Introduction:
This year, we are experiencing the mother of all DEVOLSONs, a term coined by educator Jennifer Gonzalez referring to the period between October and December when teachers and students start to feel the weight of their academic workload. The darkening days, the mounting stress, and the overwhelming workload combine to form a challenging time in the school year. But fear not! In this article, we will explore some strategies that can help teachers and students cope with this trying time.
1. Addressing Mental Health:
A significant aspect of coping with DEVOLSON is addressing mental health. Encourage open conversations about stress and anxiety among your peers or students. Provide resources for those who may need additional support, such as access to a counselor or mental health services.
2. Time Management Techniques:
Teach your students (or yourself) time management skills that can be used not only during DEVOLSON but throughout the entire school year as well. These may include techniques such as prioritizing tasks, breaking down assignment components into smaller tasks, and utilizing calendar tools like Google Calendar or Trello.
3. Establish Healthy Routines:
Coping with DEVOLSON can be made more manageable by establishing healthy routines both in and out of school. Make sure you and your students are taking regular breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. Encourage physical activity, such as short walks during breaks or after-school exercise sessions.
4. Set Realistic Goals:
Part of dealing with the stress brought on by DEVOLSON is recognizing that you cannot accomplish everything at once. Set achievable goals for yourself and your students so that progress is realistically attainable without being overwhelming.
5. Cultivate a Supportive Environment:
Creating a positive atmosphere within the classroom or workplace during this difficult period is essential. Encourage collaboration among colleagues and provide regular, constructive feedback to one another. Most importantly, let your students or coworkers know that they’re not alone in navigating DEVOLSON and that support is available to help them through it.
6. Prioritize Self-Care:
Remind yourself and your students that self-care is vital during DEVOLSON. Taking time for personal hobbies, ensuring a healthy diet and sleep schedule, and even practicing mindfulness exercises can help maintain mental health and reduce stress levels.
Conclusion:
The mother of all DEVOLSONs has undoubtedly presented an incredible challenge for teachers and students alike this year. By using these strategies to address mental health, improve time management, establish healthy routines, set realistic goals, cultivate a supportive environment, and prioritize self-care, dealing with the strain of the season can become more manageable. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and together we can cope with the pressures of DEVOLSON.
