A strange feeling creeps in this time of year. It isn’t quite depression, but it isn’t quite not depression either. This probably a confusing statement, I know, but there really isn’t any other way to describe it. Being a teacher, this is the time of the year when the weather matches the mood. We have survived the holiday season and are now working our way through the second semester. I, personally, know that I get to feeling exhausted for no real reason. Getting up in the mornings is more difficult every day. Convincing myself to get out from underneath my warm blankets surrounded by my cats and dog is definitely a chore.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I may enjoy owning a bakery, but that is just a job that sounds fun. I have also dreamed of being a best-selling author. Whether I chose one of the latter jobs or teaching, the weather doesn’t care. The world continues to spin even if I am not ready to face the world at 6 am.

People in the educational field understand that the mid year slump is real. The only glimmer of fun looming is spring break. After spring, the days off come to a halt and time drags on. The only bonus to this long nine weeks is the fact that it is nicer outside. It isn’t dark outside when we leave for home. This makes it feel a little less gloomy. It also makes it feel like you have more time in the evenings. Who doesn’t like that?

One reason for the mid year slump is because everyone has been in the same routine for months. If you have ever spent a lengthy amount of time with the same group of people, you know that even if you are friends or family you can begin to feel irritated with them. The same thing goes for teachers. The children you began the year with are no longer present and they have been replaced by some unstable imposters. Everyone is at their maximum tolerance for others. Small things and become big things at this point. New year new you applies, but not necessarily in the ways you want.

I know that teachers are not the only people that suffer from the winter blues. With me, for example, I get winter fatigue, but I have it worse in the summer. Crazy, right? I may not enjoy grading all year long, but I do like the routine that school provides for me. Summer starts out alright. I have a huge list of things I want to accomplish, but about the 3rd week, I am unaware of what day it is. I get moody and I don’t feel like getting dressed. Personal care is not at the top of my priority list. I become a giant slug. I don’t believe that I am alone in this strange phenomena. I know that there are others out there.

Getting back to the winter slump, try to make each day a productive day. Eat healthier foods, sleep on a set schedule, tune out of social media, and try to find the joy in the day. It might not feel natural, but the more you try to feel gratitude, the easier it becomes. I am not saying to manifest a new life, but what I am suggesting is to take better care of yourself. Give yourself some grace. Learn something new everyday. Live your life instead of letting life overwhelm you. I realize that this is easier said than done, but if you can at least try, it may become a habit.

So my friends, hang in there. It is only a phase. Remember who you are and what career you chose. We might feel run down and ready to throw in the towel, but this too will pass. We are not alone. Don’t allow this season of life dictate how you move through your years. Take a hold of your destiny and remember we’re all in this together.

Until next time,

Cat