Stress Relief...

The end of the weekend... Sometimes (often) at the end of the weekend I feel rested from more sleep but mentally tired from getting through big to-do lists for school/life that just can't seem to get done on weeknights. It has been a very busy stretch here... ending with my summative review and conferences this past week. I promised myself to take this weekend to refresh... and I actually went through with it. (Or at least until now when I pull together loose ends for school this week.)

Stress has really been building up for me lately between everything happening at school, getting sick and missing school, doctor appointments (happy about a sinus surgery decision), and, most of all, on-going stress with uncertainty related to my husband's job. Some of these stress points pass in time and some are on-going. We teachers are taking care of everyone else all the time! We spend our spare time sharing with other colleagues and creating more for our students. While it's all such meaningful work and we wouldn't have it any other way, taking time to take care of ourselves helps us be better at it all.

I took some time this weekend to spend time in (finally) some sunny weather here in Chicago and go on a nice long walk on trails with my husband, play and watch basketball with brother (love Butler Bulldogs!), and put together some Spring/Easter decor for my home.

I love creating for my classroom, but it was fun to make something just for fun at home. Home-decorating (without spending much money or accumulating too much stuff to store) is a hobby of mine - relaxes my mind!

Here's what I put together to brighten up our living space for Easter/Spring:

On-going uncertainty can easily result in sleepless nights and compromised health! I have felt the effects of that for many months, and I am trying to do a better job TRUSTING in God's sovereignty and letting go, letting God.

Isiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand."

Seeking His strength and finding peace in His strength is something I am focusing on.

I didn't share teaching ideas in this post, but I thought many of you can relate to needing to take care of yourself and manage stress. Sometimes we feel better after relating to others.

I wish you all a FUN week with your students! Check back Tuesday for another Tech Tuesday linky party... only a few weeks left with a "Tech" focus, so don't miss a chance to link up and share a tech idea!

Blessings,