sounds like burn out. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm

From that site:
Burnout is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can occur when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place. Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly hopeless, powerless, cynical, and resentful. The unhappiness burnout causes can eventually threaten your job, your relationships, and your health.
Here's the thing ... I don't meet the burnout definition per the website! I haven't lost interest or motivation, I'm just as productive as I've always been (if not more), I am not feeling hopeless, powerless, cynical and/or resentful. I'm not physically tired (energy not sapped), either. I played catch w/the lacrosse sticks/ball w/DS before coming in to DIS! I could go a few more rounds but wanted to post on this. Tonight I'm going out w/friends, so my energy def. isn't sapped otherwise I'd be calling to cancel. So, I really don't think it's burnout b/c I don't fit the definition.

 

[SavvyMom]

It sounds like it is physical activity that you need. Mindless physical activity. What do you enjoy doing that you don't feel like you have to do? Walking? Yoga?

I sure hope you feel better .

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I really don't think it's burnout b/c I don't fit the definition.

OK, so maybe that wasn't the best website to reference. If you google burnout there's all kinds of interesting articles about it. It was the first thing I thought of when I read "mentally exhausted". The most important thing is to recognize *possible* signs and take action to lower your stress level. That could be something as simple as a bubble bath or a yoga class, or it could mean something as drastic as delegating some of your work responsibilities to others. Only you'll know what works for you to feel less stressed. I hope you enjoyed your night out.