As I sit here on day 9 of my recovery from surgery I am realising that us educators just cannot keep still, even us mindful ones!
9 days ago I had my tonsils and adenoids removed, yes it seems like a simple procedure, and it is for the little ones, but for us older folk having your tonsils and adenoids removed is actually quite an ordeal (Google it - it is gross, painful and risky).
As an educator, taking time out of my working life is guilt ridden, I liken it to not being able to get to my child's nativity due to work commitments. I have 30 children at school who depend on me without their teacher. I have, of course, left them in the very capable hands of another teacher for two weeks but they are on my mind as they and their families embark on their transition to the summer holidays and then onwards to year 1 without me.
It hasn’t been an easy decision, but as I made that very huge decision I tried my hardest to focus on the importance of my own wellbeing - surely for someone who runs a company based on the premise that educators must put their oxygen masks on first, this was easy right!? Wrong.
I promised myself before I went into hospital that I would completely shut off from work and I have, until today. My passions for education began to seep in as I opened my laptop to look for yet another series to make my way through. I very quickly began to scan through all of the 'things to do' I have - the education book I am currently writing, the 1:1 wellbeing session I have approaching, my classroom and the children in it. It didn't take much and I had truly opened a can of worms - what did I do about it? I decided to channel it into writing this blog - this way it's work with a slightly selfish tinge as I get the opportunity to reflect upon and respond to my experiences.
After writing this blog I vow to turn my computer off again (or at least close it) and get back to resting, reading, not eating (it turns out that having your tonsils removed makes you heave no matter what you eat!) and attempting to sleep.
But before I head off, for those educators out there who are off on medical leave here are my tips on how to get through without sneaking back into work mode:
Do not open your laptop - use the TV to watch things instead. I opened mine today to watch something and I ended up doing this! There is no getting away from it, it sucks you in!
Call upon family/friends to come and be with you. They can keep an eye on you, making sure you do not reach for the emails, the work books or work Whatsapps! My mum came and stayed with me throughout recovery week 1 and it was the best decision I ever made.
Read books that provide escapism, I have avoided all work related texts so that I could really rest my mind and give myself space to fully recover. The education books have been there but yesterday I decided to tuck them back away on the shelf so that they didn't keep calling me.
Keep in touch with colleagues where it is beneficial to you. I love my teacher partner, so much. I miss her every second, so to not text her every day would be heartbreaking and she has been an integral part of my recovery. Yesterday I managed to step outside my front door to wave as she passed on her way into work. Maintaining that connection has been important to me and my healing process. I have, however, avoided asking how things are going in class - I am too scared of the answer and how that might leave me feeling.
Avoid education news - this has been hard with a change of government and I couldn't help but join the webinar event with Bridget Phillipson yesterday, it's a special occasion! Daytime television does love a chat about education and without a voice it has been quite frustrating. I have distracted myself with many films and television series - highlights have included Crossroads (yes the Britney one, I just had to!), Ladybird (a bit more respectable), a lot of Friends and reading the entire Matthew Perry autobiography in 24 hours oh and the purchase of the new David Nicholls novel as recommended by one of my lovely parents from the school I work at. Get a long list together and make that your new 'to do' list.
Have boundaries - put your out of office on and where staff make requests of you direct them to another member of staff who can help, immediately. Do not even think about answering requests/questions.
Be social savvy - I follow a lot of education social media profiles so when I open it up, there is work. It has been a big pull for me this last 9 days and I have spent way too long scrolling. I now have a blocker to help me manage my use. At times the reels have cheered me up, so allow yourself a little bit to pass the time!
Do not go back in a rush - you have been given a time span based on what your consultant has suggested for general recovery but do not beat yourself up if this has not gone to plan. We are all human and recover individually. For us older ones this may be a bit longer than expected. Keep in touch with your head/manager so they have plenty of time to respond to extra days you may need off.
I wish you all a speedy recovery - mine feels like it's been loooong and epic and I am nowhere near well enough to fully get back into my education mode just yet but when I shut this laptop I can get back to practising what I preach, rest and heal.
If you are taking time off for surgery and would like some further tips or advice on how to approach this with your workplace please get in touch sophie@mindfulnessforlearning.com
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