I don't like not working. Thankfully, I start summer school in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, I don't know what to do with myself. What's worse is that I'm faced with what I call the Teacher Health Paradox.
During the school year, I eat a light, cheap breakfast, usually on the go. Last year I got hooked on these oatmeal bars which were low in calories, high in fiber, and roughly $0.50 each. During the day, there's no snacking of course, and I eat a small lunch in less than 30 minutes (if I eat at all). There's usually no time or opportunity to leave campus to get lunch, so if I don't bring something from home, that's it. At the same time, when I get home I'm too exhausted to exercise.
Whenever I'm not working, I fully indulge in the freedom I have. "I never get to eat out! I will go out for breakfast! I never get to eat out! I will go out for lunch!" Before I know it, my wallet is empty and my stomach is aching. However, I do exercise more because I get a higher quality sleep more often and have tons of free time.
So I must ask: how many of you go through this? And which scenario is better?
2 comments:
Last year I did a month and half long sub position and hardly ate while at school. I lost almost 10 lbs. being on that "diet." I don't recommend it, though. I felt horrible and irritable the whole time. I'm sure it affected my teaching. I think moderation is the key. If you could eat a little something (for example, protein bar, your own trail mix) throughout the day, then you would probably feel better enough to exercise when you get home. Also, maybe you could go out for breakfast one day on the weekend as a special treat to end the week OR as a great way to start a week. The bottom line is ... you have to take care of yourself so you can be an effective teacher.
Update: I'm already struggling to keep myself from falling into the same trap. On the first two days of school, I probably got 4 hours of sleep combined. I've been fine without A/C for the last few weeks, but the heat and humidity topped out around the same time as my stress level, so I was really struggling. (I bought an A/C Wednesday.) Also, due to the above and being (IMHO) ill-prepared, I took no time to eat breakfast OR lunch those first 2 days, and only ate breakfast since.
I *know* this is bad for me, but I feel overwhelmed even with a short day, no discipline problems, and a relatively easy course to teach (compared to Algebra I). Atleast I'm exercising daily (by design) and eating healthy when I do eat (i.e. when I'm not at school).
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