You've taken the first step back and refreshed your outlook. It's time to decompress, and leave school challenges at school for now. Recharging your energy is part of the job.

Everyone has a formula for relaxation. Find something you enjoy doing and make the time for it. Stand up for your needs.

Basic formulas:

• Go for a walk outside.
• Find a quiet, favorite spot to sit.
• Listen to podcasts on your portable media player.
• Pick one day a week to leave at the contracted leave time.
• On the way home from school, sing your favorite music out loud.
• Reserve a few times a week for a workout.
• Lounge at home in your pajamas with a movie and a snack.
• Go to bed early and read a novel.
• Use the weekend to get some alone time.
• Work on an outdoor hobby, such as gardening or camping.
• See a movie with a friend.
• Plan a vacation.

Personal formulas:

• WMUMuse on the MENC Forum says, "I actually relax by having a second job. I teach 1-5 general music and beginning band in my real life, but on Sundays I work at a kayak shop. I work there all summer, too. When I discovered I needed a second job, I knew I needed something completely unrelated to music or teaching. The shop was the best way to go. I use different skills than I use everyday, I've learned a new sport and gained a great hobby, plus met some awesome people that I probably never would have hung out with otherwise. There are days when, of course, heading to another job on my day off isn't top on my list, however those always turn out to be the best days at the shop. I know it may not be feasible for everyone to go out and get a second job, but it works for me."
   
• MENC member Rachel Yadin says, "When I get overwhelmed or down about my teaching, I usually have a good re-think about my experiences in the classroom. I use a "teaching reflections" journal every school day. In this journal I write about everything that happened. When I am down or feeling like nothing is going well...I start reading. I am lucky. I most always find something good in everyday. 'Susan brought her music for the first time this term and actually tried to participate.' or 'John finally mastered the formula for Major scales.' These little things add up and soon I am feeling better about my teaching."

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Read Part 1 of this series

Coming in two weeks: Keep Your Skill Up

-- Paul Fergus, June 26, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)