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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 Now here's your host, Adam Bush.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:20 Good morning, school leaders. Welcome to Your Morning Boost,
00:00:20 --> 00:00:25 your quick daily dose of inspiration and practical tips brought to you by AWB
00:00:25 --> 00:00:29 Education and sponsored by our partner, Grundmeyer Leader services where they
00:00:29 --> 00:00:32 are transforming education one leader at a time.
00:00:32 --> 00:00:36 Today, we are talking about the importance of recharging, and I want to start
00:00:36 --> 00:00:42 today with a quote which says, the best way to care for others is to care for yourself.
00:00:42 --> 00:00:46 I'm guessing that today is likely your last day with students at school this
00:00:46 --> 00:00:47 calendar year, and maybe not.
00:00:47 --> 00:00:52 I suppose some schools may be going to school on Monday, and I might question
00:00:52 --> 00:00:55 our calendar committee if I'm going to school on Monday, but hey, whatever.
00:00:55 --> 00:00:58 That's okay if that's what your choice is. But with the way the holiday falls
00:00:58 --> 00:01:02 in the calendar, I'm guessing that most schools will close up shop at the end of today.
00:01:02 --> 00:01:06 That gives us a great opportunity to shut things off and head out the door.
00:01:06 --> 00:01:10 I know as a school leader, you often put the needs of others before your own.
00:01:10 --> 00:01:14 This is common for our leaders, but we also know this can lead to burnout and
00:01:14 --> 00:01:15 decreased productivity.
00:01:16 --> 00:01:21 It's essential to prioritize self care and recharge to maintain your wellbeing.
00:01:21 --> 00:01:26 As you work so hard to serve your communities, Remember, the best way to care
00:01:26 --> 00:01:29 for others is to first care for yourself.
00:01:29 --> 00:01:33 I can remember a time not all that long ago where a colleague stopped me in
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 the hallway and asked the question, are you okay?
00:01:35 --> 00:01:39 And then I froze. I didn't even know how to answer.
00:01:39 --> 00:01:43 I was so disconnected from my own well-being that that was the reality I was
00:01:43 --> 00:01:46 living in at the time. I really didn't know if I was okay.
00:01:47 --> 00:01:52 Well, that's not okay. We need to prioritize self-care. It is essential when
00:01:52 --> 00:01:55 we go to recharge and to maintain our well-being so that we can be productive
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 leaders for our communities.
00:01:57 --> 00:01:59 We're coming up on an opening in our calendar.
00:01:59 --> 00:02:04 Use it. This is a good time for us to detox the digital world around us,
00:02:04 --> 00:02:06 right? Limit that screen time.
00:02:06 --> 00:02:10 Disconnect from work emails and notifications. If you haven't turned them off, do.
00:02:11 --> 00:02:14 The work will be there when you return. If there's an emergency,
00:02:14 --> 00:02:18 I guarantee you the people that need to contact you will figure out a way to contact you.
00:02:18 --> 00:02:22 It doesn't have to be through email. Turn those notifications off.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:25 Turn yourself off from the work, especially digitally.
00:02:26 --> 00:02:30 It's a good time, again, to practice mindful techniques, meditation, deep breathing.
00:02:30 --> 00:02:34 I know I bring that up a lot, but we just don't do it. We don't take enough
00:02:34 --> 00:02:39 time to just stop and breathe, stop and think for ourselves,
00:02:39 --> 00:02:43 and just refocus ourselves for those good mindful techniques.
00:02:44 --> 00:02:46 If you're in an area of the world where the weather is great outside,
00:02:46 --> 00:02:49 get outdoors, go for a walk, go hiking.
00:02:49 --> 00:02:53 If you can't, but you have a chance, just even go for a drive and go look at
00:02:53 --> 00:02:57 holiday lights or go do something else that's going to help you get your mind off of work.
00:02:58 --> 00:03:03 Recharge again, good time to rediscover some hobbies or passions. They bring you joy.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:07 Good time to pull out an old puzzle or something else that helps focus the mind,
00:03:08 --> 00:03:09 but doesn't focus it on work.
00:03:09 --> 00:03:13 And then of course, this holiday season is a great time to spend some quality
00:03:13 --> 00:03:15 time with family and with friends.
00:03:15 --> 00:03:19 Get a chance to connect with loved ones that we haven't seen in a while.
00:03:19 --> 00:03:21 And again, not about work.
00:03:21 --> 00:03:25 Connect with them. Connect with yourself as you connect with them.
00:03:25 --> 00:03:29 Spend that quality time and don't feel guilty about spending it.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 We only have so much time on this planet. Use it well.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:37 Connect with your loved ones. And then the last thing I would say is don't forget to prioritize sleep.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:41 We always get in the routine. We're up early. We've got to get moving.
00:03:41 --> 00:03:44 Hopefully you're listening to your morning boost every morning.
00:03:44 --> 00:03:48 All of those good things are happening. now is a good time to prioritize sleep,
00:03:48 --> 00:03:53 rest, rejuvenate your mind and body, be able to let your body recover a little bit as well.
00:03:53 --> 00:03:58 Again, taking care of yourself, this is not selfish. This is essential.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:03 You have to prioritize your self-care and doing so you will be better equipped
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 to lead your school and to support your students.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:10 Have a great holiday. Have a great last day with students if that is you.
00:04:10 --> 00:04:12 And if not, Monday we'll see you again.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:15 Otherwise, have a great day. We'll talk to you again next week.
00:04:16 --> 00:04:20 You have been listening to your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:04:20 --> 00:04:21 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:22 --> 00:04:26 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:04:27 --> 00:04:31 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:04:32 --> 00:04:35 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.